Cocoa is often confused for being chocolate, but it only becomes chocolate when cocoa beans are roasted and conched with sugar. Eating pure cocoa is not the same as eating chocolate, and the bitterness can take some getting used to, but you can satisfy a cocoa craving with less, and it’s obviously healthier too.

Eating cocoa nibs or adding them to your meals can be a great idea. You get a nice amount of warmth from the nib, while depending on the provenance of the bean, you may get some nutty and fruity tones coming through too. If you’re already a lover of dark chocolate, then you may well enjoy the taste of pure cocoa, so give it a try.

There’s a time and a place for an indulging bar of milk chocolate, but pure cocoa should be enjoyed just the same. Remember cocoa was once only known for it savoury flavours, and it can be nice to enjoy it without the sugar being added.