Isn’t it all just chocolate?

Chocolate. Ah, the love of my life. I’d like to think my husband and children come first, but you know there will always be a special place in my heart for you. I professed my undying love to you at the age of 5, when the sweet taste of a Milky Bar first met my lips, and I don’t think I’ve stopped since. You’ve thickened my waist but my love for you knows no bounds. I’ve explored your different flavours across the world, in drinks, in sweets, in cereal, even on steak. But despite the kilos you’ve added around my waist, you will still be my favourite food of all.

For so many people the sight of chocolate is the one thing that makes eyes open wide and taste buds tingle. From that deliciously indulgent hot chocolate topped with melting marshmallows to the cake dripping in hot chocolate source, chocolate goes all out to impress. Every time. But if you’ve ever spent a minute or two browsing your local grocery shop you’ve probably noticed the varying labels floating around of ‘Cacao’ and ‘Cocoa’. And does it even matter?

So, what's the difference between Cacao and Cocoa?
To learn the difference between these two, you’ll first need to understand how they are processed. And yes, here at Rokitpods we think it matters. A lot. Which is why we use Cacao in our Rokitpod organic drinks not Cocoa.

You’re probably familiar with the cocoa powder, as it’s often used in baked goods, from everything to brownies to chocolate cakes. But Cacao (pronounced Ka kaw) is rising in popularity as we switch to more natural, vegan diets. And here’s why they are different:

• Cacao is the purest form of chocolate that can be consumed. It is largely unprocessed.
• Cacao powder has been made from fermented beans that have not been roasted, unlike Cocoa powder that is both fermented and roasted.
• Cacao powder is processed at a much lower heat that Cocoa, giving a powder that is slightly more bitter in taste, but also means it retains more of its nutrients.
• Cacao powder is vegan because it is processed with minimal additives and less processes.
• For most of its history Cacao was enjoyed as a beverage, it was only until the 1500s that sugar was added.
  
  

Cacao – the healthy choice of chocolate

Rich in disease-fighting plant compounds including flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, Cacao is the healthier choice for enjoying the rich taste of chocolate. It is also a good source of iron, fibre and magnesium.

Shop our Matcha and Cacao drink blend

The Cacao plant - thank you for growing.