About one fourth of Americans purchase organic food on a regular basis. You hear about it all over the place: it's in commercials, magazines, restaurants, and grocery stores. With all of the processed and unhealthy foods out there, it's difficult to eat healthy. When you use organic products you're eating food that's natural, better for you, and better for the environment. Here is a simple guide to this newest trend in food:
Organic food is grown without artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, biotechnology, or irradiation. Animal foods that are organic have been fed organic feed and haven't been given synthetic growth hormones in order to increase their size. They're also allowed to roam more than other animals who are kept on farms that aren't deemed organic.
Research has shown that this type of food has better nutritional value for you. This is because vitamins and antioxidants are saved by refraining from the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. These agents aren't meant to be eaten and certainly aren't good for us.
Since organic foods are grown without harmful chemicals, the soil is much richer which helps the plants grow and puts a stop to a lot of erosion. The groundwater is also kept cleaner which means the pesticides won't be so abundant in our water.
Pregnant women and children are especially susceptible to sickness and disease. Eating this type of health foods that hasn't been polluted, will contribute to keeping their immune systems strong.
The environment also benefits from the growth of anti aging food. First, farming organically uses approximately fifty percent less energy. Toxins and pollutants aren't being used and restrictions are closely monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture. Our environment benefits from this as well.
If you've been to the store lately, you know that organic food is pretty pricey compared to the regular food on the shelves. Some estimates have shown that it's up to fifty percent higher. Though it is expensive, it's worth it if you can afford it. If you can't afford it all the time, splurge when you can. Some of the more affected foods which ought to be bought organic include specific fruits and veggies (considered to be fragile) because they need more pesticides thus adding to those you ingest. So all the fuss you've heard over this fresher, healthier type of food is legitimate. If you want to eat healthier and help the environment then organic is the way to go.
King of cacao. Raw chocolate - the new red wine. Cacao beans (theobroma cacao/raw chocolate) are the source for all chocolate and cocoa products. Our certified organic, raw cacao is the premium criollo variety. Theobroma literally means food of the goods
Features
Case of two 16-ounce pouches of organic raw cacao nibs (total of 32 ounces)
Made from pure, 100% natural raw cacao nibs
Certified organic, vegan; a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium
Mix into chocolate ice cream, smoothies, or yogurt; an antioxidant-rich supplement with antiseptic, diuretic and soothing properties
Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides
Reviews
YUM! control your own cocoa or mocha coffee sweetness by Unnamed from on 2010-09-02 These are so great. They are admittedly an acquired taste for a quick munch, but then addictive. I use them when making cocoa or in coffee. They don't dissolve, but flavor the drink nicely. You can put in way less than a teaspoon of regular cocoa mix to fool your nose, and you have a great drink!! Then you get to munch the softened nibs at the bottom, which are even better than out of the bag.I was so pleased, when I finally finished a bag (took a long time, even using every day) and found a number 4 recycle icon on the back of the package (not on the bottom, where I thought to look). So many natural items are packed in non-recyclable containers. Nice that this one did it right.
Great price by Marlyn J. Didericksen from Spring TX on 2010-08-28 I've been looking all over for a great priced cacao and finally found it here.
Interesting! by C. Gimenez from Norway on 2010-08-24 Interesting flavor, amazing consistency and texture. I made some chocolate nibs cookies and everyone loved them!
Love these in oatmeal by Dee Lightful from NorthEast USA on 2010-08-20 Make my vegan oatmeal by mashing a banana, add a bit of agave nectar and water, throw in 1/3 cup oats, stir. While that soaks I cutup some fresh fruit and add few TBL chopped nuts and 1 TBL cocoa nibs. YUM!
You must try these by Bonk from Boca from on 2010-07-08 I love cacao, and so have tried 2 or 3 brands of raw nibs. I think some people use these for cooking but I just like to eat them for snacks. They key is to put a few in a differnt container because eating out of the bag leads to overeating if you are not careful. The flavor is very nice.
Trail mix was invented by ancient nomads who were experts at creating portable, high-energy snacks that withstood weather and did not need cooking. This bag contains 100% pure goji berries, cacao nibs and raw cashews that are certified organic, kosher and vegan. This antioxidant and nutrient-rich combination will delight you by giving you energy throughout the day or during your next outdoor activity. The health benefits afforded by snacking on this nutritious blend are superior to eating any of these power foods alone. Navitas Naturals’ mission is to provide premium organic power foods that increase energy and enhance health. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade practices. Blended and Packed in USA
Features
Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan and Raw.
