Did you know that chocolate is actually a health food? We’re not talking about sugary candy bars here. The secrets to chocolate’s incredible health benefits are unlocked when it is eaten in its raw, unheated state.

 

The seed of a tropical fruit tree, cacao is known to have “antioxidant activity [which is] involved in immune responses.₁ Cacao is also bursting with magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper. Theobroma Cacao, or “Food of the Gods,” is an ancient superfood that has been revered for centuries by cultures such as the Aztec, Maya and others.

 

If you’ve ever eaten a piece of chocolate and felt supercharged, then you know what we’re talking about here. Contrary to popular belief, cacao actually contains negligible amounts of caffeine. However, the extraordinary bean from which our beloved chocolate comes contains theobromine, a stimulant that does not affect the nervous system the way caffeine does (think: energy spike!). Instead, theobromine is known to create a slow release of energy throughout the day. What’s more, researchers have suggested that “chocolate consumption may benefit cardiovascular health…[considering theobromine] as a useful, specific biomarker for chocolate consumption.”₂

 

As if a boost of energy wasn’t enough, cacao is loaded with substances that stimulate feelings of happiness such as anandamide, a neurotransmitter which makes you feel good while blocking feelings of pain and depression. Cacao also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the pleasure chemical found in the brains of people in love—that’s why chocolate and romance go together so often!

   

Our cacao is raw, organic, non-GMO, and tested for purity to ensure it’s the cleanest cacao out there. We start with only the finest variety of certified organic heirloom cacao beans and process them without chemicals and solvents, at low temperature in order to preserve the delicate nutrients and true, natural taste of raw cacao.

 

Here’s a breakdown of all of our forms of cacao…

Cacao Beans: The least processed form of cacao available, cacao beans are simply picked, cleaned, and dried through a low temperature technique to preserve the delicate nutrients and rich flavors of raw cacao. We love them dipped in raw honey!

“These cacao beans are extraordinary!! I love how delicious they are and how little I need to satisfy my chocaholic cravings! And that it’s organic and healthy… Wow, I love them!!!!” – Judi

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Cacao Nibs: Simply pure cacao beans ground into small pieces. Add to trail mixes and smoothies, sprinkle on yogurt or desserts, or eat them out of the bag.

“I dip my banana in a tiny bowl of these in the morning, yum! Super-charged!” – Mary

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Cacao Paste: Prepared by slowly grinding cacao nibs at low temperature to yield a rich paste that is then cooled and dried to form chocolaty chunks—excellent for making homemade chocolate.

“I shave it off and put it on desserts, or melt it into candy.  Super easy and super delicious.  It doesn’t really need sweetener, it’s that good!” – Kristy

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Cacao Butter: Simply the pure oil extracted from the cacao at low temperature to protect delicate enzymes and nutrients. Use for chocolate recipes or to moisturize your skin.

“This is the finest Cacao I have ever seen, smelled, or tasted. It is truly magnificent. I have been making raw chocolate bars with it and they are delicious. Thank you Sunfood!!!” – Matt O

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Cacao Powder: Once the cacao butter is extracted to reduce the fat content of the cacao, the result is ground down to create a fine, richly flavored, easy-to-use powder that’s perfect for smoothies or chocolate drinks.

“I put this in my superfood smoothie every morning and have noticed a huge difference! My energy and mood have really improved. I can’t imagine starting my day without it.” – Nikki

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