Cacao is more commonly known as the main ingredient in chocolate and that's why "health experts" advise eating chocolate that is at least 70% dark chocolate - basically meaning that there is more cacao (good stuff) and less sugar and milk products (bad stuff).

1. Are Cacao Nibs the Same as Cacao Powder?
Cacao (in its raw form) is one of the most
incredible superfoods that our planet has to offer.
It is the highest source of antioxidants of all foods and provides a
tremendous amount of magnesium (the most deficient mineral
amongst North Americans).
Cacao is more commonly known as the main ingredient in chocolate
and that's why "health experts" advise eating chocolate that is at least
70% dark chocolate - basically meaning that there is more cacao
(good stuff) and less sugar and milk products (bad stuff).
But all these experts forget to mention that eating raw cacao is
really the best way to benefits from all its health-giving glories.
You can get raw cacao in two main forms: raw cacao nibs and raw
cacao powder.
So what is the difference?
The difference between the two basically boils down to these 2 points:
1. Cacao nibs still contain most of the cacao bean's essential oils
(healthy fats that also make up cacao butter).

2. 2. Cacao nibs are grittier and don't dissolve as well as does cacao
powder - an important consideration if you're making smoothies and
other fun raw food desserts.
My advice...
1. Get both and use them together in any of your favourite raw
cacao-based recipes,
OR
2. Get raw cacao nibs ONLY and run them through a coffee grinder
before throwing them into your recipes - more cost effective than
buying both.
You can buy raw cacao in either format in pretty much all health food
stores. If not, you can also get them directly from Sunfood.com.
YURI