Nutritious blend of the finest superfoods and superfruits including: Goji Berry, Cacao and Cashews.
Antioxidants, Trace Minerals and Vitamin A.
Dietary Fiber, Iron and Protein
Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides.
Reviews
LOVE by Amanda from New York - United States on 2010-04-03 As a Nutrition & Style Consultant ([...]), I love each individual item in this product. I am constantly mixing various "super foods" and this made it really easy for me to have a pre-made mix of a few of my favorites.
Amanda
Delicious! by Blowfish from CA United States on 2009-08-20 I guess it all depends what you are accustomed to. I read that one of the other reviewers called it "gross." I actually found it to be delicious and I have been eating this stuff for a while now. I also consider myself to have a fairly good palate as I am also a trained chef. However, I understand what the other reviewer is talking about - all of my friends and family don't like it either.Update: I've failed to buy a new bag in a long time. I think I over-dosed, if you know what I mean. Their flavor is unique and powerful, maybe a little too so.
tastes gross by Carly from WA, USA on 2009-08-07 I have tried a lot of trail mixes and I LOVE this company, but this particular trail mix is going in the garbage. No one in my family will eat it. The ingredients are all really good for you, but that is the only positive thing I can say about it.
Great combination, price debatable by Norman P. Nader from OR, USA on 2009-01-30 I've had 3 bags of these now, and enjoyed the taste combination so much i bought my own goji berries and raw cashews to do a mix for myself (as less cost, of course). This is also good, but the cacao nibs add a great touch as well. Definitely a good product, but for me a bit expensive to eat too often.
Raw cacao nibs, organic is a treasure of vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, zinc, chromium and magnesium. Raw chocolate is a delight for the senses and food for the mind. New research has shown cacao contains more antioxidant flavonoids than blueberries, red wine and green tea. We use only the premium criollo variety of cacao.
Features
16-ounce pouch of organic raw cacao nibs
Made from pure, 100% natural raw cacao nibs
Certified organic, vegan; a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium
Mix into chocolate ice cream, smoothies, or yogurt; an antioxidant-rich supplement with antiseptic,
Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy me
Reviews
Icky. by Obsessive shopper from Richfield, MN United States on 2009-11-02 I'm giving it two stars because I've never had cacao nibs before and I'm not into raw foods so maybe that's what they're supposed to taste like and I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.I opened the package and found that they smell mostly like vinegar. Perhaps they arrived spoiled.They are not terribly crunchy. The texture is more like pieces of a chocolate bar that's been in the fridge. The texture was the good part.The flavor is very strong. The impression of vinegar persists. But also kind of like unsweetened baking chocolate (which is kind of a "no duh" statement, given what these are).I haven't been able to find any way to enjoy these. They frankly taste kind of bad. They ruin my vanilla ice cream. The don't easily blend (if you try to make chocolate milk, you get a lot of little chunks and not much flavor in the milk). They don't take sweetening well. I guess it would take a lot of sugar and they are still going to be mostly bitter with a nasty aftertaste when you actually crunch one. I've even tried toasting them. It makes some of the smell go away but they are not much better.Anyway, I guess this is one of those things that sounds good but isn't. Stick to regular chocolate.
A Healthy Fix! by Jennifer Cote from Pinole, CA USA on 2009-07-26 These organic, raw cacao nibs are awesome mixed into vanilla ice cream. Yes, they are crunchy, but is that a bad thing? And no, ice cream might not be a health food, but at least you're incorporating a little more health into your diet if you add the nibs to your junk food. Better than nothing.
Who knows- you might eventually become a hard-core like me. I add these cacao nibs to my sprouted grains in the morning, along with some dried fruits and nuts, to get a nutritious wallop of antioxidants, minerals, and other intangibles that make life healthy.
I also mix the nibs into a mix of Tropical Traditions' Coconut Cream Concentrate, pecans, dates, and raisins. It makes a tasty coconut bark that even my non-health-food-freak friends enjoy.
I highly recommend these, and the price is decent.
