Difference Between Cacao and Cocoa

Cacao vs. Cocoa

Today, we will talk about two words that look and sound almost the same: cacao and cocoa. Both come from a plant and are used to make yummy treats like chocolate, but they are a little bit different.

History

The word cacao comes from the Spanish word “cacao” which is taken from the indigenous peoples’ word “kakaw” in Central and South America.

The word cocoa comes from an English mistake or change of the word “cacao”. Over time, people started to say “cocoa” instead of “cacao”.

How to Use Them

Cacao is the raw or unprocessed form. It is used when we talk about the beans taken straight from the cacao tree and products made with very little processing.

Cocoa is when those beans are roasted and processed. Most chocolate and drink powders are made from cocoa.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember this: Cacao is like the starting part, just like the first two letters “ca“. Cocoa has the double “o” in the middle, just like the word ‘cooked’, which happens after it is roasted.

Example Sentences Using Cacao

1. The monkeys love to eat ripe cacao pods.
2. Farmers harvest cacao beans from the trees.
3. Cacao nibs are crunchy and good for health.
4. Raw cacao powder has a bitter taste.
5. We visited a cacao farm during our vacation.

Example Sentences Using Cocoa

1. I like to drink hot cocoa on winter days.
2. Cocoa powder is used in most baking recipes.
3. She added cocoa to her smoothie for a chocolate flavor.
4. Cocoa butter is used in making lotions and creams.
5. The chocolate bar is made from cocoa beans.

Summary

In short, cacao is the raw, natural form and cocoa is what we get after we cook or roast those beans. Knowing this difference helps you pick the right word!