{"product_id":"cocoa-nibs-theobroma-cacao","title":"Cocoa Nibs | Theobroma cacao","description":"\u003ch2\u003e🍫 Chocolate, before the candy bar\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCocoa nibs, also called cacao nibs, are pieces of shelled cacao beans from \u003cem\u003eTheobroma cacao\u003c\/em\u003e. Deeply chocolatey, pleasantly bitter, and satisfyingly crunchy, they bring cacao flavor to baking, breakfast bowls, and botanical recipes. Expect chocolate character, not chocolate chips in disguise.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e📚 A bean with a backstory\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCacao has a long history in the food traditions of Mesoamerica, where it was used in drinks long before the familiar sweet chocolate bar came along. Preparations varied across cultures and time, but this was not simply today's hot cocoa with the marshmallows missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe botanical name \u003cem\u003eTheobroma\u003c\/em\u003e comes from Greek words meaning “food of the gods,” which is a fairly ambitious name for anything sitting next to your breakfast oatmeal. Chocolate started as a plant, not a checkout-lane impulse purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e🥣 Ways to enjoy cocoa nibs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreakfast crunch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBaking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fold into cookies, brownies, or homemade granola for a pleasantly bitter chocolate accent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoasted-root brews:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair with roasted chicory or roasted dandelion root for a chocolatey botanical drink. Use a recipe suited to the ingredients and strain before drinking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKitchen experiments:\u003c\/strong\u003e Try a small amount wherever chocolate flavor and texture would be welcome. They add flavor rather than sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003e🔎 Cocoa nibs: your questions answered\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAre cocoa nibs and cacao nibs the same thing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth names commonly refer to pieces of shelled cacao beans. The wording alone does not reliably tell you whether a product is raw or roasted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat do cocoa nibs taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey have a rich cocoa flavor, a bitter edge, and a firm crunch. They are not sweet like milk chocolate or typical chocolate chips.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAre cocoa nibs ground to make cocoa powder?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are the starting material, but there is an extra step. Grinding nibs produces cocoa paste, also called cocoa liquor, which contains cocoa butter. To make cocoa powder, much of that butter is pressed out and the remaining solids are ground into powder. Simply grinding nibs produces a rich paste, not dry cocoa powder. Cocoa liquor does not mean it contains alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan cocoa nibs be used in botanical drinks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. They can add cocoa character to roasted-root preparations. A strained drink is different from eating the whole nibs, so do not assume it contains the same nutrients or compounds in the same amounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDo cocoa nibs contain caffeine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Cacao naturally contains caffeine and theobromine. Amounts vary, so these nibs should not be described as caffeine-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e📦 Storage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e⚠️ Cautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsider your sensitivity to caffeine and theobromine, particularly later in the day. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition, discuss suitability with your qualified healthcare provider. Keep cacao products away from pets, especially dogs and cats.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bald Hill Botanicals \u0026 Apothecary","offers":[{"title":"1\/2 Ounce","offer_id":67817732669483,"sku":"SH-COC-NB-.5OZ","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Ounce","offer_id":67817732702251,"sku":"SH-COC-NB-1.OZ","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Ounces","offer_id":67817732735019,"sku":"SH-COC-NB-2.OZ","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 Ounces","offer_id":67817732767787,"sku":"SH-COC-NB-4.OZ","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 Ounces","offer_id":67817732800555,"sku":"SH-COC-NB-8.OZ","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/5121\/7451\/files\/IMG_3505.jpg?v=1791811641","url":"https:\/\/baldhillbotanicals.com\/products\/cocoa-nibs-theobroma-cacao","provider":"Bald Hill Botanicals \u0026 Apothecary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}