Raw Cacao Powder vs Cocoa Powder
What is the difference between cocoa powder and raw cacao powder?
To produce cocoa powder the beans of the cacao plant are first roasted then processed. Many of the nutrients, antioxidants and flavonoids are lost during this processing.
Raw cacao powder is also made from the beans of the cacao plant but it is processed at low temperatures which means that it has more of the compounds responsible for human health. Raw cacao powder is included in the ‘superfood’ category and is considered an excellent source of antioxidants, flavonoids, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
In conclusion, if you cook or consume drinks with cocoa powder try swapping it out for raw cacao powder. If you find the flavour of the raw cacao powder too strong try a mixture of cocoa and raw cacao powder and over time slowly decrease the cocoa and increase the raw cacao powder. Scientific evidence suggests that your heart will appreciate the change (1).
1. Ludovici V, Barthelmes J, Nägele MP, Enseleit F, Ferri C, Flammer AJ, Ruschitzka F, Sudano I. Cocoa, Blood Pressure, and Vascular Function. Front Nutr. 2017 4:36