Cacao Tea Recipe And Benefits - Healthfully You (2024)

Cacao Tea is a naturally sweet, chocolate tea made from brewed cacao husk that is both energizing and nutritious. Instead of throwing away the shells of cacao beans, enjoy their immense benefits and use them to make a delicious drink! This quick and easy 2-ingredient hot tea that’s ready in just 5 minutes.(This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.)

For more healthy drink recipes, try our Hydrating Cherry Smoothie and this Easy Detoxifying Spirulina Drink next.

I love tea and this cacao tea is exceptional. I tried it for the first time when I lived in Peru and now I’m obsessed. I went to a chocolate-making class where I learned of Peru’s rich culture of chocolate-making. We learned the entire process of making chocolate from removing the cacao beans from the fruit, to roasting the beans, removing the shell, grinding them, and more! The instructor excitedly explained all the incredible benefits of cacao tea including its ability to energize the body similar to a cup of coffee but without the jittery effect or harsh coffee crash. They mentioned it is also great for lactating mothers as it energizes, increases oxytocin, and helps increase milk production.

So you can immediately see, cacao tea has such great benefits. I enjoy a cup first thing in the morning with breakfast to get my day started and sometimes after a meal. Why not skip the caffeine jitters and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa tea?

Reasons This Cacao Tea Recipe Works

• Super Simple!All you need is cacao husk and hot water to make this hot tea.
• Great Coffee Alternative!Get a boost of energy without the negative side effects associated with caffeine.
• A Healthy Beverage!Try it for the taste but keep drinking for all the health benefits! Cacao husks and nibs are rich in powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins like magnesium and Vitamin C so it supports overall wellness.

What is Cacao Tea?

Cacao tea (not to be confused with cocoa tea) is loose-leaf cocoa husks infused in hot water. This hot beverage was discovered by the Mayan civilization.

What is the difference between cacao beans and cocoa beans?

Pronounced “Ca-cow”,Cacao is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa. Cacao beans are cocoa beans in their natural state. The raw bean is referred to as cocoa beans once they are roasted.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cacao Husk:The shell of the cacao bean is often overlooked and discarded but this is a superfood with so many nutritious benefits. It has a delicate chocolate flavor that makes it a great healthy treat.
• Water: This is the liquid base of the tea.

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• Cinnamon: This adds a warm, aromatic quality that counters the tart, sometimes bitter taste of raw cacao.
• Agave syrup: Use this natural sweetener if you want a sweeter cacao tea.
• Milk of choice:You can use almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, whole milk, heavy cream, or even a splash of condensed milk. Use whatever you prefer.

How to Make Cacao Tea

Steep for 5 minutes in boiling water. (The longer you steep the stronger the chocolate flavor.) Then sweeten, add a dash of milk, and enjoy!

FAQs

What is the difference between a cacao husk and cacao nibs?

The husk is the outer shell of the cacao bean whereas the nibs are the crumbled bits of the cacao bean. The husk has a sweeter, delicate flavor while the nibs boost a stronger chocolate taste that is sometimes bitter. You can use either to make this cacao tea recipe.

Does cacao tea contain caffeine?

Cacao husks are caffeine-free. However, they contain theobromine, a natural substance that enhances focus but keeps you calm for more relaxed energy than coffee.

Does cacao tea help you sleep?

Although it has relaxing qualities thanks to the theobromine, this drink is not a sleep aid.

I Hope You Enjoy This Cacao TeaRecipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures and share them with me onInstagram,Facebook, andPinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Healthy Drink Recipes To Try!

• Cherimoya Smoothie (Easy and Delicious!)
• Apple Cucumber Juice (In Blender)