Chocolate traditionally is recognized as dark, milk or white with a very basic set of combined ingredients. But what if a more sustainable and healthier version could be made, using only the single ingredient cacao? This is what whole cacao fruit chocolate is, a single source ingredient chocolate, made entirely from the cacao fruit itself. There is no other added ingredient source, no cane sugar, no milk, no soy... just pure cacao chocolate that has subtle sweetness.
There’s now a new type of chocolate that holds a vast potential to be the next big thing in the industry. Let’s talk about the story of cacao fruit chocolate and the impact it provides on satisfying the need for a more sustainable and healthier chocolate type.
Whole Cacao Fruit Chocolate: What is it?
It is common knowledge to all sweet-lovers that chocolates are made from cacao seeds. However, many don’t realize that most of the cacao fruit (the fruit that has the cacao seeds known also as cocoa beans) ends up as a waste item. Underutilized ingredients from cacao pods (cacao fruit) are common and usually make up around 70% of the whole fruit.
With the recent innovative of whole cacao fruit chocolate, the wasted parts has significantly dropped. That means this chocolate’s manufacturing process is several times more efficient and eco-friendly than its regular chocolate variant. On top of that, instead of using regular sugar, such as refined or unrefined cane, or other forms of traditional sweeteners, cacao fruit chocolates utilize sweetness made from the cacao pod and cocoa pulp itself.
With those changes in the chocolate manufacturing process, cacao fruit chocolate has achieved what regular chocolate processes can’t - chocolates made from 100% cacao components with minimal waste. As another potential turning point for the industry, this might become a better option for vegans since added animal products like milk or sugar filtered through charcoal are now out of the equation.
Why Whole Cacao Fruit Chocolate?
Health consideration now plays a significant role in our modern society. Most people are more conscious about their food intake and the kind of food nourishment they’ll get. That’s why many products you’ll see in the market claim they are healthier than the rest of their competition.
In the case of whole cacao, the product itself is made from 100% natural ingredients, which means it has a stronger case for the claim of a healthier version of dark chocolate. For the longest time, people claimed that dark chocolates are the healthiest chocolate variant in the market. Let’s take a look at why you might eat dark chocolates.
- Packed with nutrients
- Source of antioxidants
- Likely improves blood flow and regulate blood pressure
- Studies say reduces risks of heart disease
- Has the potential to improve brain activity
Packed with Nutrients
Cocoa products are known for being a high source of nutrients, essential minerals, and soluble fiber. The fatty acid present in cocoa products could keep your heart healthy.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Studies in a controlled environment show that unprocessed cocoa beans are a source of antioxidants. In fact, the results suggest that it is ranked in the top bracket of food in this category.
Improves Blood Flow and Regulate Blood Pressure
Several studies surfaced in the last couple of years suggest that dark chocolates and other cocoa products have the potential to improve blood pressure and blood circulation. Though, research and studies are still required to solidify this claim.
Reduces Risks of Heart Disease
Dark chocolate and other related cacao products show positive signs against bad cholesterol levels. It might potentially reduce the risks of heart disease and other related conditions in the long run.
Improves Brain Activity
With the potential of improving circulation, it might also pave the way for bringing a rich oxygen supply to your brain. On top of that, evidence suggests cocoa products might positively affect cognitive functions.
These potential health benefits are not explicitly tied with dark chocolate; the same might be said of 100% cacao fruit chocolate products, considering it is made from 100% cacao pods. Other people might say it could be the best variant of chocolate out there.
If you’re looking for a sweetener alternative, cacao fruit chocolate might be for you. Instead of regular sugar selection common in a typical chocolate recipe, this new line uses sugar made from cacao itself. However, you have to remember that whole cacao fruit chocolate is still not considered sugar-free unless stated otherwise.
Cacao Fruit Cocoa's Benefits for The Environment
Cacao fruit chocolate products significantly changed the landscape of cocoa farming and manufacturing. At first, more than half of the cacao pods were thrown away and deemed useless for manufacturing ingredients. That also means more cacao fruits are needed to make up for a fixed amount of chocolate products.
With everything utilized up to the last drop, whole cocoa pod chocolate production shows a healthy and positive trend. With the efficiency up a couple of notches, cocoa products yield more quality merchandise. Get yourselves a cacao fruit chocolate for a change and see what nature has to offer.
Conclusion: Why Cacao Fruit Is The Best Dark Chocolate Experience Possible
Without a doubt, dark chocolate has its fair share of health benefits. However, cacao fruit cocoa products might soon get the top spot. On top of the health gain you get, you’re also cutting out the overall footprint involved in the regular cacao production process. That alone is a massive win.
The steady rise of health and environmental awareness might also play a significant role in the possible takeover of the all chocolate products. Who knows what other innovative ideas might present themselves in the future? Visit Santa Barbara Chocolates and grab the newest innovation in great-tasting eco-friendly chocolate.