Brewed Cacao vs Coffee: A Fun and Flavorful Comparison

When it comes to a morning pick-me-up, many of us swear by coffee to get us going. But what if we told you there’s another drink that can give you a similar boost – with a twist? Enter brewed cacao. Yep, the same stuff that makes chocolate. Now, you might be wondering, how does brewed cacao stack up against coffee? Let’s take a look!

Fun Fact #1: Cacao Is the Secret Ingredient Behind Chocolate!

Before we dive into the differences, here’s a fun little nugget of knowledge. Cacao beans are the building blocks of all your favorite chocolate treats! When roasted and processed, they turn into cocoa powder – but if you brew them like coffee, you get a rich, smooth drink with a deep chocolate flavor.

Cacao vs. Coffee: What’s the Difference?

1. Caffeine Content 

One of the most obvious differences between brewed cacao and coffee is caffeine. Coffee is a caffeine powerhouse – it can have anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine per cup, depending on the brew. On the other hand, cacao has caffeine too, but not nearly as much. You’ll get around 12 milligrams per ounce of brewed cacao, compared to a cup of coffee, which typically has 95-200 milligrams. So, if you're looking for a less jittery energy boost, brewed cacao is your friend. It’s more about a gentle lift than a kick-in-the-face caffeine rush.

2. The Flavor 

Brewed cacao is rich, smooth, and chocolatey. If you like the taste of dark chocolate, you're in for a treat! It’s slightly bitter but also sweet in its own right, especially if you add a little sugar or honey. Coffee, on the other hand, has a more robust, roasted flavor. It can be bitter or smooth, depending on how it’s made, but it’s not chocolatey unless you add chocolate to it (which is totally a thing, by the way).

Fun Fact #2: Theobromine – A Natural Stimulant 

Here’s something cool – cacao contains a stimulant called theobromine, which has a similar effect to caffeine but is a bit gentler on your system. Theobromine gives you a slow, sustained energy boost without the crash that sometimes comes with caffeine. Coffee doesn't have theobromine, but it does have caffeine, which is why coffee gives you that quick jolt (and sometimes a crash later).

3. Health Benefits 

Both coffee and brewed cacao have their health perks! Cacao is packed with antioxidants and magnesium, which can help with things like lowering blood pressure and improving mood. Coffee, on the other hand, is also full of antioxidants and can boost your metabolism. So, whether you prefer the smooth, mellow vibes of cacao or the bold, bold rush of coffee, you’re getting some great health benefits either way!

Fun Fact #3: Cacao Was Sacred in Ancient Cultures

Long before we were sipping on cacao lattes, the ancient Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao to be a sacred drink, often used in religious ceremonies. They believed it had magical properties – and honestly, who can blame them? A warm cup of cacao feels like a hug in a mug.

Brewing Cacao: A Simple Recipe 

If you want to try brewing cacao at home, it’s simple! Here’s a quick recipe:

- Ingredients: 

  - 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs 

  - 1 cup of hot water 

  - Sweetener of your choice (honey, sugar, or even maple syrup)

  - Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor

- Instructions: 

  1. Brew water in a kettle or microwave.

  2. Place cacao nibs in a French press or a small pot.

  3. Pour the hot water over the nibs and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.

  4. Press the nibs in the French press or strain them out if using a pot.

  5. Add your sweetener and any optional spices and enjoy!

Brewed Coffee: A Classic Recipe 

And for those of you who want to stick with the classic coffee, here’s an easy recipe for brewing a great cup:

- Ingredients: 

  - 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee (depending on how strong you like it) 

  - 1 cup of hot water 

  - Sweetener and milk/cream (optional)

- Instructions: 

  1. Boil water and pour it over the ground coffee in your French press or drip coffee maker.

  2. Let the coffee brew for 4-5 minutes (or follow your machine’s instructions).

  3. Add sugar, milk, or cream to taste, and enjoy your perfect cup of coffee!

So, Which One Should You Choose? 

There really is no reason to place brewed cacao vs coffee into competition. It all depends on what you're in the mood for! If you’re after a chocolatey, low-caffeine drink that will give you a mellow energy boost, then brewed cacao is your jam. But if you're looking for something with a stronger, more intense flavor (and a good dose of caffeine), then coffee will always have your back. Why not have both? Start your day with brewed cacao and switch to coffee in the afternoon. Mix things up – life’s too short to have the same old drink every day.

Enjoy brewing and sipping – your perfect cup is out there waiting!