Using only 4 simple ingredients, cacao nib tea is a warming beverage to enjoy on a cold day. Full of healthy antioxidants, it is tasty and nourishing for the body.
If you’re a fan of hot cocoa (or hot chocolate with cacao), you will probably also enjoy cacao nib tea. It has a subtly sweet and chocolatey flavor that tastes wonderful with no added sugar. It’s a great drink to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Cacao nibs are great sources of healthy fats and have a range of anti-inflammatory properties. The nibs also contain compounds that can increase feel-good chemicals in your brain which can result in an elevated mood. They are a good staple to have on hand to make hot chocolate or tea, throw into brownies, or even into homemade granola.
What are cacao nibs?
Cacao nibs (often mistakenly referred to as cocoa nibs) are small pieces of crushed cacao beans, the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. The nibs are obtained by removing the outer cacao husks of the beans and breaking them into smaller fragments. They are found in tropical climates in Central and South America.
Health benefits of cacao nibs
Rich in antioxidants – the nibs have high levels of flavonoids like epicatechin which combat oxidative stress in the body and reduce inflammation.
Can improve heart health – Flavonoids can also lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Can boost mood – Contains theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can improve mood and increase energy levels.
High in magnesium – Magnesium helps to support muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. Just one ounce of cacao nibs contains about 64 mg of magnesium!
Supports cognitive function – Flavonoids may enhance brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving blood flow to the brain.
Difference between cocoa and cacao
Cacao is raw and minimally processed, meaning the nibs retain higher levels of antioxidants and nutrients. They also have a more bitter flavor. Cocoa is a more processed product that has been roasted. This helps to reduce the bitterness but it lowers the nutritional value.
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How to make cacao nib tea
Tools
French press or small saucepan
Mug
Ingredients
Cacao nibs (I buy these organic cacao nibs in bulk)
Hot water
Honey or maple syrup – I buy this maple syrup in bulk
Optional – vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges
Optional – choice of herbal or caffeinated tea (for example black tea or green tea)
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Cacao nib tea is especially nutritious because steeping the nibs can help to release the healthy compounds. Here’s how to make it!
You can use a small saucepan or a french press to make this.
I don’t have a french press, so I am using a small saucepan to make this tea. Add the nibs to a small saucepan and add the water.
Bring the water to a boil, reduce the temperature, and simmer the nibs for 10 minutes. The best way to add further flavour to your final tea is to add loose-leaf tea, cinnamon, or vanilla beans to simmer alongside the nibs. I like to add a small cinnamon stick and dried oranges when I have them on hand.
You can simmer the cacao tea blend for even longer but you will need to increase how much water you start with. The longer you boil, the more flavourful your tea will be.
If you’re using a french press, the first thing to do is to boil water in a kettle.
Pour the hot water over the nibs and allow them to steep for at least 10 minutes. Add loose-leaf tea, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or dried oranges into the french press to steep alongside the nibs.
After 10 minutes (or so) strain off the tea into a mug.
Add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey to the cup of tea to suit your personal taste.
That’s it, enjoy!
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Simple and Nourishing Cacao Nib Tea Recipe
Using only 4 simple ingredients, cacao nib tea is a warming beverage to enjoy on a cold day. Full of healthy antioxidants, it is tasty and nourishing for the body.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons - cacao nibs
- 3 cups - water
- 1 teaspoon - honey or maple syrup
- Optional - additional flavourings like vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges
- Optional - 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf herbal or caffeinated tea (for example black tea or green tea)
Instructions
- Add the nibs to a small saucepan and add the water.
- Bring the water to a boil, reduce the temperature, and simmer the nibs for 10 minutes. Add loose-leaf tea or flavourings at this point.
- You can simmer the cacao tea blend for even longer but you will need to increase how much water you start with. The longer you boil, the more flavourful your tea will be.
- If you’re using a french press, the first thing to do is to boil water in a kettle.
- Pour the hot water over the nibs and allow them to steep for at least 10 minutes. Add loose-leaf tea, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or dried oranges into the french press to steep alongside the nibs.
- After 10 minutes (or so) strain off the tea into a mug.
- Add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey to the cup of tea to suit your personal taste.
Notes
Cacao nibs are great sources of healthy fats and have a range of anti-inflammatory properties. The nibs also contain compounds that can increase feel-good chemicals in your brain which can result in an elevated mood.
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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 34mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 21gProtein: 3g
Nutrient values are estimates only.
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