Supplements
The 10 Best Cacao Powders
What are the best cacao powders?
Cacao powder is produced from the beans of cacao trees to create a naturally delicious chocolate ingredient for hot or cold drinks and baked desserts.
You can use raw organic cacao powder in just about anything, from smoothies and milkshakes to cakes, muffins, and brownies. It’s also used to make bite-sized cacao nibs.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth but want to stay healthy, cacao powder is a great choice.
We’ve put together a list of the best cacao powders to satisfy your chocolate cravings as part of a healthy diet.
The Best Cacao Powders Compared
Our supplement lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable companies and web sources.
Here’s our list of the 10 best cacao powders:
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. OMG! Superfoods – Cacao Powder
OMG! specializes in superfoods from the source, and its cacao powder is no exception.
It’s 100% pure with high nutritional content to support healthy metabolism and digestion.
The USDA organic cacao powder is a good source of iron, fiber, calcium, and potassium, with high levels of theobromine for a natural energy boost. There are no additives or sweeteners either.
The serving size is 2 tbsp with 25 servings per container. Each serving has 30 calories, 3g of dietary fiber, 2g of protein, 220mg of potassium, 15mg of calcium, and 4mg of iron.
This nutrient-dense cacao powder has a smooth chocolate flavor that works well in smoothies, protein shakes, muffins, cakes, brownies, and more.
Plus, all containers are fully reusable and recyclable.
Pros
- USDA organic cacao powder with beans from Peru and Ecuador.
- 30 calories and 3g of dietary fiber per serving.
- Good source of protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.
- Makes delicious protein shakes and smoothies.
- Easy to mix in brownies and cakes.
- Eco-friendly recyclable and reusable packaging.
Cons
- Only 25 servings per container.
- Prone to oxidation once open.
9. Zint Organic – Cacao Powder
Zint Organic offers a delicious chocolate flavor in every scoop of raw organic cacao powder.
1 tsp. has just 15 calories with 53.7mg of potassium to promote normal cell and muscle function.
This anti-aging superfood has 20x as many antioxidants as blueberries, thanks to magnesium iron and resveratrol.
It also has a rich chocolate flavor for healthy drinks, smoothies, and desserts.
Zint Organic says the natural raw nutrients in cacao powder help give skin a youthful glow while enhancing energy, mood, and cognition.
This non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free cacao powder is USDA certified and made with non-alkalized cacao beans, hand-harvested in Peru.
The beans are fermented, sun-dried, and dehusked before being pressed and milled into a pure, delicious powder.
Pros
- Rich chocolate flavor from natural raw ingredients.
- Only 15 calories per serving.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Hand-harvested in Peru with careful preparation.
- Rich in antioxidants to slow signs of aging.
- 300 servings per 2 lb. bag.
Cons
- Minimum dietary fiber and calcium content.
8. Milliard – Cacao Powder
Milliard is a leading brand of Peruvian cacao powder that’s recommended for gluten-free baking and guilt-free desserts.
It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, with the USDA organic label on every 2 lb. bag.
You get 180 servings in each package with 20 calories per tbsp. and no fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
1g of dietary fiber and 1g of protein is also naturally present in the cacao powder that’s free of added sugar.
Milliard says its cacao powder is an antioxidant superfood with 100mg of potassium per serving to regulate proper muscle and cell function.
This organic cacao has more antioxidants than berries, and it’s also been shown to naturally boost mood, energy, memory, and focus.
It’s usually used for hot chocolate drinks, brownies, and milkshakes to add a healthy, chocolatey flavor.
Pros
- Pure Peruvian cacao powder with no additives.
- Only 20 calories per serving.
- USDA organic and gluten-free.
- Non-GMO and vegan.
- High in antioxidants.
- 180 servings per container.
Cons
- Peruvian cacao powder has more cadmium from the soil.
- No vitamin D, calcium, or iron.
7. Pure Natural Miracles – Cacao Powder
Pure Natural Miracles has an organic, raw superfood cacao powder that tastes great in smoothies.
This unsweetened, sugar-free powder is USDA organic and 100% raw from start to finish.
The serving size is 1 oz. with 130 calories and 6g of protein per serve. You can also get 25% of daily iron and 4% of daily calcium to support strong bones, teeth, and immune responses.
The brand says only 0.15% of the world’s cacao production comes from the exclusive Heirloom Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional beans.
