What’s The Difference Between Cacao Powder & Cacao Nibs?

Do you ever have chocolate cravings? Do you think about the difference between cacao nibs vs. powder? If you're anything like most people, at some point, you will have fantasized about this decadent, god-given gift to the earth. Cacao is basically chocolate in its pure, unadulterated, and even healthful form, with many nutritional benefits for the body. 

Cacao comes in many practical forms, but nibs and powder are the two most common products on the market. Wildly Organic carries fermented and non-fermented raw cacao powders and fermented and non-fermented raw cacao nibs (learn the difference between fermented and non-fermented cacao products!). 

All are produced under the highest organic and sustainable standards. But really, what are cacao nibs? How about cacao powder? What is the difference between cacao nibs vs. powder? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these two delicious cacao products. 

What Is Cacao Powder?

Cacao powder is created by grinding down cacao beans and extracting the cacao butter (the fat component of the cacao bean). Most cacao products have undergone fermentation unless specified as being non-fermented. Fermenting reduces the cacao bean's natural bitterness while also enhancing the cocoa flavor. Wildly Organic’s Fermented Cacao Powder is naturally fermented in banana leaves for three to five days.

Conventional cocoa powders are ground under high temperatures of up to 300° F. This high heat processing degrades the overall nutrient profile and health benefits mentioned previously. The difference between our cacao powder and nibs vs. others is that ours are raw. 

Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans at a temperature that doesn't exceed 104°F. The living enzymes and nutritional benefits (for which cacao is so well known) are preserved using this method. You can use this heavenly cacao powder in various recipes to experience the incredible flavor of chocolate.

What Are Cacao Nibs?

Cacao nibs are the chopped-up version of the peeled, raw, unprocessed cacao beans. You can grind up your own cacao nibs and extract the oil, but who has time for that? 

Cacao nibs vs. powder are about half butter/oil and half fiber residue. They are fantastic replacements for chocolate chips in your recipes. Remember that cacao nibs are bitter, not sweet, like chocolate chips. If you prefer a milder taste, use non-fermented cacao nibs. The lack of fermentation yields a less bitter flavor in your cacao nib recipes. 

Cacao Recipes

Now that you know what cacao powder is, add it to your favorite recipes to enhance the flavor. Cacao powder is perfect for adding to smoothies, cakes, dips, spreads, and of course, for making your own chocolate. Substitute raw (fermented or non-fermented) cacao powder vs. nibs in recipes that call for regular cocoa powder. 

You can also use cacao powder for your DIY natural beauty products, such as homemade bronzer, body butter, and moisturizing cream. Here are some of our favorite recipes you can try.

5-Ingredient Chocolate Pudding

Looking for a quick and easy snack? This 5-ingredient chocolate pudding is the answer! It has no added sugar or gluten. Plus, it’s completely vegan and uses our fermented cacao powder. It’s a great after-school snack for your kids, but we won’t tell if you want to enjoy a few spoonfuls yourself.

Grain-Free Dark Chocolate Cake

Using cacao powder vs. nibs in this delicious grain-free dark chocolate cake gives you a soft and moist texture. You can make this delicious yet nutritious cake for your birthday and have a piece the following morning as breakfast. 

Dark Chocolate Nut Butter Cups

What are cacao nibs when you can use Wildly Organic’s cacao butter and fermented raw cacao powder to make these dark chocolate nut butter cups? These healthy alternatives to everyone's favorite peanut butter cups are rich and delicious. They even have a secret superfood ingredient!

Holiday Fudge

What is cacao powder good for if not a tasty holiday recipe? Don’t worry if you’ve missed the holiday season! You can still enjoy this vegan, dairy-free fudge year-round using our cacao powder vs. nibs.

Cacao Nib Recipes

Now that you know what cacao nibs are, you can use them in muffins, granola, and cupcakes. Cacao nibs add extra crunch to ice cream, pudding, or oatmeal. You can’t substitute them for cocoa or cacao powder in recipes. The texture of cacao nibs vs. powder is entirely different. Here are some recipes you can try.

Double Chocolate Almond Ice Cream

Who can resist ice cream, especially when it’s a dairy-free double chocolate almond ice cream without refined sugar? Not us! This recipe uses our cacao nibs and fermented cacao powder to give you that extra chocolaty flavor. Try it now and see what the heavens taste like!

Crunchy Cacao Granola 

Do you want to upgrade your breakfast with a healthy dose of chocolate? Make this crunchy cacao granola to add to your morning smoothies or yogurt. It’s a vegan, gluten-free recipe that uses cacao nibs vs. powder to give you a satisfying crunch.

Coconut Shake with Cacao Nibs

Milkshakes are the perfect snack for hot summer days, and this 5-ingredient coconut shake with cacao nibs takes the crown! It’s a creamy paleo recipe that uses coconut milk instead of regular milk to bring out the decadent flavor of cacao nibs. There isn’t a better way to start your day.

Hot Brewed Cacao 

What are cacao nibs if not the perfect ingredient for hot cacao? After all these ice creams and milkshakes, you need a hot drink to warm your body. How about this hot brewed cacao that uses cacao nibs vs. powder? It can be an excellent replacement for your morning coffee and give you the energy to start your day. 

Buy Quality Cacao Nibs and Cacao Powder From Wildly Organic

At Wildly Organic, we carry a collection of fermented and non-fermented cacao products. Both versions are processed under low temperatures to retain antioxidants and offer nutritional benefits. 

All our products are organic and sustainably sourced, good for your taste buds, body, and the planet. Discover more delicious cacao recipes on our natural eating blog. If you have more questions about our cacao nibs vs. powder, send them our way! We’d love to hear from you.