Many people say that eating dark chocolate is good for you because it contains a lot of antioxidants. But, the less processed, often bitter tasting raw cacao is even better for you. Grown in the warm climate of Central and South America, among other places like Mexico, cacao beans are the base of chocolates and many dessert dishes. Cacao beans heated at a low temperature are considered raw, and can be purchased whole, in pieces called nibs, or grounded.

Raw cacao can help decrease oxidation of the “bad” cholesterol in our bodies, which helps lower our risk for heart disease. Studies show that the components in cacao may help prevent cancer as well. Check out this infographic to learn more about raw cacao. And then, go make some Raw Avocado Cacao Mousse, Raw Cacao Truffles, or maybe some Raw Cacao Milk.

Here are some amazing recipes made with Raw Cacao!

1. Raw Chocolate Mousse [Vegan]

A chocolate nut crust holds this creamy chocolate vegan mousse, drizzled with a chocolate sauce.

---

2. Raw Superfood Chocolate [Vegan]

The ingredients in this recipe are pretty spectacular in their nutritional profiles. We've got spirulina, maca, reishi mushroom, goji berries, and obviously cacao

---

3. Raw Chocolate Pudding Tart with Coconut Cream [Vegan]

This raw vegan chocolate pudding tart is perfect for any special occasion. Every chocolatey bite leaves a hint of coconut and a little explosion of goji berries in your mouth

---

4. Raw Fruity Bags With Raw Brownie Filling [Vegan]

My inspiration for this recipe were these cute little raw bags from rawmazing.com. I just wanted mine sweet

---

5. Raw Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fudge [Vegan]

  This recipe is not only delicious and decadent but it’s also good for you and super simple! It only takes five minutes to prepare and you only need five

---

6. Raw Avocado Cacao Mousse

This one is possibly my second favourite. It is so surprisingly tasty, and you can't even taste the avocado at all, but the fruit gives this mousse its silky softness, not to mention the vast amount of nutrients

---

7. Raw Chocolate Cake [Vegan]

My recipe uses a different crust, a combination of walnuts and dried figs I personally find irresistibly delicious

---

8. Raw Chocolate Gift Box [Vegan]

Raw chocolates are perfect for holidays such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, or any day really

---

9. Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles [Vegan]

These chocolate truffles have the nutty taste of hazelnut infused within them. Best of all, it's all raw!

---

10. Raw Double Chocolate Mint Bars [Vegan]

I decided to go raw and to bump up the mint flavor with a small amount of alcohol-free extract alongside a handful of fresh mint straight from the garden

---

11. Raw Gingerbread and Chocolate Tarts [Vegan]

The combination of gingerbread and chocolate are perfect for any holiday party. It's even better because this dessert is completely raw!

---

12. Raw Cacao Truffles [Vegan]

Raw cacao or raw chocolate (not the roasted, processed cousin known as cocoa) is known as a superfood for health and vitality

---

13. How to Make Raw Cacao Milk

At some point, we all need a moment of peace and quiet; a moment of loneliness, a moment to relax, to gather your thoughts and enjoy the calmness

---

14. Raw Strawberry Creme Chocolate Truffles [Vegan]

Try this oh-so-delicious raw vegan truffle and you will be in for a treat! It's a indulgence, but who says you can't have more than one a day

---

15. Crunchy Raw Protein Balls [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

This easy Crunchy Raw Protein Ball recipe has to be in my top three favorites because it is simple to make and has so much nutrition packed into each tiny little chocolate ball

---

16. How to Make Homemade Raw Dark Chocolate

This basic dark chocolate recipe is easy. Here, almost nothing can go wrong and if you are making raw chocolate for the first time, make it your starter

---

17. Raw Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cake [Vegan]

This is seriously one of the best recipes I've ever made. It only survived a couple days due to its irresistible deliciousness

---

18. Raw Ice Cream Sandwich [Vegan]

These are hella tasty and - as always - super healthy. The ice cream is literally just bananas, the brownie sandwich is walnuts and dates, and the chocolate coating is full of super foods! CAN THIS SITUATION BE IMPROVED IN ANY WAY? The answer is no

---

19. Date-Cherry-Ginger-Orange-Coconut Bars [Vegan]

I followed Nihacc’s link to this easy recipe and played around with it a little bit, changing out some of the ingredients and adding some here and there

---

20. Raw Super Food Energy Bars With Cacao [Vegan]

These are chock full of super foods to provide your body and mind with long-lasting energy to get through your busy (or leisurely) day

---