Pure Natural Miracles uses these rare, raw beans to make high-quality, healthy cacao powder with a rich dark taste.
It’s unprocessed for vegan, paleo, keto, low-carb, dairy-free, and diabetic diets. Many people use it to make chocolate desserts such as candy or fruit.
Pros
- Made from rare Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao beans.
- Unsweetened and unprocessed cacao powder.
- Good source of iron and calcium.
- Ideal for smoothies and shakes.
- Can be used for chocolate sauces and spreads.
- Contains antioxidant flavanols and vitamins.
Cons
- Larger serving size with 130 calories per 1 oz. serving.
- Only 16 servings per container.
6. Healthworks – Cacao Powder
Healthworks has the top cacao powder for energy with theobromine.
This powerful stimulant is naturally found in raw cacao powder for an all-natural energy boost without the caffeine jitters.
It’s low in carbs with just 12 calories per serving and 151 tsp. servings total.
You also get 1g of dietary fiber, 58mg of potassium, 20mg of magnesium, and 7mg of calcium per serving.
Healthworks says its sugar-free cacao powder is ideal for granola bars, smoothies, brownies, fudge, pudding, and ice cream.
It also delivers a rich chocolate taste when sprinkled on fruit or used in baking mixes.
The cacao powder is made from hand-harvested cacao beans grown on small Peruvian organic farms.
The deeply intense chocolate flavor creates a deliciously rich keto-friendly and vegan snack.
Pros
- Sugar-free raw cacao powder.
- Non-GMO and certified organic.
- Only 12 calories per tsp. serving.
- 151 servings per 1 lb. bag.
- Theobromine offers a natural energy boost.
- Contains magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and potassium.
Cons
- Not as high in dietary fiber as other cacao powders.
5. Zen Spirit – Cacao Powder
Zen Spirit offers organic cacao powder as a dietary supplement that suits keto and vegan diets.
You get 90 tsp. servings per 1 lb. bag of unsweetened raw cacao powder. It’s USDA and vegan certified with just 20 calories per serving and 2g of dietary fiber.
There are also 44mg of phosphorus, 31mg of magnesium, and 105mg of potassium. Manganese, copper, and zinc are naturally present in this cacao powder too.
Zen Spirit says its premium-grade superfood is ideal for breakfast foods like waffles or pancakes, as well as hot chocolate, baked recipes, and ice cream.
This cacao powder is made from exclusive organic cacao farms in Ecuadorian forests for a natural energy and immune boost.
It supports healthy glucose levels while enhancing your mood and satisfying chocolate cravings.
Pros
- Organic nutrient-rich cacao powder from Ecuador.
- Delicious dark chocolate taste.
- Dissolves quickly with no added sugar.
- USDA organic and vegan certified.
- Only 20 calories per serving.
- Source of manganese, copper, zinc, and potassium.
Cons
- Should be consumed within 45 days of opening.
4. Terrasoul Superfoods – Cacao Powder
Terrasoul Superfoods makes the top cold-pressed cacao powder that’s high in antioxidants for cellular defense.
These antioxidants can improve the look and feel of the skin while also promoting cellular rejuvenation and repair.
There are more nutrients in this organic and non-GMO verified cacao powder too, including 1g of dietary fiber, 7mg of calcium, 58mg of potassium, and 20mg of magnesium.
This is also a good option if you’re looking for bulk cacao powder, with 151 servings per 1 lb. bag.
Each tsp. serving has just 12 calories, with no cholesterol, sodium, or sugar. This raw cacao powder is certified organic and suitable for kosher, keto, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
With no sweeteners, fillers, or extracts, this superfood powder is a healthy alternative to highly processed cocoa for drinks and desserts.
Pros
- Finely ground from high-quality, cold-pressed cacao beans.
- Only 12 calories per tsp. serving and 151 servings per bag.
- Superfood powder with dietary fiber, calcium, and potassium.
- Kosher, keto, vegan, and gluten-free.
- Powder blends easily into baked goods.
- No sweeteners or additives.
Cons
- Flavor is milder than other cacao powders.
- Less dietary fiber compared to competing brands.
3. BetterBody Foods – Cacao Powder
BetterBody Foods is the best brand for cacao powder with ample antioxidant flavanols to boost your health.
It’s certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with 90 servings per 1 lb. bag. Every tbsp. serving has 20 calories, 2g of dietary fiber, and 30mg of magnesium.
