The terms cacao and cocoa are often used interchangeably in the world of chocolate, leading to confusion among even the most ardent chocolate aficionados. As a health-conscious consumer, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between these two ingredients, as they can have a significant impact on the nutritional value and overall health benefits of your beloved chocolate treats.

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’ve been honing our expertise in bean-to-bar chocolate making since 2007, and we have always been devoutly using raw cacao in our bars. Our passion for crafting exceptional raw chocolate has led us on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the perfect cacao bean and the art of preserving its natural goodness.

What is Cacao?

Cacao, the star ingredient in our chocolate bars, refers to the raw, unprocessed form of the cacao bean. Minimally processed and often consumed in its purest state, raw cacao retains an impressive array of nutrients that can contribute to overall health and well-being.

This superfood is packed with antioxidants, flavanols, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron, making it a powerhouse of nutrition. The flavanols found in cacao have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, while the magnesium content can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The Bean-to-Bar Journey: From Cacao to Chocolate

The journey from cacao to chocolate is a fascinating process that begins with the harvesting and fermenting of cacao beans.

The processing of cacao beans can have a significant impact on the final product, which is why we are committed to preserving the integrity of the cacao throughout the chocolate-making process. By carefully controlling factors such as not roasting our cacao, and carefully monitoring the conching temperature and time, we strive to maintain the delicate balance of flavours and nutrients that make our chocolate so special.

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we take great pride in sourcing the finest cacao beans, ensuring that each batch meets our exacting standards.

Cocoa: The Processed Counterpart

In contrast to cacao, cocoa refers to the processed form of the cacao bean. Common processing methods include roasting and alkalization, which can alter the flavour profile and nutritional value of the final product.

While cocoa still retains some of the beneficial compounds found in cacao, the processing can diminish the overall nutritional value. This is why we at Mr Popple’s Chocolate choose to work with raw cacao whenever possible, ensuring that our customers can indulge in a treat that is both delicious and nutritious.

Incorporating Raw Cacao into Your Diet

Now that you’re aware of the incredible health benefits of raw cacao, you might be wondering how to incorporate this superfood into your daily diet. Fear not, dear chocolate lover, for Mr Popple’s Chocolate has you covered!

Delicious and Nutritious Ways to Enjoy Raw Cacao

From silky smooth raw cacao drinks to decadent chocolate bars, there are countless ways to indulge in the goodness of raw cacao. Why not start your day with a raw cacao smoothie, packed with antioxidants and flavour? Or, for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try nibbling on a square of our artisanal raw cacao chocolate. The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious!

Mr Popple’s Chocolate’s Range of Chocolate Bars made from Raw Cacao

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we take pride in crafting a diverse range of chocolate bars made from raw cacao to suit every taste and preference.

For the purists and dark chocolate aficionados, we present our “Pure Peruvian” chocolate bar – a 100% raw cacao masterpiece that showcases the unadulterated flavour of our premium Peruvian Criollo beans. This bar is a testament to the raw power of cacao, delivering an intense and complex taste experience that’s 10 times more potent than your average dark chocolate.
	Those seeking a dark chocolate indulgence without sugar will delight in our “Signature Seventy” and “Atey Ate%” bars. These 70% and 88% raw cacao bars, respectively, are expertly crafted using unroasted cacao and ingeniously sweetened with low-glycemic yacon syrup. The addition of lucuma fruit powder lends a subtle creaminess to the Signature Seventy, while the Atey Ate% offers a bold, unapologetically dark chocolate experience.
For those who crave dark chocolate with unique flavour combinations, our “Amarillo Chilli” and “Euphoric Orange” bars are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The Amarillo Chilli bar is a captivating fusion of raw Peruvian cacao, zesty Amarillo chilli, and hints of dark cherry, raisin, and raspberry – a delightfully warming treat that awakens the senses. The Euphoric Orange bar, on the other hand, is a 70% raw cacao creation that marries the rich depth of our chocolate with the bright, refreshing notes of organic orange oil.
	But we haven’t forgotten about the milk chocolate lovers! Our “Creamy Mylk,” “Dark Mylk,” “Minty Mylk,” and “Creamy Orange” bars are vegan, dairy-free delights that prove you don’t need traditional milk to achieve a silky-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. By blending rice and oat mylks with golden coconut sugar and raw cacao, we’ve created a range of plant-based milk chocolate bars that are every bit as indulgent as their dairy counterparts.

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of exceptional, ethically-crafted chocolate. That’s why our entire range is not only organic and vegan-friendly but also free from the top 14 allergens, ensuring that no one has to miss out on the delights of our chocolate bars.

So, whether you’re a dark chocolate devotee, a milk chocolate enthusiast, or an adventurous soul seeking new and exciting flavour profiles, Mr Popple’s Chocolate has a bar that will satisfy your cravings and awaken your senses. Explore our diverse range and discover the artisanal craftsmanship and passion that goes into every bite of our chocolate.

The Mr Popple’s Chocolate Difference

What sets Mr Popple’s Chocolate apart from the rest? It all starts with our unwavering commitment to quality and our passion for the art of chocolate making.

Our Commitment to Sourcing the Finest Cacao Beans

We scour the globe in search of the finest cacao beans, ensuring that each batch meets our exacting standards. By working with farmers and cooperatives, we not only guarantee the quality of our raw materials but also support sustainable farming practices and fair trade initiatives.

Artisanal Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail

From bean to bar, Mr Popple pours his heart and soul into every bar of chocolate that he creates. We take great care in preserving the integrity of the raw cacao, using minimal processing techniques to showcase its natural flavour and nutritional profile. The result? A chocolate experience that is truly unparalleled.

The Benefits of Raw Cacao

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we believe in helping our customers make informed choices about their chocolate consumption. That’s why we’re dedicated to spreading the word about the incredible benefits of raw cacao, from its potential to support cardiovascular health to its mood-enhancing properties. By empowering you with knowledge, we hope to inspire you to join a new generation of chocolate lovers who appreciate the true value of this superfood.

The Chocolate Bars with the Highest Levels of Antioxidants and Polyphenols

A study conducted by Oxford Brookes University found that Mr Popple’s Chocolate had significantly higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols compared to four leading UK dark chocolate brands. This important research highlights the exceptional nutritional value of our chocolate, further solidifying our position as a leader in the world of raw, artisanal chocolate. By choosing Mr Popple’s Chocolate, you’re not only indulging in a delectable treat but also nourishing your body with the potent health-promoting compounds found in our unroasted Peruvian cacao.

FAQs

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Mr Popple’s Chocolate and Raw Cacao