Cacao vs coffee: The ultimate showdown of brewed delights!

Cacao Vs Coffee - What Are The Main Differences?

Coffee lovers may think it's crazy to compare cacao with coffee, but hear us out.

While the difference between the two is significant, they can provide a similar experience for your morning routine. Let's dig in!

Brewing Method & Convenience

Apart from brewing methods, your skills, time, strength, and flavor preference can also affect how you make coffee.

For example, you can choose from automatic methods like drip coffee makers, Nespresso, and K-Cups, which make a cup of coffee in less than 5 minutes.

Or, if you like the craft of brewing coffee, you can use a French press, Moka pot, and manual pour-overs. For those on the go, instant coffee is the most convenient choice.

On the other hand, cacao is served in two ways: through a French press or the cold brew method. You need to note that brewed cacao is different from your regular cup of coffee.

It uses roasted cacao grounds, but some use cacao powder if this isn't available.

When you brew it via the French press, you need to brew it longer than coffee. We recommend brewing it for around 6 to 10 minutes to ensure all the flavors are in your cup.

If you want a cold brew cacao, soak the grounds for 24 hours in cold water.

Between coffee and cacao, coffee is obviously the most convenient choice. Still, we all know convenience is not only the deciding factor.

Roasting

The roasting process for brewed cacao involves gentle heating at lower temperatures (around 120-150°C) for a shorter duration to preserve delicate flavors.

In contrast, coffee beans undergo intense roasting at higher temperatures (180-250°C) for a longer time, resulting in complex flavors and a rich aroma associated with coffee.

These distinct roasting methods contribute to the unique sensory experiences of brewed cacao and coffee.

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, these brewed drinks can look similar.

Brewed cacao has a medium to dark appearance, while brewed ground coffee has a light to dark brown appearance, depending on the coffee beans used.

Another difference is the crema or amount of fat on top of the drink. In most brewed cacao, this fat isn't noticeable. This is because of the roasting process of the cacao beans.

The fat from them is extracted during this process, leaving almost none to the ground cacao.

With coffee, you can almost always see the crema sitting on top of the cup.

Flavor & Taste

Cocoa powder is always associated with desserts, thanks to its bittersweet taste. However, hot chocolate and raw cacao have very different flavor profiles.

Cacao beans have a very bitter dark chocolate taste, almost so bitter that it takes away your impression of it being a dessert.

If you've tried cacao nibs before, the taste of brewed cacao resembles it.

Both cacao and coffee have a similar earthy, bitter, and slightly nutty taste. However, coffee offers a whole experience that cacao grounds can't provide.

When you drink your morning coffee, your sense of smell and taste are both stimulated. No wonder coffee is very popular for its aroma.

In some cases, brewed coffee can taste sweet. This is because other roasted coffee beans are infused with different flavors like vanilla or hazelnut.

A "flavor coffee" is also different from your regular brewed coffee, which is a great way to add variety.

When it comes to acidity, coffee is more acidic. It has a pH level of 4.9 to 5.5, depending on the coffee beans.

Brewed cacao is more neutral and has a PH level of 6.3 to 6.7. So for those wondering if "is cacao acidic?" The answer is no, not as much as coffee.

Nutrition & Caffeine Content

Many coffee drinkers love coffee for one reason: the caffeine content.

Caffeine is responsible for giving you the energy boost you need, so it's natural to be curious about how much caffeine cacao and coffee have.

Generally, a cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine. Depending on how it's prepared, the caffeine content can go as high as 475 mg.

The recommended daily amount of caffeine is 400 mg, which is around 4 cups of coffee.[1]

Some people who have caffeine sensitivity choose to drink decaf coffee. However, this type of coffee still has a bit of caffeine, and it's rare to see decaf coffee that has completely no caffeine.

Instant coffee has lower caffeine content, which is about 40 to 109 mg, depending on the brand. On the other hand, cacao has significantly less caffeine.

A cup of brewed cacao usually contains 2 tablespoons of cacao powder and only 24 mg of caffeine.

Another nutritional content that you may be curious about is calories. A cup of brewed coffee without milk or sugar only has less than 5 calories.

Brewed cacao also contains a small number of calories, which is 20 calories per cup. Coffee has still fewer calories, but cacao is still healthy enough to enjoy a glass guilt-free.

Bean Variations

Coffee beans and cacao beans come from different types of plants.

Here are the three varieties of coffee beans:

Cocoa beans also have other varieties:

Health Benefits

As mentioned, cacao and coffee offer numerous health benefits. Still, this doesn't mean you can just drink as much as you want. Remember, too much of anything can be detrimental to your health.

If consumed moderately, coffee can help with various diseases, including Parkinson's disease[2], Type 2 diabetes[3], chronic liver disease, and liver cancer[4].

On top of that, people who regularly consume coffee within the recommended limits may have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Green coffee beans are also known to help burn fat.[5]

Cacao, on the other hand, is also beneficial to your health. It can reduce inflammation, promote healthy blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.[6]

It can also help improve your cardiovascular health. They also contain amino acids and have loads of antioxidants, magnesium, and iron.

However, you need to consume raw cacao to enjoy all of these health benefits. Once the cacao beans are roasted and fermented, all their nutrients and benefits are lost during the process.