This fat-free cacao powder has 5.5mg of vitamin C to boost the immune system, plus small amounts of iron and potassium too.
The brand prides itself on using simple ingredients with all-natural cacao powder from Peru.
The high antioxidant content protects cells from free radicals and promotes heart health.
As a 1:1 cocoa replacement, BetterBody Foods cacao powder is suitable for blending, baking, and shaking.
It’s popularly used for cakes, cookies, pancakes, waffles, bread, breakfast smoothies, and more.
Pros
- Natural Peruvian cacao powder with high antioxidants.
- Fat-free with just 20 calories per serving.
- Gluten-free and no added sugar.
- Certified organic and keto-friendly.
- Easy to blend into smoothies and shakes.
- 90 servings per container.
Cons
- Cacao powder may taste slightly bitter.
2. Navitas Organics – Cacao Powder
Navitas Organics has the best certified organic cacao powder with a rich chocolate taste and 19% of daily dietary fiber per serving.
In addition to 5g of fiber, this cacao powder has 4g of protein, 35mg of calcium, 300mg of potassium, 106mg of magnesium, and 2mg of iron.
You can use it for keto and paleo snacks like smoothies, shakes, brownies, and chocolate drinks.
Navitas Organic says its raw organic cacao powder comes from a single ingredient and single source.
Its origins are traceable to Sierra Leone, where high-quality cacao beans are grown and harvested in line with the brand’s regenerative organic farming practices.
This Fair Trade and USDA-certified cacao powder is third-party tested for quality and purity too.
Pros
- 5g of dietary fiber and 4g of protein per serving.
- Source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
- No sodium or added sugar.
- Bold chocolate taste for brownies and hot chocolate.
- Fair Trade and USDA organic.
- Suitable for keto and paleo baking.
Cons
- Larger serving size of 2.5 tbsp. has 60 calories, more than other brands.
- Fewer servings – 30 per container.
1. Viva Naturals – Cacao Powder
Viva Naturals makes the best cacao powder overall with 76 tbsp. servings per bag of certified organic cacao powder.
The 1 lb. bag features delicious cacao powder made from Criollo beans for a guilt-free, gluten-free chocolate experience.
Unlike processed baking ingredients, there are no added sugars, so you can use this cacao powder for rich, healthy cookies, cakes, and brownies.
There’s just 15 calories per serving with 2g of dietary fiber, 2mg of iron, and 120mg of potassium.
Viva Naturals says its non-GMO, vegan powder is made from the finest grade Criollo cacao beans for an indulgent taste without the bitter flavor.
It’s packed with powerful compounds, so the natural antioxidants defend cells from free radicals, rejuvenated and repairing skin in the process.
Pros
- Criollo cacao powder for pure, indulgent flavor without bitter aftertaste.
- Certified organic and non-GMO.
- Contains iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Only 15 calories per serving with no sugar or salt.
- Rich in antioxidants to protect against cell damage.
- Good for brownies, cookies, and cakes.
Cons
- Bag is hard to keep sealed once open.
FAQs About Cacao Powder
We’ve done our fair share of research on cacao powder.
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about cacao powder.
Q: Are Cacao and Cocoa the Same Thing?
Cacao and cocoa are both made from the beans of cacao trees, although cocoa goes through more processing, which in turn loses some natural nutritional value.
Cacao beans are separated from fatty cocoa butter and fermented at harvest for enhanced flavor and texture.
The powder is made from unroasted beans that are processed at low temperatures. Cacao may have a slightly more bitter taste, but it’s higher in nutrients.
Cocoa powder is made from fermented and roasted beans that are processed at higher temperatures to produce a less bitter, darker powder that tastes sweeter but without as many nutrients as raw cacao powder.
Many processed chocolate baking ingredients and foods contain cocoa powder, but cacao has become more popular in recent years due to its health benefits and naturally good taste.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Cacao Powder?
Cacao powder is naturally high in antioxidants called flavonoids, which boost blood flow to the heart and brain.
Flavonoids may prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure while also increasing insulin sensitivity to lower the risk of diabetes.
Cacao powder contains other important nutrients like dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Cacao powder can enhance smoothies and shakes as part of your workout nutrition too.
That’s because cacao powder offers a raw, natural chocolate flavor that’s as delicious as it is healthy.
If you want to swap unhealthy processed chocolate for a more nutritious alternative without compromising flavor, cacao powder is the way to go.
