Cacao powder, the raw and pure form of chocolate from the fruit of the cacao tree is full of health benefits.

This is different from the cocoa powder that you can buy from the grocery, by the way.

Cacao powder is made from cacao that has been minimally processed, usually heated, and then grounded slowly to produce s smooth and fine chocolatey powder.

Adding cacao powder to your daily diet is a great way to increase your consumption of beneficial nutrients.

There are many ways you can use cacao powder and infuse it into your daily diet that’s aside from making a dark pure chocolate out of it, of course.

Cacao powder has a very rich and chocolatey flavor but is more on the bitter side as this is pure. When adding cacao powder, remember that a little goes a long way. A teaspoon of cacao powder is already packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and all other nutrients and compounds beneficial for your health.

Here are 5 ways you can add cacao powder to your daily diet:

Bread and Pastries
You’ll never see bread and pastries the same again if you add a strong hint of cacao powder to them. You can sprinkle cacao powder on top when they are ready to serve or add it to one of your ingredients. Either way, it will surely taste heavenly.

Homemade Granola Bars
There are no better granola bars than homemade ones. They’re healthier with less sugar and more nutrients than your regular granola bar sold in the market. Make your favorite granola bars with the ingredients of your choice and when they’re ready, just sprinkle some cacao powder for a dark and smokey chocolate hint or some crushed cacao nibs for extra texture and crunch.

Coffee or Tea
Make your coffee or tea extra special by adding a pinch of cacao powder. With its rich and bitter flavor, your coffee or tea will enhance its taste and aroma. If you love chocolate beverages either hot or cold, cacao powder is the perfect addition to give it a more raw and rich flavor.

Smoothie
Smoothies are a very refreshing and undoubtedly delicious treat. But adding cacao powder to your favorite smoothie will definitely take your smoothie to another level. The sweetness of the fruits and yogurt will be perfectly balanced by the richness and bitterness of cacao powder.

Fresh Fruits
The richness of cacao powder pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of fresh fruits. Simply slice your favorite fruits and add them to a bowl, then sprinkle a dash of cacao powder for a fresh, healthy, and rich anti-oxidant treat.

There is no limit to how you want to infuse cacao powder into your everyday food and treats. You can experiment and play with as much as you can. From your desserts to main courses, cacao powder will definitely food experience while also elevating your nutrients and vitamin intake.