Wondering how to use raw cacao powder? In this blog post I share how I like to use this ingredient in my home cooking.
5 Delicious Ways to Use Raw Cacao Powder
Raw cacao powder is one of the easiest pantry staples to add to smoothies, baked goods, snacks, and warm drinks. It has a deep chocolate flavor with a slightly richer and more bitter taste than traditional cocoa powder, making it perfect for recipes that feel both comforting and nourishing. Whether you keep a bag in your kitchen for smoothies or desserts, there are plenty of creative ways to use it beyond basic brownies.
Here are five simple and delicious ways to use raw cacao powder at home.
Make Healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate
One of the best ways to use raw cacao powder is by making homemade hot chocolate. I actually drink this every morning!
Unlike store-bought mixes that are often packed with sugar and additives, homemade hot chocolate lets you control the ingredients and sweetness level.
Simply warm your favorite milk or water, whisk in raw cacao powder, a sweetener like stevia extract, maple syrup or sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract if you prefer. You can also add cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. The result is a rich, comforting drink that tastes more like real chocolate than powdered packets from the store.
This is especially good with oat milk, soy milk, or homemade nut milk.
Here’s a video showing how I make this hot chocolate with raw cacao powder:
Add It to Smoothies and Ice Cream
Raw cacao powder blends perfectly into smoothies and vegan ice cream, and gives them a chocolate flavor without needing chocolate syrup. It pairs especially well with bananas, peanut butter, dates, oats, and frozen cherries.
A simple smoothie or nice cream combination could include:
* Banana
* Soy milk
* Peanut butter
* Raw cacao powder
* Ice
* Optional dates for sweetness
The cacao gives smoothies a dessert-like flavor while still keeping them easy enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Here’s how I make a delicious nice cream using raw cacao powder:
Use It in Energy Balls
Energy balls are one of the easiest no-bake snacks to prepare ahead of time, and raw cacao powder works beautifully in them. Mix oats, nut butter, dates, seeds, and cacao powder together in a food processor, then roll into small balls.
They store well in the refrigerator and are great for quick snacks, lunch boxes, or post-workout bites. You can also customize them with shredded coconut, chia seeds, or chopped nuts.
Bake Chocolate Desserts
Raw cacao powder can be used in many recipes that normally call for cocoa powder. Brownies, muffins, banana bread, cookies, and homemade chocolate sauces all work well with cacao powder.
I also add it to store bought frosting mix for an extra chocolatey treat!
Because raw cacao has a stronger flavor, it often creates a deeper chocolate taste in baked goods. Pairing it with ingredients like espresso powder, cinnamon, or vanilla can help balance the bitterness and enhance the richness.
It is especially good in homemade vegan desserts where chocolate flavor is the main focus.
Here’s how I make a delicious no-bake chocolate dessert:
Watch this video recipe:
Stir It Into Oatmeal or Yogurt
A spoonful of raw cacao powder can instantly turn plain oatmeal or yogurt into something that tastes more like dessert. Stir it into warm oats along with maple syrup and sliced bananas for a chocolate oatmeal bowl.
You can also mix it into plant-based yogurt and top with berries, granola, or nut butter. This is a simple way to change up your breakfast without needing extra recipes or complicated ingredients.
Raw cacao powder is versatile, easy to store, and useful in everything from drinks to desserts. Once you start experimenting with it, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it far more often than you expected.
Best Raw Cacao Products
Here’s two high quality products I recommend.
Z Natural Foods Raw Cacao Powder
The raw cacao I use everyday for my hot chocolate is Z Natural Foods Organic Raw Cacao Powder.
I use this brand’s product because I’ve found it has the highest amount of protein per serving. I figure it’s best to use the highest amount of protein to maximize my intake each day for my plant-based diet.
I purchase this in 5lb bags because I use it so often, but they also sell smaller quantity packages. I subscribe to have it delivered to my home every 3 months from Amazon and save about $9 on this bag!
Buy Z Natural Foods Raw Cacao Powder on Amazon >
Viva Naturals Raw Cacao Powder
Viva Naturals sponsored this post and sent me their raw cacao powder to review. Here’s a video of my honest review of this product and comparison to my everyday product I use mentioned above:
The largest bag they sell is 2lbs.
Buy Viva Naturals Raw Cacao Powder on Amazon >
Further reading:
- Learn more about Z Natural Foods Organic Raw Cacao Powder