36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (2024)

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A collection of fun and healthy Cacao Nib Recipes ranging from ice cream and bars to cookies and pancakes to scones and granola. All recipes are gluten-free and vegetarian!

36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (1)

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What are Cacao Nibs?

36 Recipes with Cacao Nibs (Vegetarian + Gluten-Free)

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What are Cacao Nibs?

Cacao nibs (also known as cocoa nibs) are are the raw and unprocessed form of chocolate as you know it. The nibs are shelled cacao beans that have been dried, fermented and minimally processed. They have a wonderful slightly bitter, yet strong chocolate flavor that is packed with nutrients. Cacao nibs are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc and a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber. They offer a wonderful sugar-free crunch to a variety of dishes as you can see displayed in this round-up. It is my hope you find yourself inspired to incorporate this delight into your diet and find some recipes below that you will enjoy for some time to come!

36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (2)

36 Recipes with Cacao Nibs (Vegetarian + Gluten-Free)

Peanut Butter Cacao Nib Coconut Flour Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)

Are you looking for an alternative to chocolate chip cookies? These peanut butter coconut flour cookies are easy, healthy, delicious, require just one bowl and make a perfect recipe for trying out cacao (cocoa) nibs! Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined sugar-free cookies that are perfectly chewy and oh so TASTY!

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Easy Coconut Cacao Granola – Zardy Plants

Chocolate and Coconut for Breakfast?!? That’s better then candy! My Easy Coconut Cacao Granola is a great way to start your day.

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Paleo Chocolate Pancakes – Calm Eats

These Paleo Chocolate Pancakes are delicious, nutrient-dense, grain-free, and a perfect low cab breakfast.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (5)

Rose Chocolate Ganache Tart – My Tiny Laguna Kitchen

Need to impress your loved one with a homemade dessert for Valentine’s Day? This is the dessert for you. This rose chocolate ganache tart is rich, creamy, and absolute luxury!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (6)

Oatmeal Raisin Chunky Monkey Muffins (Gluten-Free) Recipe | VEEG

These quick and easy Oatmeal Raisin Chunky Monkey Muffins may cause you to rethink the ingredients in every muffin you’ve ever baked! They’re one-hundred percent vegan, plant-based, oil-free and gluten-free, and loaded with only the most wholesome, delicious, ingredients.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (7)

Raw Cacao Hazelnut Energy Balls – Running on Real Food

These raw vegan cacao hazelnut energy balls are easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. Enjoy these sweet bites for a healthy snack or dessert!

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Cocoa Banana Yogurt with Coconut – The Forked Spoon

Rich, creamy and chocolatey, this Cocoa Banana Yogurt is delicious for breakfast or dessert! Sweetened with honey and banana, this bowl of creamy yogurt has no processed sugars.

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Chai-Spiced Cacao Nib Brownies (Gluten-Free)

These easy and delicious Chai-Spiced Cacao Nib Brownie Bars are delightfully chocolate-y, subtly spiced, and packed with iron, fiber and potassium from the cacao nibs. Not to mention, they have an amazing texture, too. This gluten-free treat makes a great breakfast, snack or dessert as it is not over-the-top sweet (but big on flavor!).

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Vegan Coconut Slice | Shivani Loves Food

An easy and healthy vegan dessert recipe: Coconut Slice! A date and oat caramel base topped with a sweet and crunchy coconut layer and marbled dairy-free chocolate – What a treat!

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Peanut Butter & Cacao Nibs Rice Crispy Treats (Vegan, No-Bake + Healthy) – Simple Veganista

Only 4 ingredients needed to make the deliciously healthy vegan Peanut Butter & Cacao Rice Crispy Treats. No-bake, dairy and gluten free!

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Homemade chocolate from cocoa nibs – Oh The Things We’ll Make!

