This one is for all you chocolate lovers out there. And it is nutritious and filling too…There is a bit of a thing about whether to use cacao or cocoa – sounds the same doesn’t it but there are some differences which are worth knowing about. In short, cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can have as it undergoes minimal processing and retain super high levels of antioxidants.

Cocoa, on the other hand, which is what you buy easily in regular supermarkets and is what most of us know, is heated up to a higher temperature during processing thus loosing nutrients along the way. However, and this is important, they are both good for you and can be used interchangeably if you have one but not the other.

Raw cacao powder has more nutrients due to minimal processing and is also richer in calories as more of the coco bean is retained. Cocoa powder (as long as its pure and not diluted with sugar or milk powders – Nesquick is NOT the answer) has fewer calories and retain antioxidants albeit less nutritious than cacao powder. Phew… we got that sorted out.  If you want to read more about cacao vs. cocoa, here is a good and clear article from Onegreenplanet.

And now to the good bit – the Raw Chocolate Smoothie – which is super delicious, filling, nutritious and very, very simple to make. The good fats in the nut butter ensures you stay full for longer and have less cravings for sweets. Just don’t repeat my mistake of leaving a spoon in the blender and then turning it on puree. Glass covered in cacao powder and mashed banana shattered all over my kitchen and I am now on the hunt for a new blender! Happy Monday all! x

Raw Chocolate Smoothie

2 tbsp raw cacao (I use Choc chick – delicious)

1 banana

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp almond butter (or peanut if you prefer)

Blend until frothy and smooth. Decorate with a raspberry if you want to impress – otherwise just drink the lot!

Ps. If you still require more sweetness add a squeeze of agave, maple syrup or honey.