Cacao nibs are lousy! by Anne Wingate from Salt Lake City on 2009-03-26 I ordered this because it was supposed to be very healthful. It is inedible, and I can't even figure out what to do with it. I looked online and still couldn't figure out. I am well aware that cocoa nibs are healthful, but what use is that to me if I can't EAT them?
nice, strong cocoa flavor by N. Albanese-levin from New York, N.Y. on 2008-11-02 this was an experimental purchase for me, i had seen some interesting recipes using nibs. also, i want to get some chocolate flavor in me when i am craving it but don't want the sugar and milk and such. so i thought i might be able to chew these or make a rockin' cup of cocoa.
i don't think you can eat them whole plain, a little hard on the teeth. but boy do they smell good! i ground it up and tried to use it as cocoa powder but it was a little grainy. so i couldn't really drink it, but the ground powder was great in double chocolate cookies and brownies.so maybe i will infuse it into some green tea or even put it in the bath-that would be fun. maybe i just need to find better recipes. a very good quality product from a great brand-excellent service
Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs are the partially ground cacao beans that are the natural source of all chocolate products. And though the Mayans may have touted cacao as the Food of the Gods, weve got dessert on our minds. With their crunchy texture and intense flavor, our cacao nibs are healthy, gourmet, and a delicious addition to all kinds of treats. From adding them into a brownie batter, sprinkling on ice cream, or even just tossing into a trail mix, there is virtually no wrong way to add more of this real chocolate into your life. Plus, with cacaos soaring levels of antioxidants, and trace minerals like magnesium and iron, you can feel good in every way about enjoying this chocolatey superfood.
Features
Contains antioxidant, vitality and dietary fiber
Natural and made according to USDA certificate standards
Raw choclate nibs cacao power
Reviews
Awesome quality cacao nibs - powerful and satisfying. by Joshua G. Feldman from New York on 2009-05-02 I'm a certified chocoholic with a weight problem. I had heard that cacao nibs had all the health benefits of dark chocolate (way more, actually) without the sugar and junk food aspects. They are loaded with antioxidants and have those powerful endorphin releasing stimulants. They are also quite high in fiber (but also in saturated fats).I got my big pile of Navitas Naturals nibs and dug right in. Well - these are a bit of an acquired taste; but once acquired, they really satisfy. Cacao nibs are broken pieces of raw whole cacao beans that have been dried (and that's it). They are brown, with a dark cocoa smell, and a seductive texture that's partly like a coffee bean (crunchy and hard), and partly like a piece of chocolate (buttery with a crisp and then melting fat). The flavor initially gives you a cocoa hit and then a winey fermented flavor that is hard to describe. The aftertaste is bitter like baking chocolate. Like a coffee bean, there's some fibrous grit with the aftertaste after the creamy fats have dissolved on your tongue. My first impressions was "phew - that's disgusting". The winey flavor was off-putting and the bitterness in the aftertaste was hard to take. That didn't prevent me from immediately having more, however - as the crisp rich creamy quality made me want more. After a few pinches (maybe 3/4s of a tablespoon) I was flying! I mean, these things are POTENT. They really are loaded with all those endorphin releasing stimulants - and man they wake you up and then make you feel loved. Over the next few days I kept a big baggie of these in my pack and ate them whenever I wanted a cup of coffee. The stimulant effect is totally as strong as coffee - and more. To go with the speed, there's a feeling of well being and intellectual stimulation that's seductive in the extreme. I began to almost enjoy the odd powerful flavor. My only concerns at this point are whether these are addictive! About 1/2 way through my bag I have yet to hit a stem or a stone or an inedible piece (unlike what I've heard with some other brands). The flavor and texture is pretty consistent as I work my way through too - pretty good for a totally raw organic product.I found that I could grind them up into powder in the blender and use the powder to "cocoa" up various foods (especially ones bearing some sweetness). For example, after my workout I'd put a tablespoon of nibs and a tablespoon of chia seeds in the blender and grind nice and fine and then toss in a fist full of frozen blueberries, a glug of Walden Farms zero calorie chocolate sauce, 8 oz water and two scoops of whey protein powder (chocolate flavor, of course) and then blend. It all whips up into a rich chocolatey blueberry shake that packs the nutritional wallop of a steak dinner with omega 3 oils, TONS of antioxidants, and a wicked emotional and blood sugar pick-me-up. You can buy the powder pre-ground, but I imagine the goodies keep better in this coarsely cracked version.All in all - I think of cacao nibs as much as a drug like coffee as I do a food. People who eat ultra-dark chocolate for the health aspects should absolutely check nibs out because my body tells me they have WAY MORE of the chemical goodies of chocolate with far less sugar and fat. They also are brimming with a rich raw cocoa flavor that's weird and wonderful and hard to describe. If you are bent in this way - this stuff is wonderful.
