NOW Real Food® Cacao Powder Raw And Organic (12 oz / 340 g)
Cold-pressed, unroasted, and non-alkalized Peruvian raw cacao powder delivering intact antioxidant flavanols, natural theobromine, and plant-based magnesium without added sugars or artificial processing.
If you are shopping for cacao powder raw and organic, you have likely run into the common confusion between cheap baking cocoa and genuine raw cacao. Conventional grocery store "cocoa" is roasted at high heat and treated with alkaline chemical solutions (Dutch-processed). While this makes the powder darker and less bitter, it strips away up to 90% of the active antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
NOW Real Food® Organic Raw Cacao Powder is made the way nature intended. Grown in the fertile soil of Peru under sustainable farming practices, the cacao beans are harvested, gently fermented to unlock their full chocolate flavor notes, and sun-dried instead of oven-roasted. The beans are then cold-pressed to extract rich cacao butter, leaving a pure, nutrient-dense powder that stays completely un-Dutched. The result is an intensely flavorful dark chocolate superfood packed with naturally occurring polyphenols, flavan-3-ols, and minerals.
Quick Reference: Product Highlights at a Glance
✓100% Certified Organic & Non-GMO: USDA Certified Organic by QAI and Non-GMO Project Verified.
✓Sun-Dried, Never Roasted: Cold-pressed processing preserves living enzymes, polyphenols, and delicate flavanols.
✓Non-Alkalized (No Dutch Processing): Retains its natural, authentic acidic pH and full antioxidant capacity.
✓Clean Energy & Mood Support: Rich in smooth theobromine for steady vitality without coffee jitters.
✓Rigorously Lab-Tested: Verified for safety and heavy metals in ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facilities.
The Purity Standard: NOW Foods Heavy Metal Testing & Contaminant Controls
When evaluating raw cacao powder from a health standpoint, safety is just as important as antioxidant count. Cacao trees (Theobroma cacao) naturally absorb heavy metals—particularly cadmium and lead—from the volcanic soils in Central and South America where they thrive. For health-conscious consumers, knowing whether your cacao is tested for these elements is essential.
NOW Foods addresses this concern directly through one of the most advanced quality assurance programs in the nutritional industry. Rather than relying on overseas vendor certificates, NOW operates state-of-the-art, in-house analytical laboratories accredited under the international ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. Each month, their scientific staff performs over 19,000 comprehensive tests to guarantee ingredient identity, purity, and safety.
How NOW Real Food Tests Every Batch of Cacao:
ICP-MS Heavy Metal Screening: NOW utilizes Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), an analytical method capable of measuring trace heavy metals down to parts-per-billion (ppb). Every batch of raw cacao powder is tested for cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Strict Contaminant Thresholds: NOW benchmarks its raw cacao against stringent safety standards, including U.S. FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 117), California Proposition 65 guidelines, and European Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 standards for cocoa products. Lots that fail these internal safety limits are rejected.
Pesticide & Herbicide Verification: NOW employs Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to confirm the complete absence of harmful agricultural residues, ensuring true organic compliance.
Microbiological Safety: Raw foods must be protected against pathogens. NOW screens every production run for Salmonella, E. coli, coliforms, yeast, and molds using validated PCR and microbiological plating techniques before releasing the product for sale.
This multi-tiered testing protocol ensures you can enjoy the pure health benefits of raw cacao daily without worrying about untested soil contaminants.
Complete Ingredients & Nutritional Facts
Pure, honest nutrition starts with full ingredient transparency. NOW Real Food® Raw Organic Cacao Powder contains zero fillers, zero maltodextrin, zero added sugars, and zero anti-caking agents.
Nutrition Facts
136 Servings Per Container
Serving size: 1 tsp (2.5g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories10
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.5g1%Saturated Fat 0g0%Trans Fat 0gCholesterol 0mg0%Sodium 0mg0%Total Carbohydrate 1g<1%Dietary Fiber 0g0%Total Sugars 0gIncludes 0g Added Sugars0%Protein 0g
Vitamin D 0mcg • 0%
Calcium 3mg • 0%
Iron 0mg • 0%
Potassium 38mg • 0%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients:
Organic Cacao Powder (Theobroma cacao).
Allergen Information:
Packaged in a peanut-free facility that processes tree nuts. Naturally free from gluten, wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
Biochemical Superfood Mechanisms: Why Raw Cacao Supports Health
Raw cacao is not just a healthy baking ingredient; it is one of the most chemically complex plant foods on earth. By skipping the intense roasting oven, raw organic cacao powder preserves bioactive compounds that directly support cardiovascular function, cognitive clarity, and cellular longevity.