Avoid emulsifiers and other unwanted ingredients and control the process by making your own homemade chocolate bars from cocoa nibs.#chocolate #cacao #cocoa

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Matcha Power Bars Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free) – Go Dairy Free

This wholesome Matcha Power Bars recipe is from Vegan Power Meals. It’s a wholesome Vegan Treat Worthy of Breakfast or Dessert! Paleo optional.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (14)

NO BAKE OATMEAL COOKIE ENERGY BITES – Pass Me Some Tasty

No Bake Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites are coming your way kidlets (and parents)! These tasty little bites are healthy, loaded with nutritious superfoods, easy to make (get the kids to help out on this recipe), and are perfect for that mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack craving. The only trick is to try and not eat all of them in one sitting.

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Cobnut and Cacao Nib Ice Cream – Circus Gardener

Nearly 70% of the world’s supply of cocoa comes from two west African countries, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. Despite being part of a lucrative market, cocoa farming in these countries often provides a…

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (16)

Mint Chocolate Smoothie – Plant Based Cooking

This refreshing smoothie can be made with fresh mint or an extract. The unsweetened cacao nibs create a bit of crunch.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (17)

Toasted Quinoa-Stuffed Mangos – Vegan Yack Attack

TheseToasted Quinoa-Stuffed Mangos are filled with fresh fruit, lots of protein, and wonderful flavors from cacao nibs and creamy quinoa. Refined sugar free, too!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (18)

Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie – Watch Learn Eat

This Banana Almond Butter Cacao Smoothie is a nutritious and refreshing treat that hits the sweet spot without adding any sugar.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (19)

Apple Butter Cacao Nib Rugelach – Running to the Kitchen®

These gluten free apple butter rugelach are studded with cacao nibs for a crunchy bite. They’re buttery, soft and a fun cookie option for the season!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (20)

Vegan Baked Chocolate Chip Skillet Scones (Gluten-Free) Recipe | VEEG

Ever since devouring our very first batch of Vegan Baked Chocolate Chip Skillet Scones, we are skillet scone fans! Need to bring something to share at a potluck, picnic or get-together? Make these scones. Want to feel like the most fabulous baker in the whole-wide-world? Also, don’t really want to f…

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (21)

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls – Perfect protein packed breakfast or snack! – Natalie’s Health

These 6-ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Balls are full of healthful ingredients. They are nutty and sweet, and super easy to make. Perfect snack!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (22)

Coconut Chia Pudding with Ginger and Cacao – Leanne Ray

This coconut chia pudding with ginger and cacao is a nutritious and interesting make-ahead snack option! Prep a batch at the beginning of the week.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (23)

How to Make Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur – Sidewalk Shoes

Homemade DIY Chocolate Liqueur – sinfully delicious and oh-so-easy!

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Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies (Dairy-Free) – Dish by Dish

The perfect fudgy gluten-free brownies that you’ll be making over and over again. Moist, rich, decadent, these are everything a chocolate lover will need.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (25)

Mint Mocha Cold Brew & Body Scrub – Vegan Yack Attack

A simple recipe with all natural ingredients for Mint Mocha Cold Brew, plus how to turn it into a body scrub!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (26)

Breakfast Peanut Butter Cookies Easy Plant Based – Any reason vegans

these simple cookies are vegan, paleo, Keto, and gluten free! Perfect for breakfast or a late night snack!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (27)

Eat Dirt Chocolate Vegan Protein Shakes Recipe – Go Dairy Free

Dairy-free and oh-so-nutritious, these chocolate vegan protein shakes have a fun garden-style presentation, complete with cacao and hemp dirt!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (28)

Peanut Butter Protein Balls [Vegan, Grain-Free, Oil-Free], Video – Nutri Planet

These rich and healthy grain free vegan peanut butter protein balls that use no refined sugars or oils are so easy to throw together! With tutorial video!

