What is Cacao?
Cacao refers to the raw, unprocessed bean and fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, the tropical plant at the root of all chocolate. From raw cacao beans come cacao nibs, cacao powder, and the gourmet chocolate you enjoy today.. The cacao used in modern chocolate is extracted from the beans of the cacao tree. Read on to learn more about the fascinating history of cacao.
Often referred to as the “Food of the Gods” in Aztec culture, raw cacao beans (sometimes misspelled cacoa or cocao beans) are an ancient superfood once reserved for the royal elite. In the ancient world, cacao was a form of currency, and the mystique of this plant has been well documented since the beginning of the written word.
For much of history, cacao was enjoyed as a drink, often mixed with spices and herbs. These early cacao beverages inspired the drinking chocolates and cacao elixirs we savor today. Loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants, cacao is a nutrient-rich superfood that nourishes the mind, skin, and body. You can experience cacao in its purest form through many of our chocolate collections and chocolate parfums.
what is a cacao ritual?
Cacao is often associated with ritual ceremonies. Cacao rituals have been performed for more than 4,000 years. The ancient world was keenly aware of the energy of cacao. While written records of these ceremonies exist, we have to rely on the history and stories passed from generation to generation to create our own.
Cacao rituals—often called ceremonial cacao—have been practiced for thousands of years. These gatherings traditionally include cacao shared in a circle, music, and intention-setting, continuing a cultural practice that connects people to cacao’s origins.
It’s a powerful tool to go deeper in your inner work, whether it’s journaling, visualization, or manifestation. Cacao ceremonies can also help facilitate feelings of love and purpose, as well as personal growth.
What’s the Difference Between Cocoa and Cacao?
So, what is cacao and how does it differ from cocoa? While the cacao vs cocoa debate may be confusing, they are really quite similar. Most people are more familiar with cocoa powder, as this is a major ingredient in many cakes, pastries, and baked goods. While both products are derived from the beans of a cacao plant, what differentiates the two is how they’re processed.
Regular cocoa powder tends to be processed at a higher temperature, stripping the product of many beneficial properties that the cacao tree provides. Plus, many cocoa powders and cocoa products contain added sugar and dairy, which can be an issue for vegans or anyone who is lactose intolerant.
While cacao also derives from the cacao tree, it does not go through the same intense processing as regular cocoa powder. Instead, the fermented cacao beans are slow-roasted and then milled into a fine powder. The result is a more nutrient-rich product with a deep aroma and flavor.
Cacao vs Cocoa Health Benefits
Made by slow-roasting fermented beans and milling them into powder, cacao is processed more gently. This helps preserve its antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals, giving you a nutrient-rich product.
Often processed at higher temperatures, cocoa (sometimes misspelled as “caoco”) tends to have fewer of the natural compounds found in cacao. Many cocoa powders also include added sugar or dairy, making them less pure.
Cacao offers a deeper, more complex flavor profile, while cocoa leans toward milder notes that work well in baked goods.
Pure cacao is naturally vegan and free from additives, while cocoa blends may not fit as easily into specialized diets.
You’ve probably seen both cacao and cocoa on ingredient lists, but as mentioned above, there are some differences between the two. Both come from the cacao bean (sometimes misspelled cacoa bean), but the way they’re processed can make a big difference in flavor, nutrients, and overall benefits.
The Nutrition of Cacao Powder
Cacao powder from minimally processed cacao is packed with nutrients, as well as flavonoids and polyphenols—powerful antioxidants that can promote circulation and skin health. Even a small amount offers fiber, protein, and mood-boosting compounds like theobromine, giving you nourishment with a gentle lift.
Dark chocolate made with high cacao content delivers a concentrated source of minerals and compounds that support both mind and body, including:
- Iron: A few ounces of dark chocolate can hold up to 10 milligrams of this essential mineral, which helps your blood carry oxygen effectively.
- Magnesium: This important mineral supports muscle function and energy levels.
- Flavanols: These plant compounds have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties; flavanols promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and more.
- Tryptophan: This amino acid is used by the body to produce melatonin and serotonin, both of which play a crucial role in sleep.
- Copper: This essential mineral helps with brain function, bone health, immune system function, and more.
Opting for dark chocolate made with minimally processed cacao powder lets you take advantage of these powerful nutrients.
Do Gourmet Chocolate Bars Contain Cacao?
Chocolate products that contain real cacao are of higher quality and nutrition. Not all high-end chocolate producers use minimally processed cacao in their products, so choose wisely.
At Vosges Haut-Chocolat, we craft luxury chocolate using cacao sourced directly and minimally processed to preserve its integrity and flavor. From drinking chocolates to exotic truffle collections, each creation celebrates the depth and story of cacao. The raw cacao we receive before production is free of added sugars and has minimal processing. Why? Because we strive to provide the highest-quality luxury chocolate products on the market—and it all starts with the cacao bean.
But we don’t stop at cacao. All Vosges fancy chocolates contain high-quality ingredients sourced from around the world. From curry masala to Piedmont hazelnuts to ceremonial matcha, our talented chefs infuse our fine chocolates with exotic ingredients to create unique sensory journeys. It’s why so many Vosges fans say ours is simply the best chocolate they’ve tasted.
Shop the Vosges cacao wellness collection and taste the difference of fine chocolate made with carefully sourced cacao.