7 Ways To Use Gluten-Free Cacao Powder In Your Diet

Cacao powder is not the same as a cocoa powder which is often found on supermarket shelves, although both comes from the same plant source. Cacao is the raw, pure form of chocolate. Produced from the fruits of the cacao tree, cacao is minimally processed (One Green Planet, 2014). In contrast, cocoa powder contains cocoa that is processed and heated to create a smooth chocolate flavor. Consumption of cacao powder is a great way to boost your intake of beneficial nutrients.

 

What Exactly Cacao Is?

 

Cacao beans grow on trees found in South and Central America as well as various parts of Asia and are rich in flavanols, a specific type of plant-based nutrient that has many health benefits. When these beans are high heat processed, they become cocoa but may lose a significant portion of their health-promoting components depending on the process.

 

However, organic and raw beans preserve many of the superpowers of cacao that may be lost through high heat processing. In fact, raw cacao is:

 

●       Packed with more calcium than cow's milk, ounce-for-ounce

●       A good source of magnesium, iron, and antioxidants

●       Beneficial to help with issues related to stress, depression, blood pressure, heart health, and inflammation.

 

Also Read: 7 Insanely Delicious (and Healthy) Cacao Dessert Recipes

 

7 ways to enjoy Gluten-Free Cacao Powder In Your Diet

 

Those who are new to the taste of cacao may find the taste bitter. If this is right for you, then you may want to start by consuming small portions of cacao first and gradually increase the amount of cacao you consume.

 

Here are some ways to make cacao a regular (and delicious) part of your diet.

 

Cacao bar: One of the easiest ways to include gluten-free cacao into your diet is by enjoying a few squares of raw organic chocolate. Select a single-origin bar and try pairing it with your favorite teas or a handful of nuts for a nutritious yet luxurious culinary experience.

 

Hot chocolate: Whip up a healthful, warming beverage by mixing 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, 1 to 2 teaspoons of a plant-based sweetener, and 1 cup of milk, (Use plant-based milk such as unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, for fewer carbs.) Warm the mixture for 5 minutes over medium heat on your kitchen stove.

 

Also Read: Is Cacao and Cocoa the Same Thing?

 

Cold Chocolate Milk: If you prefer a cold drink, mix2 tablespoons of cacao powder in 1 teaspoon of warm milk and 1 to 2 teaspoons of a low-calorie plant-based sweetener. Then, add soaked almonds and blend them together with coconut milk, ice cubes, and 1 cup of cold water.

 

Smoothie: Enjoy a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack by mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder in your daily smoothie. You can top your composition with some handful of cacao nibs to add a pleasing crunch. (Cacao nibs also taste great in mixed baked goods like nutritious muffins and granola mix.)

 

Energy Balls: Energy balls are a great way to give a nutritious boost to your daily diet. You only need a few ingredients to make these delicious snacks. Raw cacao nibs, cacao powder, cashews(or other type of healthy nuts), and dates.

 

Raw Brownies: Raw brownies are perfect for those with a vegan, vegetarian and paleo lifestyle, as they are free of dairy, wheat, sugar, and gluten. They are also very quick and easy to make as no baking is necessary. Make your raw brownies by combining grounded nuts like almond, walnuts, coconut flakes and dates or honey as natural sweetener.

 

Baked Goods: Take your baking game to the next level with cacao powder.  This delicious ingredient adds a dark chocolate flavor to baked treats such as cakes, cookies, and pies. 

 

You can buy gluten-free cacao power in Malaysia from Diet Angel here!