When most people think of cacao, they picture hot chocolate or desserts. But true cacao — like our pure ceremonial cacao— offers rich, earthy, and slightly bitter notes that make it surprisingly versatile in savoury cooking.
Across cultures, cacao has long been used in traditional dishes — from Mexican mole to Caribbean spice blends. Now, more Australian chefs and home cooks are embracing cacao as a culinary ingredient that adds depth and complexity to savoury flavours.
Why Cacao Works in Savoury Dishes
Cacao’s natural bitterness and umami undertones balance sweet, acidic, and spicy ingredients beautifully. Its chemical compounds — particularly flavonoids and theobromine — enhance both flavour and aroma in cooked dishes.
Research from nutritionaustralia.org supports the inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients like cacao for their cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, making it not just delicious but also a health-conscious choice.
Cacao as a Spice — Balancing Earthy and Bitter Notes
Ground ceremonial cacao or grated cacao can substitute for coffee or smoked paprika in spice rubs. It pairs wonderfully with chilli, cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
Try sprinkling a teaspoon of Ceremonial Cacao into your next spice blend to add depth and balance without overpowering other flavours.
Cacao-Infused Soups and Stews
A little cacao goes a long way in savoury soups and slow-cooked stews. Add 1–2 teaspoons of grated cacao to rich tomato or pumpkin-based broths. The cacao deepens colour, enhances umami, and smooths acidity — much like red wine does.
This technique works beautifully in Mexican bean soups, lentil stews, or Moroccan tagines.
Marinades and Rubs — Cacao for Meat and Vegetables
Cacao works as a natural tenderiser and flavour enhancer in marinades. Combine it with olive oil, garlic, lime, and chilli for a smoky, earthy rub. It’s ideal for beef, lamb, or roasted eggplant.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), incorporating plant-based ingredients like cacao in cooking contributes to valuable antioxidants and minerals that support overall well-being.
Spice Blends and Finishing Touches
For a gourmet twist, mix cacao powder with sea salt and sesame for a savoury finishing sprinkle. You can also dust a little cacao over roasted vegetables or grilled mushrooms to enhance their flavour profile.
For a beautifully balanced blend, pair cacao with smoked paprika and chilli — perfect for topping tacos or seasoning roasted nuts.
Cooking with Quality Ceremonial Cacao
When cooking with cacao, quality is everything. Ceremonial cacao is stone-ground and minimally processed, ensuring that all nutrients and natural oils remain intact. This gives your dishes a full-bodied, aromatic finish that ordinary cocoa can’t match.
Explore our premium ceremonial cacao to bring depth, warmth, and nourishment into your savoury creations.
Final Note
Cacao in savoury recipes isn’t just about flavour — it’s a journey of creativity, wellness, and mindful eating. By exploring cacao beyond the sweet, you unlock a world of earthy, balanced, and deeply satisfying dishes that surprise and delight the senses.