Coffee powder vs cacao is a debate that rages on. Which is better? The former or the latter? If you’re still not sure of your favorite drink, then this question is something you can’t avoid asking yourself.
While they share a similar look, an expert will be able to find the difference in seconds. But is that all? Of course not! There are several differences between coffee powder and cacao. Let’s take a look at them.
Origin of Coffee Powder and Cacao
Coffee powder and Cacao share some similarities based on how they are sourced. Let us review their source.
Coffee Tree
The Coffee tree is one of nature’s most utilized trees by humans. The raw materials gained from this tree have been a lifesaver for generations and continue to play a major role in human life.
There are 120 different species of coffee beans produced by coffee trees. However, of the large number, two of the most popular ones are Robusta, whose real name is Coffee Canephora, and Arabica. These seeds are widely used worldwide to make coffee drinks, and they are priced at a premium.
To process the seeds for consumption, the layers are removed, such as the parchment, pulp, and skin, leave the beans exposed. This is the seed that is washed, dried, and roasted for eventual brewing.
Today, coffee powder is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and it is made with water and dissolved coffee.
Also called instant coffee, it is very easy to make since it doesn’t require any special brewing process on your path. The roasted coffee beans are grounded into granules and processed using different means to extract the water content so as to get a dried powder.
The coffee powder can be brewed in 2 minutes or less since the powder dissolves quickly in water. Drinkers also have the choice of adding milk or not
Cacao Tree
Cacao is a tree that can grow as high as 40ft. The name originates from Greek which means “Food of the gods.”
Unlike the coffee tree which takes a shorter time to mature, the Cacao tree may take up to 4 years before it can start producing pods. Each egg-shaped pod may contain as many as 40 beans, and this is the tree from which chocolate is made.
Cacao is processed using two methods. The cold-pressed method involves roasting the cacao seeds or cold pressing to make the powder or extracting the oil to make cacao butter or nibs.
Also Read: Adding Cocoa Powder to Coffee
Differences Between Coffee Powder and Cacao
Yes, there are differences. The first distinction you need to take notice of is that both products are sourced from different trees. Coffee powder is gotten from the coffee tree, while cacao or cocoa powder is from the Cacao tree.
Secondly, the manufacturing process is different. While both are roasted to change their chemical nature, cacao requires a higher heat temperature of approximately 250 degrees to lower the level of antioxidants.
However, unlike cacao, coffee beans don’t have to be fermented before they are processed. To make cacao nibs, the seeds need to be fermented and then crushed.
Coffee Powder vs Cacao
Now that you know the difference between coffee powder and Cacao, we want to take our time to deconstruct both. The only way you will be able to decide which is best for you is if you know what they contain and their benefits to the human body.
Benefits
Let’s review the benefits nod both beverages independently.
Coffee
Coffee is a nice beverage, You’d agree, to have a fantastic start to your day.
It contains sufficient caffeine volume to give your system a kick to start the day in the right mood.
Coffee has several health benefits, such as lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, chronic liver disease, and even liver cancer.
Some experts also believe that people who consume coffee regularly are less likely to suffer from strokes, cardiovascular diseases, and heart attacks.
Above all, coffee is a mood enhancer and a memory booster. On top of all these, people who observe keto diets and wish to lose weight can consume high doses of coffee without raising their calories too high.
Cacao
Cacao beans are very nutritious as they contain calcium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. Cacao is effective against heart diseases and can boost cardiovascular health. You can also use it to fight stress and depression too.
Furthermore, in some parts of the world, especially in continents like Africa, the seeds are consumed raw, which offers the consumer more richness because the ingredients are attracted in their raw form.
Subsequently, raw cacao can be processed into various forms like cocoa butter, chocolate, and roasted powder. The different variations make it a highly valuable plant.
Caffeine Content
What is the caffeine composition of both?
Coffee powder
Coffee is known to have a high level of caffeine.
For instance, a single cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine, which is slightly below the daily recommended quantity for adults.
So to reach your daily dose, you will need to consume at least 3-5 cups of coffee daily. While decaffeinated coffee contains less caffeine, it still has some caffeine deposits (very small amounts like 5mg of caffeine per cup), so it cannot be considered caffeine-free.
Cacao
Cacao contains caffeine but not as much as coffee, so for those who want something with less caffeine go for cacao rather than coffee.
To put things into perspective, a cup of brewed cacao containing 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder contains about 24 milligrams of caffeine. Comparing that to what you get with one cup of coffee, that is 25% worth of caffeine contained in a cup of coffee.
The argument for and against caffeine will likely never end, so it is down to a matter of choice. If you prefer to have more caffeine in your drink, black coffee is best for you, but if you want less, a hot cacao mix is the better option.
Flavor Profile
Which of the two tastes better?
Coffee
The only way to tell is if you have a good idea about how cacao and coffee powder tastes. Coffee has a pleasant aroma and tastes nice, which is why drinkers savor every moment they hold a cup of coffee in their hands.
When drunk without any other ingredient, it has a bitter taste, but the taste comes to life with milk, sugar, and other spices.
Although coffee has a distinct taste, its versatile notes make it an amazing drink because each ingredient you add changes the taste.
Cacao
Cacao also has a pleasant taste, but that is to be expected when you consider the fact that it is the same plant used to make chocolate. However, in its raw form, it is very bitter.
Cacao’s earthly taste makes it a favorite of many, and its taste profile changes if you add sugar, milk, and other addictive to it.
People have their favorites, though. Some people prefer the taste of coffee over cacao and vice versa, so at the end of the day, it is a matter of choice.
Brewing method
Which of the Two is Easier to Make?
Coffee Powder
In the past, making a cup of coffee was a cumbersome process.
You had to process the coffee to remove the parchment before roasting the beans. You also had to brew it at the right temperature to get the perfect taste.
Today, you can buy roasted coffee already processed and packaged at roasteries. Also, there are automatic coffee makers that can help you brew coffee at the right temperature in a matter of minutes.
Then there is instant coffee which is basically granulated coffee seeds that is easy to prepare. So modern brewing methods have made it relatively easy for the average coffee drinker to brew coffee.
Cacao
Cacao is also easy to make using the French Press method. This method takes about 5-7 minutes to brew, but if you don’t have a French Press maker, it may take you a long time.
So having the right equipment is vital if you want to get the best out of your cacao powder.
Closing Thoughts
Time to wrap things up.
Coffee powder vs Cacao is one debate that will never end because people will always have their preferences.
Deciding on one is a matter of choice; however, we will pick instinct over choice though. The moment you take your first cup of each, you will know by heart which one you prefer.