16 oz resealable bag. Venezuela is renowned for having the worlds best cacao. Venezuelan origin varieties such as Chuao and Porcelana can sell for 5 to 10 times the prices of regular cacaos and make the worlds most expensive chocolates. Treat your palate to the delicate flavors of this single bean origin cacao from OCUMARE, a small farming co-operative on the coastal mountains of Venezuela, where South America meets the Caribbean. Chocolates form Ocumare beans have won many international awards. We are the first and only company to offer 100% USDA Certified Organic Cacao from Venezuela. Founded by my brother and I in order to offer direct from farm to you the wonders of this tropical bean. Be one of the first to try Venzuela's only Organic Cacao. We work direct with the farmers to ensure above fair trade prices are paid and sustainable farming practices are implemented. We buy, export, import, package, distribute and sell direct and can offer this unique product at a discounted rate. We work directly with the processing company to ensure low temperature processing and use an artisan expeller press to produce our powder and butter thus keeping temperature below 120 to keep the antioxidant power of this delicate superfood at a record high. Compare our product with other so called criollo cacao powder, notice how much lighter our powder is, that's because the criollo variety is a lighter colored bean, pink to pure white, where as cheaper inferior Forastero and Trinitario bean varietals are dark purple and dark brown. Criollo cacao beans are the rarest comprising about 10% of world supply, it has delicate flavor tones, such as berries and nuts, very low acidity and full chocolate flavor.
Features
Organically Certified
Single Bean Origin - 2009 Harvest from OCUMARE
Criollo Bean Variety - Venezuela
Cold Pressed - Expeller Pressed
Flavor Tones - low acidity, pure chocolate flavor, cashews and red berry undertones
Reviews
Back For More by L.I. Brew from on 2010-06-27 I used 2 pounds of these in a Cocoa Stout that is getting amazing reviews from friends. 1lb.-2oz. post boil and the last 10oz. in the secondary. These nibs taste great for a good price! Real nice Dark Chocolate flavor. They're also REALLY good on Vanilla Ice Cream. I'm buying two more pounds for the next batch.
Delivers the cacao high pretty well by Avi from on 2010-05-20 I eat raw cacao to stimulate me, that's it. Taste does not matter, although I have found that criollo beans taste the best and seem to stimulate me most. I heard these were criollo so I bought a pound. When I opened the bag, I thought it was too good to be true, it just smelled way too good. I tasted it it, and it was also amazing. Much easier on the bite than the forastero varieties which take much more chewing. I emailed the company asking them about their manufacturing process and they said they heated the beans to 140 degrees F, which is not technically raw, if that matters to you.This company is among the top for the best tasting cacao beans/nibs on the market so I would definitely recommend.
Great Organic Cacao Nibs! by Joy B. Penney-Wietor from Kissimmee, FL on 2010-05-12 Just want to say that this is a great product. Tastes great! I used some of the product in my Chocolate Imperial Stout with Ancho and Habanero Peppers that I home brewed. Came out with a fantastic chocolate flavor!
A rich unsweetened chocolate treat, Organic Nectars Premium Raw Cacao Nibs are harvested from raw organic unsweetened criollo cacao beans, one of nature's greatest sources of magnesium, and processed below 118 degrees. Rich in antioxidants, this is the ultimate chocolate chip treat -- great as a snack right ouf of the bag or bleneded in smoothies, sprinkled on fruit and desserts, and in raw and baked goods. Store in a cool, dark, dry spot. Certified organic & kosher.
Features
Case of four 3-ounce resealable plastic pouches (total of 12 ounces)
Unsweetened, crunchy chocolate nibs from raw, unroasted criollo cacao beans
Use as substitute for ordinary cocoa nibs
Great in smoothies, nut, and soy milks; in desserts, coffee, and tea; and in baked goods
Reviews
Great chcolate treat by T. Groth from La Crosse, WI USA on 2008-09-12 These are great. I use them in raw food chocolate desserts as well as just mixing with some honey and eating for a treat. I also sprinkle them on sorbets and other healthy treats. This small package lasted me over a month so used in moderation they are also very affordable as a little goes a long way.
Cacao has been enjoyed for its healthful and invigorating properties in South American cultures for thousands of years. This bag contains 100% pure cacao nibs that are certified organic, kosher, vegan and raw. The bean of the cacao plant is the nutritional and flavorful source for all chocolate and cocoa products. Cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is also known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium and possesses many other essential minerals in significant quantities. Our cacao nibs are dried and milled at low temperatures to protect these nutrients. Navitas Naturals’ mission is to provide premium organic power foods that increase energy and enhance health. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade practices. Product of Peru - Packed in USA.
Features
Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan and Raw.
Made from pure, 100% organic raw Cacao beans
Magnesium, Polyphenols and Flavanols.
Antioxidant rich and a good source of Dietary Fiber.