Q: What Are the Side Effects of Cacao Powder?
There aren’t many side effects of cacao powder because it’s an all-natural, raw superfood.
Cacao powder is free of processed sugars and additives, and it doesn’t cause the same jitters or headaches as caffeine.
You can use more cacao powder than processed chocolate or baking ingredients, although if you ever feel sick to your stomach or like you ate too much chocolate, it’s best to take a break.
Q: Is Cacao Powder Healthier Than Cocoa Powder?
Cacao powder is healthier than cocoa powder because the production process protects the natural nutrients.
Cocoa powder does not have as many nutrients due to the high processing temperatures.
Unsweetened cacao powder has higher essential minerals like calcium and iron as the natural nutrient content is protected and maintained through low heat processing and careful milling.
If you want the cleanest, healthiest form of chocolate flavor, then cacao powder is better than cocoa powder.
Q: Is It Ok to Eat Cacao Every Day?
It’s safe to eat cacao every day as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Cacao powder is significantly healthier than processed chocolate, such as candy bars that are high in calories and carbs.
As long as you don’t only eat cacao powder and make sure to get ample nutrients from fruit, veggies, and protein sources, you should have no problem with a daily cacao snack.
Q: How Much Cacao Should You Take Daily?
1 or 2 oz. of cacao powder is generally a good daily amount recommended by health professionals.
However, cacao powder is low in calories and contains a variety of nutrients, so if you have a little more than an oz. every once in a while, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Cacao powder makes for an especially healthy and delicious daily snack when mixed with fruit, milk, or juices.
Q: Is Cacao a Superfood?
Cacao powders and cacao nibs are considered superfoods due to their high antioxidant content.
Cacao beans are naturally nutritious, and cacao powder protects the purity and potency of these nutrients.
You can expect impressive amounts of antioxidants, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron from the best brands of cacao powder.
Q: Is Cacao High in Caffeine?
Cacao is not high in caffeine, but it does contain theobromine, an alkaloid compound naturally found in cacao beans and many other plant products.
Theobromine offers a natural source of energy to enhance mood and motivation without the side effects of caffeine.
At the same time, theobromine is recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects that offer both energy and overall wellness benefits.
Q: Is Cacao Good for Weight Loss?
Cacao powder is good for weight loss because it has fewer calories, carbs, and fats compared to processed chocolate.
If you find it hard to resist chocolate, but you want to lose weight, consider swapping high-calorie candy bars for a chocolate smoothie or muffin made with premium organic cocoa powder.
Q: Is Cacao Hard to Digest?
Cacao powder is relatively easy to digest, thanks to the presence of dietary fiber.
Like anything, you should eat it in moderation to ensure your digestive system can handle it.
As long as you’re not lactose intolerant, cacao powder mixed in with milk for smoothies, milkshakes, or protein drinks can help with digestion too.
Q: Is Cacao a Stimulant?
Cacao is a stimulant due to the natural presence of theobromine, which is linked to relaxed focus and energy.
Many people prefer cacao powder for its natural, jitter-free stimulation compared to caffeine, which may lead to side effects like dehydration and headaches.
See for yourself by replacing your morning cup of coffee with a hot organic cacao powder drink.
Q: Which Cacao Powder to Choose?
There are many cacao powder brands to choose from, and as long as you select an organic, non-GMO option, you should be able to enjoy a delicious and healthy snack.
Look for the origins of the cacao beans and any information on the production process if you prefer sustainable harvesting practices.
Also, read the nutritional label to see how many calories and essential minerals are in each serving.
Some cacao powders taste slightly more bitter than others, so it may help to try a few and see which flavor you prefer.
Summary
Cacao powder is made from the beans of cacao trees, which were first domesticated in South America but are now grown around the world.
You can use cacao powder as an alternative to traditional baking ingredients that are high in salt, sugar, and calories.
The best raw cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients like dietary fiber, iron, and potassium, so you can enjoy deliciously healthy chocolate drinks and desserts.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best cacao powders:
- Viva Naturals – Cacao Powder
- Navitas Organics – Cacao Powder
- BetterBody Foods – Cacao Powder
- Terrasoul Superfoods – Cacao Powder
- Zen Spirit – Cacao Powder
- Healthworks – Cacao Powder
- Pure Natural Miracles – Cacao Powder
- Milliard – Cacao Powder
- Zint Organic – Cacao Powder
- OMG! Superfoods – Cacao Powder
