10 Ways To Use Cacao Powder That You Haven’t Thought Of

Wildly Organic's Cacao Powder is not only delicious, but it also contains many antioxidants and is beneficial to your health. (Learn about the 8 amazing health benefits of cacao!) Since it's healthy as well as tasty, why not use it daily? Sounds like a plan to me! But we don't want to eat brownies every day... so let's explore a few other interesting ways to use cacao powder. We know cacao powder is wonderful in smoothies, baked goods, and homemade chocolates, but did you know it works well in many savory dishes and is a great addition to natural skincare products, too? Cacao powder is useful and versatile! Here are 10 ways to use cacao powder that you haven't thought of!

#1 -- Add It To Chili.

Any chili recipe can be enhanced by adding a few tablespoons of cacao powder while simmering. This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Try it in your favorite chili recipe, or try our Vegan Game Day Chili with cacao powder, sweet potatoes, and black beans!

#2 -- Chocolate Oatmeal, Anyone?

Create a quick chocolate oatmeal by simmering 1/2 cup of oats and 1 tablespoon of cacao powder in 3/4 cup of milk. Finally, sweeten with Wildly Organic's Coconut Syrup or Coconut Sugar to taste.

#3 -- Rub It On Your Meat!

Cacao and coffee blend beautifully to create a delicious rub for steak and roasts! This rub is so quick and easy!

• 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee
• 1/2 tablespoon Wildly Organic Cacao Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon Wildly Organic Pink Himalayan Salt

Rub over steak or roast along with a small amount of olive oil. Grill or cook as desired.

#4 -- Dust Pans Before Baking.

Use a little cacao powder to dust the bottom of pans when making brownies or cakes instead of flour. Don't use it to dust the sides, as it seems to burn there.

#5 -- Take Hot Beverages Up A Notch.

We all know cacao makes a great hot chocolate, but don't forget to add a teaspoon or two to coffee (along with some sweetener) for a yummy, mocha-like drink. Or, go all out and make a Peppermint Mocha to really satisfy your sweet tooth! Of course, we know cacao is delicious in our food... What about using it on ourselves? Due to its high amount of antioxidants, cacao powder is an excellent addition to homemade skin care products, too! In fact, it may help neutralize free radicals and repair skin cells.

#6 -- Slather It On Your Face!

Make a simple and nourishing face mask with 1 teaspoon cacao powder and 2 teaspoons honey. Spread it over your clean face and leave for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and a washcloth. Follow with olive oil as a moisturizer.

#7 -- Homemade Eye Shadow!

Much like this homemade eyeshadow with spirulina powder, mix cacao powder with arrowroot powder to create light brown eyeshadow. To make a darker shadow, use cacao powder without adding arrowroot. Create an even darker shade by mixing in a small amount of activated charcoal. Add the tiniest bit of mica powder for shimmer!

#8 -- Foundation Powder

Making foundation powder is much like making eyeshadow, just mix cocoa powder with arrowroot until you reach the desired shade.

#9 -- Go Longer Between Washes!

Cacao powder works well as a DIY dry shampoo for dark hair. Mix 2 to 6 tablespoons of cacao powder with 1/8 cup arrowroot powder. The amount of cacao powder you use depends on the shade you are trying to create. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase as needed.

#10 -- Add It To A Body Scrub.

To create a delicious chocolatey body scrub, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cacao powder to a basic brown sugar body scrub (1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup oil). If you'd like an extra chocolate-y scrub, try this Raw Chocolate Body Scrub!

Delicious & Nourishing Cacao Powder Recipes

• Dark Chocolate Nut Butter Cups
• Grain-Free Chocolate Cake
• Grain-Free Coconut Chocolate Cupcakes
• Homemade Almond Joy Bars

As you can see, cacao powder has many wonderful and interesting uses -- way beyond making chocolate treats!

What are some unique ways you use cacao powder?