1. Flavanols & Endothelial Health
Raw cacao is packed with monomeric flavan-3-ols, predominantly (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin. These plant compounds stimulate the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which boosts the production of nitric oxide (NO) in your arteries. Nitric oxide signals blood vessels to relax and expand, supporting healthy blood pressure and smooth blood flow.
2. Theobromine: Jitter-Free Vitality
Unlike coffee, which depends on harsh spikes of caffeine, cacao derives its energizing properties from theobromine. Theobromine acts as a gentle adenosine receptor blocker and mild vasodilator. It widens blood vessels and improves oxygen transport to the brain without overstimulating the central nervous system, delivering sustained focus without the dreaded mid-afternoon crash.
3. Natural Plant Minerals
Whole cacao beans are an abundant plant-based source of essential minerals, including magnesium, iron, and copper. Magnesium acts as a biochemical spark plug for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, helping relax tense muscles, soothe nerve function, and support cellular energy (ATP) generation.
4. Prebiotic Gut Defense
A large portion of the antioxidant polyphenols in raw cacao pass unabsorbed into the lower digestive tract. There, beneficial gut bacteria (such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) ferment these compounds into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), nourishing the intestinal lining and reinforcing the gut-brain axis.
How to Use Raw Cacao for Maximum Bioavailability
Because raw cacao is minimally processed, how you prepare it at home makes a substantial difference in the nutrients your body absorbs. Many people unknowingly neutralize cacao's benefits by making two common mistakes:
Avoid These Two Preparation Pitfalls:
Never Mix with Boiling Water: Temperatures above 120°F (50°C) degrade heat-sensitive flavanols, enzymes, and antioxidants. If preparing a warm beverage, heat your liquid until it is warm to the touch (around 105°F–115°F), remove it from heat, and then whisk in your cacao powder.
Avoid Dairy Milk: Casein proteins present in cow's milk bind to cacao polyphenols in the digestive tract, forming complexes that can reduce antioxidant absorption. To maximize bioavailability, mix raw cacao with water, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead.
Three Simple Everyday Uses:
Antioxidant Morning Smoothie: Blend 1 to 2 teaspoons of NOW Raw Cacao Powder with a frozen banana, a scoop of plant protein, a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter, and unsweetened oat milk for a rich, guilt-free morning shake.
Pre-Workout Energy Tonic: Whisk 1 teaspoon of raw cacao powder and 1/2 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon into 8 oz of warm almond milk. Drink 30 minutes before exercise for steady blood flow, physical stamina, and mental drive.
Raw Superfood Yogurt Bowl: Dust 1 teaspoon of raw cacao powder over organic plant yogurt, chia seeds, and fresh berries for an energizing dessert packed with clean polyphenols and dietary fiber.
Who Should Exercise Caution? Constraints, Precautions & Pet Warnings
Responsible health guidance requires discussing trade-offs and edge cases. While raw organic cacao powder is safe and nourishing for most adults, specific groups should moderate their intake or avoid it:
Stimulant Sensitivity & Sleep
If you are sensitive to xanthines (theobromine and trace caffeine), avoid consuming raw cacao within 4 to 6 hours of bedtime. Even gentle stimulants can interfere with deep REM sleep in sensitive individuals.
Acid Reflux & GERD
Theobromine causes smooth muscle relaxation, which includes the lower esophageal sphincter. Those who suffer from severe acid reflux or GERD may experience heightened heartburn after consuming concentrated cacao.
Kidney Stone History
Cacao beans naturally contain moderate-to-high levels of dietary oxalates. If you have a clinical history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, monitor your cumulative dietary oxalate intake and stay well-hydrated.
Critical Pet Safety Warning
Never feed cacao to dogs, cats, or household pets. Animals metabolize theobromine very slowly compared to humans. Ingesting raw cacao powder can cause severe theobromine poisoning, cardiac distress, seizures, or fatal toxicity in pets. Keep this pouch securely sealed in a cabinet away from animals.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Raw Cacao vs. Dutch Cocoa vs. Chocolate Bars
How does unroasted, non-alkalized raw cacao powder stack up against conventional grocery products? Review the side-by-side differences below:
Product Type
Processing Heat
Alkalization (Dutching)
Active Flavanols
Added Sugars / Fats
Heavy Metal Testing
NOW Raw Organic Cacao Powder
Unroasted / Sun-Dried (<118°F)
No (Natural Acidic pH)
Maximum Preserved
0g Sugars / Minimal Fat
Every Batch (ICP-MS)
Standard Baking Cocoa Powder
Roasted (250°F–300°F)
Frequently Dutched
Degraded (60–90% lost)
0g Sugars / Low Fat
Varies / Often Untested
Commercial Dark Chocolate Bar (70%)
High-Heat Roasted & Conched
Often Alkalized
Moderate to Low
High Sugar & Added Butter
Rarely Batch-Disclosed
Why Buy from VitaNet®? 31+ Years of Hands-On Supplement Integrity
At VitaNet®, LLC, we believe that choosing dietary supplements and superfoods should never be a guessing game[cite: 1]. Founded in 1995 as an independent, family-owned health retailer in Hartville, Ohio, our team has spent over 31 years vetting formulations, auditing manufacturing practices, and prioritizing genuine nutritional quality for our customers[cite: 1].
