Healthy Bits · Nutrition & wellness
Raw, sweetened cacao
Cacao is chocolate in its less processed form. Raw cacao powder and nibs are made from beans processed at low temperatures, without the sugar and milk of most chocolate bars. They're a good source of magnesium, iron and fiber, plus flavanols, plant compounds linked with healthy blood flow.
The catch is that cacao on its own is bitter, which is why so much chocolate is loaded with refined sugar. One of my favorite workarounds is to sweeten it yourself with just enough honey, maple syrup or a date.
Try this cozy cup: warm 1 cup of your favorite milk, then whisk in 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder, 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Cacao contains some caffeine, so enjoy it earlier in the day.
- cacao
- natural sweetener
- sweet treats
- minerals
Healthy Bits are for general education and aren’t medical advice. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are managing a health condition.