Health Benefits and Concerns of Trader Joe's Cacao Powder

Understanding Cacao and Cocoa Powder

Cocoa and cacao powders are made from the dried and ground beans of the cacao plant. The primary difference between the two is that cocoa powder has been processed at high heat, which destroys many of the beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols found in raw cacao. Cacao powder is less processed and thus retains more of the health-promoting compounds of the cacao bean.

Processing Methods

To make cocoa powder, cocoa beans are first fermented, dried, roasted at high temperatures, and then crushed into a paste called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor is pressed to extract cocoa butter, leaving behind a dry hardened cake. The cocoa cake is then ground into powder.

Raw cacao powder undergoes less intensive processing without the high heat roasting stage. After fermenting and drying, the whole beans are cold-pressed to remove the fat. The remaining cacao cake is then finely milled into powder form.

Nutrition Profile

Both cacao and cocoa powders contain iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, and other trace minerals. However, cacao powder has higher levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and flavanols like epicatechin. These beneficial plant compounds have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects.

Flavor Differences

Due to the lack of roasting, raw cacao powder has a more tart, bitter taste compared to cocoa powder. Many describe the flavor as earthy or nutty. Cocoa powder offers a richer, deeper chocolate flavor due to the higher heat processing. Some find raw cacao unpleasantly bitter on its own.

Potential Benefits of Cacao

A growing body of research indicates that raw, minimally processed cacao powder offers unique health advantages. Here are some of the top potential benefits of consuming cacao.

Antioxidant Protection

Cacao is one of the highest antioxidant foods on the planet. The high levels of polyphenols, flavanols and other antioxidant compounds provide protection against cellular damage from free radicals. This may lower risk for certain diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Improved Heart Health

Studies suggest the antioxidants in cacao powder can improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure by promoting dilation of blood vessels. Compounds in cacao may help reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation and prevent clot formation. These vascular effects may lower heart disease risk.

Better Blood Sugar Control

Research indicates flavonoids in cacao may help improve insulin resistance and sensitivity. This leads to better blood sugar regulation. Compounds in cacao may also help preserve pancreatic cell function. Better blood sugar control lowers type 2 diabetes risk.

Enhanced Brain Function

Flavanols like epicatechin in cacao have been shown to boost blood flow to the brain. This enhancement in brain circulation may improve cognitive function, memory, mood, and reaction times. Cacao flavanols may also have protective effects on aging brains.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

The antioxidants in cacao exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. Cacao polyphenols may help suppress inflammation.

Reduced Stress and Improved Mood

Cacao raises levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain to promote enhanced mood and pleasure. Theobromine in cacao also stimulates blissful sensations. By lowering stress hormones, cacao may decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.

Evaluating the Safety of Cacao

Cacao powder is generally considered safe with very few reported adverse effects. However, there are some potential health concerns to be aware of when consuming cacao.

Cadmium Content

Cacao beans naturally contain varying levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium, which can accumulate in plants grown in contaminated soils. Cadmium has been linked to lung, liver, and kidney damage at high doses. Choosing organic cacao may lower cadmium content.

Effects on Pregnancy

High intake of caffeinated foods and beverages like chocolate made from cacao powder is not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine crosses the placenta and may contribute to lower birth weight and miscarriage risk. Pregnant women should limit cacao consumption.

Drug Interactions

The caffeine in cacao may potentially interact with certain medications including lithium, clozapine, phenytoin, and MAO inhibitors. Individuals taking these drugs should use caution with cacao and consult a doctor.

Allergic Reactions

Cacao powder contains trace amounts of nut allergens like almonds and hazelnuts. Those with tree nut allergies may react to cacao. Allergic symptoms range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis requiring emergency care.

Gastrointestinal Effects

High amounts of insoluble fiber from cacao can sometimes cause temporary digestive issues like gas, bloating, and constipation in sensitive people. Start with small doses and gradually increase cacao to minimize GI irritation.

