{"title":"Cocoa","description":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 1,\n      \"name\": \"Home\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 2,\n      \"name\": \"Categories\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n      \"position\": 3,\n      \"name\": \"Cacao\",\n      \"item\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/cacao\/\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"CollectionPage\",\n  \"name\": \"Cacao at Plenthera\",\n  \"description\": \"Premium organic raw cacao powder from Big Food. Naturally rich in flavanols, magnesium and theobromine.\",\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/collections\/cacao\/\",\n  \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n  \"isPartOf\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n    \"name\": \"Plenthera\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/plenthera.com\/\"\n  },\n  \"about\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n    \"name\": \"Cacao\",\n    \"alternateName\": [\n      \"Theobroma cacao\",\n      \"Cacao powder\"\n    ],\n    \"description\": \"Cacao is the ground form of the seeds of Theobroma cacao.\"\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is cacao?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Cacao is the ground form of the seeds (cacao beans) of the Theobroma cacao tree. It naturally contains flavanols, theobromine, magnesium and iron.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between cacao and chocolate?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Cacao is the pure ingredient: ground cacao beans without sugar. Chocolate is a product made from cacao plus sugar, milk and fats.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between raw and roasted cacao?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Raw cacao retains more flavanols because they are heat-sensitive. Roasted cacao has a fuller taste.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How much cacao can you have per day?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A common daily serving is 10-30 grams of cacao powder. Because of the theobromine content, it is advised not to consume more than 50 grams of pure cacao per day.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does cacao contain caffeine?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Cacao contains a small amount of caffeine (approximately 20 mg per 100 grams), much less than coffee. The main alkaloid in cacao is theobromine.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Recipe\",\n  \"name\": \"Warm cacao with a magnesium boost\",\n  \"description\": \"Pure warm cacao without sugar — full of flavanols and magnesium.\",\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Plenthera\"\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-04-30\",\n  \"prepTime\": \"PT2M\",\n  \"cookTime\": \"PT5M\",\n  \"totalTime\": \"PT7M\",\n  \"recipeYield\": \"1 serving\",\n  \"recipeIngredient\": [\n    \"200 ml plant-based milk\",\n    \"2 teaspoons raw cacao powder\",\n    \"1 teaspoon coconut blossom sugar\",\n    \"Pinch of sea salt\",\n    \"Pinch of vanilla powder\"\n  ],\n  \"recipeInstructions\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"text\": \"Heat the plant-based milk over a low heat.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"text\": \"Stir the cacao powder, salt and vanilla into the milk.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n      \"text\": \"Pour into a mug and add coconut blossom sugar if desired.\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"nutrition\": {\n    \"@type\": \"NutritionInformation\",\n    \"calories\": \"120 kcal\"\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003carticle\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWritten by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 22 September 2026.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao is more than an ingredient for chocolate. Pure cacao naturally contains flavanols, magnesium and theobromine — a combination found in such concentration in no other food. At Plenthera you will find organic cacao straight from the source: raw, cold-ground cacao powder from \u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/big-food\"\u003eBig Food\u003c\/a\u003e (400 g). No sugar, no fillers, just pure Theobroma cacao.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cnav aria-label=\"Table of contents\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vergelijking\"\u003eComparison table: which cacao suits you?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#wat-is-cacao\"\u003eWhat is cacao?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#efsa-claims\"\u003eCacao and EFSA — what is scientifically recognised?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#vormen\"\u003eThe forms of cacao at Plenthera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use cacao?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about cacao\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#combineren\"\u003eCombining cacao with other supplements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"vergelijking\"\u003eComparison table: which cacao suits you?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eForm\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFlavanols\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTaste\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaw cacao powder (Big Food)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRobust, bitter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmoothies, hot cacao, baking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoasted cacao (elsewhere on the market)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlightly lower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull, chocolatey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBaking, hot drinks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCacao nibs \/ cacao butter (elsewhere on the market)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh \/ none\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrunchy \/ soft, fatty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTopping \/ making chocolate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"wat-is-cacao\"\u003eWhat is cacao?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCacao is the ground form of the seeds (cacao beans) of the Theobroma cacao tree. It naturally contains flavanols, theobromine and magnesium. Cacao differs from chocolate in that no sugar, milk or added fat is present.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Theobroma cacao tree originates from the Amazon region and is now grown in a belt around the equator. The Greek name Theobroma literally means \"food of the gods\" — a reference to the status cacao had among the Maya and Aztec civilisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are three main cultivars: Criollo (rare, fine), Forastero (largest production), Trinitario (hybrid). Cacao is naturally a rich source of \u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/magnesium\"\u003emagnesium\u003c\/a\u003e — 100 grams of cacao powder contains about 500 mg magnesium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"efsa-claims\"\u003eCacao and EFSA — what is scientifically recognised?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Europe, products may only carry health claims when these have been assessed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.efsa.europa.eu\/en\/topics\/topic\/health-claims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eEFSA\u003c\/a\u003e and included in Regulation (EU) 432\/2012. There is one specific claim for cacao:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, which contributes to normal blood flow.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant: this claim only applies when the threshold is reached — a daily intake of 200 mg cocoa flavanols. How many flavanols a cacao powder contains varies by origin and processing; raw, gently processed cacao retains the most.