Costa Rican Cacao, Cocoa Powder and Drinking Cacao
For baking, try the El Gusto 100% cacao powder. For hot cocoa, the El Gusto 50% or 30% powders have sugar mixed in. For snacking and topping, try Nahuatl caramelized cacao beans.
Picks at a glance
| Pick | Use |
|---|---|
| El Gusto 100% Cacao Powder | Baking, homemade hot cocoa |
| El Gusto 50% Cocoa with Cane Sugar | Hot cocoa, easy baking |
| El Gusto 30% Cocoa with Cane Sugar | Sweeter hot cocoa |
| Nahuatl Caramelized Cacao Beans | Snacking, toppings |
| Mana Cacao Ceremonial Cacao | Thick, pure cacao drinks |
Cocoa powder for baking and hot cocoa
El Gusto 100% Cacao Powder, Costa Rica Origin (7 oz)
Who it suits: For baking and for making your own hot cocoa just the way you like it.
- 100% cacao powder with no sugar added, from a Costa Rican company.
- The listing says Costa Rica origin.
What to check on the listing: that the size and percentage match what you want.
El Gusto Cocoa Powder, 50% Cocoa with Cane Sugar (1 lb)
Who it suits: For hot cocoa and easy baking, with sugar already mixed in.
- 50% cocoa with cane sugar, Dutch processed, from a Costa Rican company.
What to check on the listing: the cocoa % and the size.
El Gusto Cocoa Powder, 30% Cocoa with Cane Sugar (1 lb)
Who it suits: For a sweeter, milder cup of hot cocoa.
- 30% cocoa with cane sugar, from a Costa Rican company.
- This one is also listed on amazon.ca.
What to check on the listing: the cocoa % and the size.
Cacao beans for snacking and toppings
Plain Costa Rican cacao nibs aren't available on Amazon right now. These caramelized whole beans are the closest pick. People eat them as a snack or chop them over yogurt, oatmeal or ice cream.
Nahuatl Caramelized Costa Rican Cacao Beans (100 g)
Who it suits: For snacking or sprinkling on yogurt and desserts.
- Whole cacao beans with a caramelized coating, not plain nibs.
- Handcrafted in Costa Rica by a small family company. The listing says organic and vegan.
What to check on the listing: the ingredient list and package size.
Cacao vs. cocoa powder: the label difference
The words are often swapped. On these listings, "cacao powder" is the unsweetened 100% one. The 50% and 30% powders are cocoa mixed with cane sugar, and the 50% one is Dutch processed, which the listing names. Read each label for the % and whether sugar is added.
Costa Rican-style hot chocolate at home
Warm a cup of milk (or a milk you like) in a small pot. Whisk in a spoonful or two of cocoa powder until smooth. If you use the 100% powder, add sugar to taste. Follow the amounts on the listing if it gives them.
"Ceremonial" cacao: what the label means
"Ceremonial" is a product style name. It usually means pure cacao made for drinking. It isn't a quality grade, so read the listing for how to prepare it.
Mana Cacao 100% Pure Ceremonial Cacao
Who it suits: For people who like to make thick, pure cacao drinks at home.
- The listing describes it as "Costa Rican" and says "Single-Origin Costa Rican Sourcing." It also says small-batch and minimally processed.
- A 100% cacao product sold for making drinks.
What to check on the listing: the preparation directions on the listing.
Read more about Costa Rican cacao, see all our Costa Rican chocolate picks, or browse El Gusto cocoa and gifts.
These links go to amazon.com, and shoppers in Canada can use the same links. Delivery options depend on the item, so check them at checkout.
FAQ
What's the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder?
They are often used as the same thing. Labels may say cacao for less processed powder and cocoa for powder that has been processed more, such as Dutch processed. Check each listing for the % and any added sugar.
How do you use cacao nibs?
People sprinkle them on yogurt, oatmeal or ice cream, or stir them into baking. The caramelized cacao beans here can be used the same way, or eaten as a snack.
How do you make Costa Rican-style hot chocolate?
Warm milk in a pot, whisk in cocoa powder until smooth, and sweeten to taste if your powder has no sugar. Follow the listing's directions when it gives amounts.
What does "ceremonial cacao" mean on a label?
It's a product style name for pure cacao made for drinking. It isn't a quality grade, so check the listing for how to prepare it.