Incorporating Cacao into a Healthy Lifestyle

To safely obtain the benefits of cacao while avoiding potential risks, here are some tips for integrating it into a healthy lifestyle:

Choose Quality Products

Look for raw, organic cacao powders that have been minimally processed without alkali treatment. These retain higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Third-party certified fair trade cacao supports ethical, sustainable farming.

Watch Serving Sizes

Consume cacao powder in moderate amounts. Health authorities recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400mg per day or less. Stick to single serving sizes within dietary guidelines.

Add Sweetness and Flavor

To mellow the intense bitterness, combine cacao with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, dates, or banana and add spices like cinnamon or cayenne. Smoothies, baked goods, and energy balls are great vehicles.

Avoid Cacao Before Bed

Because cacao contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, avoid consumption within several hours of bedtime to prevent sleep disruption. Cacao may cause insomnia if eaten late night.

Monitor Effects on Medications

Check with your doctor about any supplements like cacao that contain caffeine, which may interact with certain prescription drugs. Discontinue use if any worrisome side effects develop.

Trader Joe's Cacao Powder

Trader Joe's sells an organic cacao powder that is made from pressed raw cacao beans without Dutch processing. It retains the living enzymes and antioxidants of raw cacao. With just 1 gram of sugar per 1 tablespoon serving, it provides the health benefits of cacao in a convenient, cost-effective form.

Sourcing and Processing

According to the Trader Joe's website, their cacao powder is ethically sourced from farms in Peru that are part of the Cacao Forest initiative for environmental protection. The cacao beans are fermented, dried, cold pressed, and milled into powder without roasting or Dutch processing.

Nutrition Profile

The Trader Joe's organic cacao powder contains approximately 12 calories, 3 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, and 1 gram protein per serving. It is also high in iron, magnesium, and antioxidant polyphenols. However, exact amounts can vary between different harvest batches.

Awards

Trader Joe's organic cacao powder was awarded the 2020 Eco-Excellence Award by Eco-Age for sustainability practices. Trader Joe's also indicates the product is certified kosher pareve and non-GMO. The cacao is tested for over 200 pesticides and heavy metals.

Other Sourcing

In addition to cacao from Peru, Trader Joe's also sources some cacao for their powder from Ecuador. The exact source and percentages may vary. All cacao comes from farmers working with Cacao Forest to be good stewards of the land.

Cost Savings

At just $5.99 for an 8 ounce tub, Trader Joe's organic cacao powder provides great value. It costs significantly less than other major brands of raw cacao powder. The price and quality make it accessible for daily smoothies and other uses.

Potential Drawbacks of Trader Joe's Product

While Trader Joe's organic cacao powder offers clear advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks consumers should know.

Safety Testing Concerns

Recent independent testing by Consumer Reports in 2022 found that Trader Joe's cacao powder samples contained concerning levels of cadmium exceeding California state standards. Cadmium raises health concerns, though Trader Joe's disputes the testing methods.

Lack of Organic Certification

Despite being labeled organic, Trader Joe's cacao powder does not appear to be officially certified organic by the USDA. Without third-party certification, organic claims cannot be verified.

No Fair Trade Certification

Trader Joe's cacao powder is not Fair Trade certified. While the company claims ethical sourcing practices, lack of independent certification makes this difficult to confirm.

Potential Cross-contamination

The product is made in a facility that processes milk powder and coconut. Those with severe allergies should exercise caution despite the lack of dairy ingredients.

Limited Selection

Trader Joe's only offers one type of cacao powder. Other brands provide different cacao varieties and blends to allow more customization.

The Bottom Line on Trader Joe's Cacao Powder

Overall, Trader Joe's organic cacao powder is a high quality product at a very affordable price point. It offers an excellent source of antioxidants and minimal processing without Dutching. However, the concerns over contaminants, lack of certifications, and potential cross-contamination deserve consideration.

Consumers comfortable with those trade-offs will find it delivers good value for daily smoothies, baked goods, and other uses. But those wanting maximum purity, ethical sourcing assurances, and organic certification may prefer paying more for other brands.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.