Mix into cereal, yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies. Sprinkle on ice cream and desserts. Grind with coffee.
Reviews
Another winner from Navitas! by smoky from Canada on 2009-06-27 With every purchase I make from Navitas I'm becoming a bigger and more loyal fan! These raw cacao nibs are no exception.I ordered the 10lb bag since the price just couldn't be beat and I was getting tired of being 'gouged' when purchasing raw cacao in smaller, 1lb packages at the local health food stores.It arrived in perfect condition, double bagged in very heavy plastic. But the proof is in the taste test. This organic raw cacao has a lovely rich aroma and taste! I'm thrilled! Another winner from Navitas!
Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Nibs Mayan Superfood, 10 Pound Bag by Penetralia from on 2009-06-25 The Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Chocolate Nibs is one of our favorites, especially since its available in a large 10 Pound Bag. We make our own chocolate candy and found Nativas to offer the best from South America.For those interested in cacao as a topping or beverage-adder, try the raw organic cacao powder: Navitas Naturals Raw Chocolate Powder, Organic Cacao Power,16-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2)
Nativas Naturals Cacao Nibs 10 LBs...AWESOME!!!! by Daniel P. Welch from Boston on 2008-10-21 I got this at an absolute steal. I would highly recommend this product to anyone! So healthy...just mix with Goji Berriers and Golden Berries and you have a serious raw power mix :)
Trail mix was invented by ancient nomads who were experts at creating portable, high-energy snacks that withstood weather and did not need cooking. This bag contains 100% pure goji berries, mulberries, goldenberries, cacao nibs and raw cashews that are certified organic, kosher and vegan. This antioxidant and nutrient-rich combination will delight you by giving you energy throughout the day or during your next outdoor activity. The health benefits afforded by snacking on this nutritious blend are superior to eating any of these power foods alone. Navitas Naturals’ mission is to provide premium organic power foods that increase energy and enhance health. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade practices. Blended and Packed in USA
Features
Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan and Raw.
Nutritious blend of the finest superfoods and superfruits including: Goji Berry, Cacao and Cashews.
Antioxidants, Essential Vitamins, Vitamin C and A.
Dietary Fiber, Iron and Protein
Navitas Naturals products come directly from the farmers who cultivate them and are free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides.
16 oz resealable bag. Venezuela is renowned for having the worlds best cacao. Venezuelan origin varieties such as Chuao and Porcelana can sell for 5 to 10 times the prices of regular cacaos and make the worlds most expensive chocolates. Treat your palate to the delicate flavors of this single bean origin cacao from OCUMARE, a small farming co-operative on the coastal mountains of Venezuela, where South America meets the Caribbean. Chocolates form Ocumare beans have won many international awards. We are the first and only company to offer 100% USDA Certified Organic Cacao from Venezuela. Founded by my brother and I in order to offer direct from farm to you the wonders of this tropical bean. Be one of the first to try Venzuela's only Organic Cacao. We work direct with the farmers to ensure above fair trade prices are paid and sustainable farming practices are implemented. We buy, export, import, package, distribute and sell direct and can offer this unique product at a discounted rate. We work directly with the processing company to ensure low temperature processing and use an artisan expeller press to produce our powder and butter thus keeping temperature below 120 to keep the antioxidant power of this delicate superfood at a record high. Compare our product with other so called criollo cacao powder, notice how much lighter our powder is, that's because the criollo variety is a lighter colored bean, pink to pure white, where as cheaper inferior Forastero and Trinitario bean varietals are dark purple and dark brown. Criollo cacao beans are the rarest comprising about 10% of world supply, it has delicate flavor tones, such as berries and nuts, very low acidity and full chocolate flavor.
Features
Organically Certified
Single Bean Origin - 2009 Harvest from OCUMARE
Criollo Bean Variety - Venezuela
Cold Pressed - Expeller Pressed
Flavor Tones - low acidity, pure chocolate flavor, cashews and red berry undertones
Direct from the forests of Ecuador, Sunfood’s raw and organic cacao nibs are packed with the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. With full-bodied flavor and a rich aroma, these raw cacao nibs are perfect to snack on as is or to include in smoothies, desserts and raw nut trail mix combinations, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the healthy benefits of this powerful superfood in a variety of ways.
Features
Ingredients: organic raw cacao nibs Source of antioxidants Contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide Natural source of trace minerals
Refrigerate or store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight Raw Vegan USDA organic
2.5 Pounds. bag This product was packaged in a facility that also processes dairy, wheat, soy peanuts and tree nuts
Eligible for free shipping!
