Cacao vs. Cocoa

The first snowfall of the season has officially happened…SO that means we are ready for ALL THE WARM DRINKS! PLUS our Holiday Drink menu was just released this week!

It’s the perfect time of year to try our Hot CacAO or Peppermint Hot CacAO & no we don’t mean cocOA!

So, what’s the difference?

Normal cocoa powder is made by chemically processing and roasting the cacao bean. This process is done to reduce the bitterness, darken the colour, and create a more mellow flavour to chocolate. Unfortunately this also means it destroys A LOT of the nutrients that are naturally occurring in cacao!

So although cacao may be a bit more bitter, it is definitely made up for by the nutrient density!

It’s high in antioxidants as well as many surprising nutrients such as calcium and potassium! Not to mention it is one of the highest plant based sources of magnesium, which is important for a healthy heart, can help to reduce stress AND it’s the highest plant based source of iron! If you needed more convincing…cacao is also high in healthy fats to help us stay full and energized.

FINALLY cacao is also a great source of tryptophan, the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which has been proven to elevate mood and increase happiness! Who doesn’t want a little extra happiness!

So instead of a hot chocolate that’s 50% sugar and 50% cocoa powder. Try out our Hot Cacao packed with nutrients and sweetened with a tiny bit of maple syrup (which you can opt out of)!

Make your day more JOYFUL with #JJK!

#stayjoyful #juliasjoyfulkitchen