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"vormen\"\u003eThe forms of cacao at Plenthera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRaw cacao powder — Big Food (400 g)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic raw cacao is cold-ground at temperatures below 48°C. This preserves flavanols and enzymes as much as possible. Robust and slightly bitter — ideal for smoothies, hot cacao and raw chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther forms on the market\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoasted cacao powder (heat treatment around 120°C, fuller chocolate taste), cacao nibs (broken pieces of cacao bean, crunchy and intense), cacao butter (the natural fat from the bean, melts around body temperature) and cacao mixes with mushroom extracts are other common forms. These are not currently in our range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"hoe-gebruik\"\u003eHow do you use cacao?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao can be used in many ways. A simple basic approach:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with 10-20 grams of cacao powder per serving (1-2 teaspoons).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine with a liquid: plant-based milk, water or a smoothie.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd a source of fat (coconut milk, nuts) — this gives a creamier mouthfeel and softens the bitter taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweeten only if desired with coconut blossom sugar, dates or stevia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse within 30 minutes — freshly prepared always tastes best.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecipe: warm cacao with a magnesium boost\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePreparation: 7 minutes | 1 serving | ~120 kcal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e200 ml plant-based milk (oat or almond)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 teaspoons raw cacao powder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 teaspoon coconut blossom sugar (optional)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinch of sea salt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinch of vanilla powder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat the plant-based milk over a low heat — do not let it boil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhisk the cacao powder, salt and vanilla into the warm milk until smooth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into a mug and add coconut blossom sugar if desired. Drink immediately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTip: for a protein-rich variant, add a tablespoon of \u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/vegan-proteine\"\u003eplant-based protein\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"mythes\"\u003eMyths and misconceptions about cacao\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 1: \"Cacao contains a lot of caffeine, just like coffee.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncorrect. Cacao contains approximately 20 mg caffeine per 100 grams of powder — a fraction of coffee. The main alkaloid in cacao is theobromine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 2: \"Cacao makes you fat.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePure cacao without sugar contains approximately 230 kcal per 100 grams — comparable to oats. It is mainly the added sugars and fats in chocolate products that drive up the calorie content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 3: \"Cacao is toxic to dogs, so it is for humans too.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogs cannot break down theobromine quickly. Humans have a different liver enzyme system and process theobromine without problems, within normal consumption amounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyth 4: \"Children should not have cacao.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePure cacao can be given from about 4 years of age in moderate amounts — a maximum of 5 grams per day, mainly during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"combineren\"\u003eCombining cacao with other supplements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao combines well with various other foods and supplements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/magnesium\"\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/a\u003e: cacao itself contains plenty of magnesium — for those who want to supplement additionally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/lion-s-mane\"\u003eAdaptogenic mushrooms\u003c\/a\u003e: combine cacao with Lion's Mane, \u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/cordyceps\"\u003eCordyceps\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/reishi\"\u003ereishi\u003c\/a\u003e for a shake or evening drink around the theme of focus or relaxation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/maca\"\u003eMaca\u003c\/a\u003e: the classic superfood combo — softens the bitter taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/omega-3-vetzuren\"\u003eOmega 3\u003c\/a\u003e: cacao + omega-3 around the heart and blood vessel theme. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-ee\/collections\/aminozuren\"\u003eL-theanine\u003c\/a\u003e: for the evening — a combination of theobromine with L-theanine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is cacao?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao is the ground form of the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. It naturally contains flavanols, theobromine, magnesium and iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between cacao and chocolate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao is the pure ingredient — ground cacao beans without sugar. Chocolate is a product made from cacao plus sugar, milk and fats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between raw and roasted cacao?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaw cacao retains more flavanols because they are heat-sensitive. Roasted cacao has a fuller taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much cacao can you have per day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA common daily serving is 10-30 grams of cacao powder. A maximum of 50 grams of pure cacao per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes cacao contain caffeine?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCacao contains approximately 20 mg caffeine per 100 grams of powder — much less than coffee. The main alkaloid is theobromine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"bronnen\"\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.efsa.europa.eu\/en\/topics\/topic\/health-claims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eEFSA\u003c\/a\u003e — Regulation (EU) 432\/2012, Annex: \"cocoa flavanols\" claim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEFSA Journal 2012, 10(7):2809 — Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eUSDA FoodData Central\u003c\/a\u003e, SR Legacy — Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Cacao is a food, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"big-food-pure-cacao-raw-organic-400g","title":"Pure Cacao RAW and Organic powder – 400 g ","description":"\u003cp\u003eReal cacao, nothing else. Big Food Pure Cacao is 100% organic RAW cacao powder from cacao beans processed at low temperatures — without added sugars, flavourings or additives. EU organic certified (NL-BIO-01). 400 g, versatile in drinks, baking and desserts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Food","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56768707494233,"sku":"BF93339","price":19.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/big-food-cacao-poeder-bio-raw-400-gram-1_42cec950-b22c-444d-ac85-c784841a6ae6.jpg?v=1774448488"},{"product_id":"vital-proteins-collageenpeptiden-cacaosmaak-gehydrolyseerd-suikervrij-rundercollageen-297-gram","title":"Collagen Peptides – Cocoa Flavour – 297 g","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest before 30 January 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive your daily coffee moment a cocoa twist with collagen peptides that you can also mix into milk, yoghurt or a smoothie. This powder combines hydrolysed bovine collagen with 24% fat-reduced cocoa powder; the 297 g tub contains about 11 servings of 27 g, with 19 g protein per serving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vital Proteins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59716656464217,"sku":"12575802","price":18.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/files\/530x840_e29e5ba8-b1bd-401a-b68a-bf9179a0f85c.jpg?v=1791191467"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/6127\/3177\/collections\/superfoods-cacao.jpg?v=1776166065","url":"https:\/\/www.plenthera.com\/en-ee\/collections\/cacao.oembed","provider":"Plenthera","version":"1.0","type":"link"}