Carob Powder
A naturally sweet, caffeine-free powder made by grinding dried carob pods. Used as a cocoa alternative in desserts and drinks.
What Is Carob Powder?
Carob powder is a powder made by drying and grinding the ripe, sweet fruit pods of the Mediterranean carob tree. Its color and general appearance resemble cocoa powder.
It's naturally sweet with a mildly caramel-like taste, and unlike cocoa, it contains no caffeine. These traits make it a favored cocoa alternative, especially for those who want to avoid caffeine.
Nutritional Values of Carob Powder
Carob powder, with about 220 kcal of energy per 100 grams, contains natural sugars and high fiber; unlike cocoa it contains no caffeine and is low in fat. Values are approximate, based on a similar profile.
How Should Carob Powder Be Used?
Since carob powder is naturally sweet, it can help reduce the amount of added sugar in recipes; still, it's used within a balanced diet as a sweetener-condiment.
This information is general; carob powder is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Carob Powder?
Good carob powder has a natural brown color, fine-lump-free texture, a pleasant caramel-like smell and a plain composition. Moistened, clumped or rancid-smelling products are not preferred.
- Color should be natural brown, powder fine
- Smell should be pleasant caramel-like
- Moistened-clumped products should not be bought
How to Store Carob Powder?
Carob powder is stored in a sealed container, in a cool, dry and dark place; the jar should be kept dry, since moisture causes clumping and spoilage.
Using Carob Powder in the Kitchen
Carob powder is used most in hot drinks (in place of cocoa), cakes-cookies, energy balls, smoothies and desserts; it's also used to add natural sweetness and color to milk desserts. It's used in similar proportions to cocoa in most recipes, and since it's sweet, added sugar can be reduced.
Does Carob Powder Replace Cocoa?
It can be used instead of cocoa in most recipes; however, the taste is not exactly the same (sweeter, more caramel-like and caffeine-free). Sugar amounts are adjusted with these differences in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carob powder caffeinated?
No; unlike cocoa, it naturally contains no caffeine, which is why it's preferred by those who want to avoid caffeine.
What does carob powder taste like?
It's naturally sweet, mildly caramel-like and earthy; although it resembles cocoa, it has a sweeter and softer taste.
What is the difference between carob powder and carob molasses?
Both come from carob; the powder is the ground form of the dried fruit, while molasses is the boiled-down, thickened liquid of the fruit. Their uses differ.