The Rich World of Cacao Butter
Let’s talk cacao butter! You may already be familiar with this light yellow, semi-solid fat, but do you know all the awesome things
you can do with it in its organic raw form?
Cacao butter, also known as cocoa butter, is a pure vegetable fat that’s extracted from the cacao bean. When it’s mixed with cocoa, sugar and other additives, it makes the chocolate products that we’re all so fond of. It’s also the primary ingredient in smooth white chocolate. However, raw organic cacao butter has quite a few uses besides being an ingredient in beloved treats.
Cacao butter is entirely edible, which is great news for both health-conscious and indulgent snackers alike! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants that promote cardiovascular and immune-system health. Raw cacao butter is often used to make dessert-type dishes, as well as moisturizers and lip balms.
Raw organic cacao butter isn’t really meant to be eaten as-is, but it’s quite easy to whip up a fantastic dessert with it! You can make scrumptious raw chocolate treats by melting about 50 grams of the cacao butter over low heat, then mixing in about 3 tbsp. of raw organic cocoa powder and 1 tbsp. of organic agave syrup. Pour the liquid chocolate mixture into molds or small candy cups and let them set up in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add a couple of spoonfuls of organic raw crunchy almond butter or some handfuls of crushed organic raw cashews to the chocolate mixture to give it a bit of crunch, if desired.
Don’t stop with edible treats! Make your own simple skin moisturizer. Cacao butter melts at just below body temperature, meaning that if you hold it in your hands for a few minutes it will soften enough to apply directly to the skin and lips. However, you can also heat one part cacao butter and three parts organic raw coconut oil over low heat until they’re combined, then rub the easy-to-spread mixture on your body. Cacao butter-based moisturizers have a delightful chocolaty scent and can improve skin elasticity. They’re especially helpful for pregnant women who are trying to avoid or minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
What’s your favorite way to use raw organic cacao butter? We’re firm believers in the awesome (and truly delicious) benefits that it can lend to so many different purposes!
17 Responses to “The Rich World of Cacao Butter”
Thank you for the article and for publishing a good site. I have been hunting for honest info on natural health and can put this information to use. I have found it hard to find solid recommendations, as there are so many sites with innaccurate posts. Please keep the good stuff flowing!
Dear friends at nuts.com you have answered my long sought after question; can i eat raw cacao butter. I’m getting my order together today. This is a blessing because i’ve resently start making my own homemade products and along came your company what a blessing. Sincerely Bertha
We’re glad to have answered your question, Bertha! Let us know how your homemade products come out! 🙂
WOW! All I can say is WOW! I have been a customer of Nuts.com for a year, telling everyone this the best site on internet. I am always finding new products ( I’m wheat & gluten free) But just stumbled on your blog- a place to get my questions answered. Can it get better than this? I think not! From my Nutty family to Yours , Keep it comng Nuts,com!
Hurray! Thanks so much, Suzette – we are positively glowing from your sweet comments 🙂 We are so happy to have you as a customer and a blog reader!
I apologize if I overlooked an answer to this but do you have smoothie suggestions for the cacao butter? I worry an out using too much if left to my own experimentation
Hi Janet – it’s hard to find something cacao butter ISN’T delicious in 🙂 Have you tried putting a spoonful or two of cacao butter in your favorite smoothie recipe (goes nicely with banana and berries)? Yum!
Is your cocoa butter fair trade and environmentally friendly? how is it produced?
Hi Tiffany – Our cocoa butter is not fair trade. It comes from Ecuador.
How would I make white chocolate from cacao butter?
Thanks!
PS – you have the most wonderful nutty products! :o)
Hi Cathrine! Here’s a recipe for making white chocolate from cacao butter: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/11/06/how-to-make-your-own-white-chocolate-chips/ Thank you for the wonderful feedback! 🙂
is this cacao butter food grade? thank you
and if so how do you know and what’s the difference,
chloe
Hi Chloe – Yes, our cacao butter is food grade. This means it is considered safe for use in food by the FDA. Our customers love using cacao butter for making chocolates, smoothies, and desserts. It can also be used in homemade moisturizers.
I like your recipe to make the chocolate, but is there a way to stevia instead of agave as I want it to be sugar free?
Hi Zach – We haven’t tried making the recipe with stevia, so you may want to experiment with the level of sweetness.
Question..Does coco butter have theobromine and caffeine like chocolate?
Hi Diane – Cacao butter contains theobromine but it does not contain caffeine. Caffeine is found in cacao nibs.