Are you confused about the difference between pure cacao block and cocoa powder? Although both of these products are derived from the same source, they are significantly different in their texture, flavour, usage and nutrition. In this article, we will explore the differences between pure cacao block (and grated) and cocoa powder.

What is Pure Cacao?

Pure hot cacao is not your average chocolate drink. It's also known as cacao paste or liquor, and is made from grinding the whole inner cacao bean (nibs). It is minimally processed to maintain its natural fats (cacao butter), flavours and nutrients. This format of cacao has a rich, smooth, and slightly bitter taste and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other herbs and spices. The cacao is often sourced from small, organic farms and is sustainably harvested. We source our organic cacao beans from social enterprise comprising small farms in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras.

Pure cacao block is mostly used to make a hot cacao drink to promote a sense of well-being, clarity, and focus. But it can also be used to make your own homemade healthy chocolate, with whatever sweetener you like (and how much you like!) plus other natural ingredients such as nuts and dried fruit.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is a more processed form of cacao. It is made by extracting the fat (cocoa butter) from the cacao bean and then grinding the remaining solids into a fine powder. The resulting powder is often treated with alkaline to reduce the bitterness and create a milder flavour.

Cocoa powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes. It is commonly used in baking, desserts, and hot chocolate drinks. Unlike pure cacao, cocoa powder is not typically consumed on its own, but rather used as an ingredient in recipes or with lots of added sugar for hot chocolate. Cocoa powder has a milder chocolatey flavour and a smoother texture, but it is lower in nutrients.

Cacao Powder

Cacao powder is usually a less processed powder made from cacao beans. Similar to cocoa powder, it has had the natural fat, cacao butter, removed (also known as "defatting"). When you add it to milk or water, it won't have that rich, silky texture that you get with the block or paste.

Key Differences Between Pure Cacao and Cocoa Powder

Let us start off by saying, we have two formats of pure cacao. One is the pure cacao block, which is a solid block of two or three 100g pieces. We also have a convenient grated version of cacao, that comes in a pouch. It's the exact same product but we have just grated it to make it easier for you!

Pure cacao block and cocoa powder differ in their texture, flavour, and usage. Pure cacao block has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich chocolatey flavour, while cocoa powder has a powdery texture and a sweeter, milder chocolatey flavour. Pure cacao block is used primarily in to make into an energising hot cacao drink, while cocoa powder is used mainly as a baking ingredient and as a flavouring agent in hot chocolate and other chocolate drinks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pure cacao block (and grated) and cocoa powder are two distinct products with significant differences in texture, flavour, and usage. Pure cacao is minimally processed and natural cacao that retains its natural fats and flavours, while cocoa powder is a highly processed, dry powder-like substance. The choice between these two products depends on the recipe and intended use.