Cacao Powder

I’ve been looking for a Cacao power for awhile, that I could trust is low in heavy metals, and high in nutrition. Unlike some others, taste can take a back seat in my opinion, as long as it’s safe and rich in antioxidants. This product actually tastes good as well. I mix it in my coffee and full fat Greek yogurt. I hope other companies follow suit in their drive to provide a good cacao powder, that is low in heavy metals. People will pay a little extra for their health (within reason though, or else we’ll look elsewhere for our antioxidants). Kudos to Botanica for understanding their customer base. In doing so, they receive my money , and I will spread to others by word of mouth.

I am giving five stars because this product is great and has become an important part of my daily routine for my morning milk + collagen power. It has a robust flavor and I love the transparency about their testing and safety levels. I feel great knowing I’m consuming consciously and healthfully. However be aware that Amazon may just slap a shipping label on the bag and send it to you without any packaging. I’m all for reducing waste but the amount of shipping junk that’s now coating the beautiful package is awful! I tried cleaning it off but it definitely bothers me. I’m happy to report that Botánica’s customer service was great and they are mindful in their packaging. I’m always shopping direct with them from now on. If it doesn’t bother you that your foodstuffs are gross from shipping, order from Amazon. If you want to support the brand and get an unmangled bag, buy direct!

Love this cacao! It is also low in metals.

I love this brand of cacao and I’m really sad that it’s no longer offered as it has all sold out. It’s the only cacao brand I can find that is low in heavy metals. The company needs to make more ASAP.

The package is mesmerizing; it is very attractive in-person -- BUT getting to the contents of this beautiful package: yes, the taste is good and chocolaty; it has a very pleasant chocolate taste. I found the ++ with this product to be that the Seller provides that care is taken in harvesting this cocoa for consumption: “[Grown] organically under an agroforestry system in non-volcanic soil….[yielding a product with] low traces of Cadmium and other heavy metals…” Moderation is always best, but I do drink (and eat) a lot of chocolate and knowing this about this product is, just a bit, reassuring. Also, it is an “organic raw” cacao powder that provides all the benefits that go along with such limited-to-non-processed foods. I put a tablespoon in my cup of brewed cocoa, with a splash of agave and cream, also adding a tablespoon of MCT oil, and the energy I get from this morning drink has been unbelievable (my experience) – not to mention the satisfying Choooooo-OH-livid taste sensation!

I decided to buy another bag of Botanica Origins Cacao after a bit over a month since I ran out of it, and I am very pleased that I did it. The color is richer as should be, the flavor is much flavorful than my first bag and it also dissolves very well. I bought it this second time since it has very low levels of heavy metals, better than other well known brands, and their customer service people are very helpful and professional. Moreover, their Brazil nuts are unquestionably excellent!!. I did not give them the five stars since I will wait to purchase my third Cacao bag in a month or so and then, it will make a more conclusive evaluation.

I have specifically been looking for a cacao powder that is low in cadmium and lead for a long time, ever since the first report came out about the high cadmium and lead levels in most cocoas and chocolates. This one makes a good cup of hot cocoa but because it's raw and not roasted, you need to use more to get that deep chocolate flavor. I haven't baked with it, so I can't report on that. The texture is just a bit gritty toward the bottom of the cup where the particulate settles. I would think this wouldn't matter in baking and raw treats. Kudos to the seller for making this cacao available to consumers who care about the heavy metals in their chocolate. Definitely recommend the product and the sellers.

I tried this product because on Consumer Labs they mentioned that this brand has less cadmium in it - which is pretty important. It's not grown on volcanic soil and that's why. So I smelled tested my usual brand and this brand - this brand does have a different, richer smell. I used a tablespoon of it in my coffee and it was delightful! Very happy with this purchase and I feel better knowing my cadmium levels won't be going up significantly while I enjoy it. Highly recommend!