If further processed into chocolate, cocoa butter, roasted cocoa powder, and other variants chocolate makers introduce, they contain a significant amount of added sugars, fat, and calories.

Those won’t help improve your health.

Side Effects

Let's dive into the world of brewed cacao and coffee, two mighty contenders with unique side effects.

We all adore that invigorating kick coffee provides, but beware the jitters, rapid heartbeats, and disrupted sleep it can bring if you go overboard.

Ah, brewed cacao, the smooth operator with a secret weapon called theobromine. This wonder compound grants a sustained and mellow energy lift without leaving you bouncing off the walls.

Oh, and did I mention the rich antioxidants in cacao that can work wonders for your mood and brain power?

Of course, everyone reacts differently to these delicious brews, but remember, moderation is key in the quest for the perfect pick-me-up!

Price

Coffee is the faithful companion that won't break the bank. 

With its widespread availability, you can often find a cup of joe at a reasonable price, from the local diner to the hipster café down the street.

But brewed cacao dances to a slightly different tune.

This exquisite elixir, with its rich flavors and velvety texture, tends to come with a slightly higher price tag.

You may need to dig a little deeper into your pockets to experience the decadence of brewed cacao. But trust me when I say, it's worth every penny.

So, whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, let your taste buds be the guide and savor every sip of your chosen brew.

Availability

Let's embark on a thrilling quest for the elusive elixirs: brewed cacao and coffee.

Now, coffee can be found in practically every nook and cranny of the Earth. 

From bustling cafes to cozy corner stores, it's a ubiquitous delight that's just a stone's throw away.

But brewed cacao takes on a more mysterious persona. While it's gaining popularity, it still hides in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

You might need to venture into specialty stores or explore the realms of online markets to unearth this hidden gem. But fear not, for the thrill of the hunt is part of the magic. 

What Is Brewed Cacao? (Origins Explained!)

Brewed cacao is a healthy coffee alternative that’s made with cacao beans. These beans are roasted and coarsely ground, then steeped in hot water.

The resulting cup has a sweet taste that can be mixed with regular milk or plant-based milk.

The origins of brewed cacao date back to 1500 BC when the Olmec people introduced the grinding and brewing of cacao beans.

Then, the Mayans considered it the “drink of the Gods” because of its nutritional value.

The trees of cacao grow in various regions in the tropical belt. It originated in Central America and has spread all over the equator.

The cacao beans come from cacao trees, which can grow up to 40 feet. It usually takes a cacao tree around four years to start producing fruit that is shaped like elongated pods.

These pods contain beans.

Each egg-shaped cacao pod often has around 20 to 40 cocoa beans, which are used to produce various cacao products.

Each bean is surrounded by a sweet white pulp, but this is often discarded to produce chocolate.

After cleaning the beans, they will undergo post-harvest processing either through cold pressing or roasting.

Cold-pressed cacao beans can produce cacao butter, cacao nibs, and raw cacao powder. Roasted beans can be used for brewed cacao.

What Exactly Is Coffee? (Origins & Popularity)

Coffee has been around for many centuries now, with the earliest evidence of coffee drinking dating back to the middle of the 15th century.

Like cacao, the beans come from a tree called the Coffea tree. The Coffea trees are smaller than cacao trees and have over 120 species that produce small fruit seeds called a coffee cherry.

The ripe coffee cherries contain coffee beans which are processed and roasted. During the roasting process, the coffee beans expand, turning green to dark brown, depending on the type of roast.

In fact, there are various types of coffee roast, including blonde roast and dark roast.

Many people think that the type of roast can affect the caffeine found in each bean. For example, dark roasts are known to have more caffeine, which is incorrect.

The roasting process only alters the taste of the beans, not their caffeine content.

After roasting, the beans should be aged for a day up to a week before grinding and brewing to de-gas the carbon dioxide made during the process.

Then, it will be ground, producing ground coffee beans that we use for our favorite morning hot drink.

Can You Brew Cacao In A Coffee Maker? (Let's Make It At Home)

The short answer is yes; you can brew cacao in a coffee maker. The easiest device to use is the French press. Follow our instructions below to create brewed cacao at home:

What You’ll Need

Instructions

FAQs

Does cacao give you energy like coffee?

Cacao can give you energy like coffee but in a different way. Coffee contains caffeine, and cacao has the alkaloid theobromine, both of which are stimulants.

Is it OK to drink brewed cacao every day?

Yes, it is okay to drink brewed cacao every day. It's safe to consume and can be good for your health.

What is the difference between cocoa and cacao?

Cacao is basically a raw, unprocessed version of cocoa, and cocoa is one of the byproducts of cacao.

Is cacao an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, cacao is an anti-inflammatory! Studies have shown that cacao can help reduce inflammation.[7]

Why Not Try Both?

Cacao is undoubtedly an excellent alternative to coffee. It has numerous health benefits, especially if minimally processed.

While it’s not going to replace the popularity of coffee grounds, cacao grounds can help people who can’t consume much caffeine.

In the future, we can expect coffee shops to offer this healthy coffee alternative.

References:

1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/caffeine
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7773776
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/blood-sugar/faq-20057941
4. https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/diet-and-liver-disease/coffee-and-the-liver
5. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2011/382852/
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2017.00036/full
7. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-020-00165-5