Chocolate bar, fudge cake, hot chocolate beverage, and chocolate ice cream. That’s only a few of the things that come to my mind every time I hear the word cocoa butter.
But you may also have heard about cacao butter, which typically reminds everyone of the cacao fruit. The oval-shaped fruit, which looks kind of like a rugby ball, with red or yellow skin.
So, what’s the difference between the two? Is there even a difference?
This post will discuss the differences between cocoa butter vs cacao butter. I will also talk about their practical uses, health benefits, cooking uses, and more.
Cocoa Butter vs Cacao Butter: What’s the Difference?
Cocoa butter and cacao butter—are they the same thing or different? They can be a bit tricky to untangle. Both come from the plant of cocoa beans, processed into cocoa liquor and cacao nibs.
To extract the cocoa butter, the cacao beans are roasted, stripped of their hulls, and pressed for their fat content. This plant-based fat is a key ingredient in cocoa butter products, separated from the solids that become cocoa powder.
What about cacao butter? Well, they’re practically the same.
The only difference between cocoa butter and cacao butter lies mainly in their processing. Cacao butter is raw and unheated, keeping its nutrients more intact, while cocoa butter goes through processing under high temperatures.
Both are loaded with nourishing fatty acids and are used similarly in food and skincare. However, the terms "cacao" and "cocoa" help distinguish between raw and processed cocoa products.
Here’s a fun fact about cacao fruits:
Did you know cacao fruits and products are mostly produced in Africa? Exporting millions of tonnes of cacao every year, the Ivory Coast and Ghana, both African countries, account for more than 50% of the world’s cocoa.
What Is Cocoa or Cacao Butter Used For?
Famously called "the food of the gods" by the Mayans, pure cocoa butter has been cherished for centuries. Initially, it was used to make a rich cocoa drink, but today, its uses have reached far beyond beverages.
For one, it’s become a popular ingredient and a key component in body and face lotions. It’s also valued in the culinary world, adding a smooth, rich texture to both sweet and savory dishes.
Cooking With Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a versatile and essential ingredient in the kitchen, especially for those exploring plant-based or dairy-free options. When melted, it turns into a golden oil that adds creaminess to your favorite snacks and savory dishes.
It’s often used in vegan or dairy-free recipes as a substitute for traditional butter or coconut oil, and its high smoke point makes it perfect for high-heat cooking without burning easily.
Beyond cooking, you can typically find cocoa butter in desserts like chocolate bars and white chocolate. However, not all products with cocoa butter are vegan, so it's always wise to check the ingredients.
Here’s another fun fact:
Did you know cocoa butter is the reason behind your fudge's melt-in-the-mouth experience?
It has a low melting point of around 34°C – 38°C, which is why dark chocolate can magically remain solid at room temperature but melt when exposed to your body temperature.
Using Cocoa Butter For Hair and Skin Care
Apart from chocolate making, cocoa butter is popular in the beauty products industry because of its smooth feel and long shelf life. But most importantly, like shea butter, cocoa butter is quite useful for dry skin.
This ingredient is a favorite in skin creams, salves, and lip balms, thanks to its velvety texture and ability to stay solid in moderate heat.
Additionally, its naturally occurring antioxidants prevent rancidity, making it one of the most stable fats for cosmetic formulations.
If you’re concerned about the additives, consider cocoa butter in stick form, which contains organic cacao butter, or melt whole, unrefined cocoa butter to create your own DIY beauty products.
Apart from healing your skin, regularly massaging the scalp with cocoa butter can result in thicker, more vibrant hair. By improving scalp circulation, cocoa butter encourages hair growth, while its rich oleic acid content stimulates hair follicles.
Cocoa butter forms a protective barrier on the hair, shielding it from damage caused by sun, wind, and cold exposure. It also helps prevent unattractive split ends and breakage.
The Health Benefits of Cocoa and Cacao Butter
One of cacao fruit’s key benefits is its high vitamin E content, which supports various functions in the human body. Vitamin E promotes healthy vision, skin, and brain function, and aids in reproduction and blood health.
When turned to cocoa butter, it becomes a super moisturizer. The concentration of fatty acids makes it an excellent choice for combating skin dryness, creating a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture, and preventing dehydration.
This humble butter has healing properties, too. So, if you have dry and itchy issues you can’t get rid of, you might benefit from using cacao products.
Cocoa butter is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
The soothing, oil-based nature of cocoa butter helps alleviate itching and supports the skin's natural healing process. Its rich, emollient qualities make it an effective treatment for calming flare-ups and aiding in recovery, too.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—cocoa butter and cacao butter are practically twins, with the main difference being their processing. The two are fabulous in the kitchen and skincare.
Whether you’re adding a touch of creamy goodness to your favorite recipes or indulging in luxurious skin care, these butters deliver impressive benefits.
From enhancing your culinary creations to keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, cocoa and cacao butter are both versatile and valuable.
Use their rich, nourishing properties and let them work their magic in your daily routine.
References
https://www.britannica.com/plant/cacao
https://www.statista.com/statistics/263855/cocoa-bean-production-worldwide-by-region/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-cocoa-butter-vegan
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-is-shea-butter
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-vitamin-e