We partner directly with established industry leaders like NOW Real Food® because their investment in certified in-house laboratories and clean-ingredient sourcing aligns with our own retail values. When you order from VitaNet®, you avoid unverified third-party sellers and receive authentic, freshly dated products backed by reliable service.
The VitaNet® Difference:
100% Money-Back Guarantee: We stand behind every product we sell. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, we refund your purchase and even cover return shipping—even on opened items[cite: 1].
Family-Owned Integrity: Serving the wellness community continuously online since 1995 with BBB A+ accredited customer support[cite: 1].
Direct Fresh Inventory: We store products in climate-controlled conditions to protect delicate polyphenols from heat and moisture degradation before they reach your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between raw cacao powder and regular cocoa powder?
Raw cacao powder is cold-pressed from unroasted, sun-dried beans and remains non-alkalized (un-Dutched), preserving heat-sensitive antioxidants (flavan-3-ols), enzymes, magnesium, and natural theobromine. Regular cocoa powder is roasted at high heat and often alkalized with chemical salts, which darkens the color and lowers bitterness but strips away up to 60% to 90% of beneficial polyphenols.
Q: Does NOW Foods test their raw organic cacao powder for heavy metals like cadmium and lead?
Yes. NOW Foods tests every incoming batch of raw cacao using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in their in-house ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories. They screen for cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury to ensure compliance with strict FDA food regulations, California Proposition 65 limits, and European Commission safety standards.
Q: How much caffeine is in a serving of raw cacao powder?
Raw cacao powder contains only a very small amount of caffeine—typically around 5 to 15 milligrams per teaspoon, which is less than one-tenth of a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee. Its primary uplifting compound is theobromine, a gentler cardiovascular stimulant that supports alertness without caffeine jitters or crashes.
Q: Why shouldn't I mix raw cacao powder with boiling water or cow's milk?
Boiling water above 120°F (50°C) degrades delicate, heat-sensitive antioxidant flavanols and plant enzymes. Additionally, casein proteins found in cow's milk bind to cacao polyphenols, which can significantly blunt their absorption in the digestive tract. To protect potency, blend raw cacao into warm (not boiling) liquids or use plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Q: Can raw organic cacao powder help with high blood pressure and circulation?
Clinical research and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirm that cacao flavanols (especially epicatechin) support healthy blood flow and blood vessel elasticity by stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide helps relax arterial walls, encouraging healthy circulation.
Q: Is raw cacao powder safe for pets like dogs and cats?
No. Raw cacao is strictly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. Cacao contains high concentrations of theobromine, an alkaloid that animals cannot metabolize efficiently. Keep all raw cacao products stored securely away from animals.
Q: Who should be cautious when taking raw cacao powder?
Individuals who are highly sensitive to xanthine stimulants (theobromine/caffeine), those suffering from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), individuals on MAO inhibitor medications, or those prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones should limit or avoid cacao consumption.
Q: What is the best way to store raw cacao powder to keep it fresh?
Store NOW Real Food Raw Organic Cacao Powder in its resealable, airtight pouch or an opaque, airtight glass container. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark pantry away from direct sunlight, steam, heat sources, and strong odors.
Scientific References & Regulatory Disclaimers
Scientific Literature & Authority Standards:
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation. EFSA Journal, 2012;10(7):2809.
European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food (Cadmium limits in cocoa powder).
Corti, R., et al. Cocoa and cardiovascular health. Circulation, 2009;119(10):1433-1441.
Miller, K. B., et al. Impact of alkalization on the antioxidant and flavanol content of commercial cocoa powders. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2008;56(18):8527-8533.
Lorenz, M., et al. Addition of milk prevents vascular benefits of tea and cocoa flavonoids. European Heart Journal, 2007;28(2):219-223.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