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (29)

Protein-Packed Chia Pudding | My Darling Vegan

This 5-Minute Chia Pudding is packed with protein and filled with superfoods for a quick and satisfying breakfast that will keep you fueled.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (30)

Peanut Butter No Bake Protein Balls w/ Superfoods – Veggie Inspired

Peanut Butter No Bake Protein Balls w/ superfoods like hemp seeds, flax seeds, and cacao nibs are the perfect little bites to keep hunger at bay. Great for a grab-n-go breakfast option as well.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (31)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie with Avocado [Vegan, Keto, Paleo] – Always Use Butter

This vegan, healthy breakfast smoothie is super easy to make without banana, dairy or gluten products. So tasty you can even make it for kids!

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Paleo 5 Minute Quick Blend Banana & Avocado Chocolate Mousse Pudding | Recipe This

Welcome to my Paleo 5 minute quick blend banana and avocado chocolate mousse pudding in the blender. Do you ever have that moment when you make something that…

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Healthy Apple Banana Smoothie – Simmer to Slimmer

This delicious glass of apple banana smoothie without any added sugar is the perfect way to start your day. Makes for a filling breakfast or anytime snack.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (34)

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip – Baba Ganosh

Healthy, guilt-free peanut butter fruit dip to satisfy all your peanut butter and dessert cravings! Make this in under 5 minutes when you get a craving for sweets.

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Pomegranate Chia Pudding | Sprouts And Krauts

Pomegranate Chia Pudding is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. It takes minimal time and effort, but looks impressive, beautiful, and seasonal.

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Apple Almond Sweet Potato Granola Bars – Bad to the Bowl

Easy homemade granola bars contain veggies, fruit and nut butter.

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36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (37)

More Chocolate Goodness

Hot Tahini Cacao

Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Buckwheat Cacao Banana Bread

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Kristen Wood

Hello! I'm a mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author with functional nutrition certification. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

36 Cacao Nib Recipes (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian) (2024)

FAQs

Do cacao nibs have gluten? ›

Cocoa Nibs are gluten free. Cocoa Nibs should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.

What to do with cacao nibs? ›

First there are the obvious things: using them as sprinkles on cupcakes or ice cream; mixing them into cookies like Dorie Greenspan's world peace cookies; or tossing them into brittle instead of nuts. Simply candying them—coating them in caramelized sugar—is simple, and candied cocoa nibs make a delicious snack.

How to make cacao nibs taste good? ›

The secret to tastier cacao nibs is a simple one: Before you use them, toast them! Just like raw nuts, raw cacao nibs lack a depth of flavor that can really only come from toasting.

Is cacao gluten free? ›

Cacao is gluten free. Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cacao fruit. They get fermented, dried, roasted, winnowed, refined, tempered and molded into chocolate treats. They are naturally made of carbs, proteins, fats and minerals, but contain no gluten.

Are cacao nibs anti inflammatory? ›

Certain compounds in cacao nibs have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to lessen the risks of getting cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and depression.

What is the side effect of cacao nibs? ›

Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.

Is it OK to eat cacao nibs everyday? ›

While cacao nibs are packed with nutrients, they also contain caffeine and are calorie-dense due to their fat content. So, consuming them in moderation is crucial, integrating them as part of a balanced and varied diet. A small handful or one to two tablespoons daily is generally considered reasonable.

Do you refrigerate cacao nibs? ›

It is not recommended that cacao nibs be refrigerated or frozen as it can cause moisture build-up, which can lead to potential mold or mildew. Store them in a cool, dry place to help maintain freshness and longer shelf life.

Can I put cacao nibs in my coffee? ›

Try adding nibs to your yogurt, smoothies, banana bread, salad and coffee. Adding cacao to your coffee: indi chocolate cacao nibs add the chocolaty flavor without adding the sugar. Cacao gives you a theobromine boost to your caffeine, preventing a midday caffeine and sugar crash.

Why can't i melt cacao nibs? ›

Unfortunately, the consistency of cacao nibs is not identical to chocolate chips. Raw cacao nibs are higher in protein and fiber and as a result, will not melt.

Do cacao nibs melt when cooked? ›

No, cacao nibs do not melt when exposed to heat. They are made by crushing whole, organic cacao beans and their texture is comparable to chopped nuts or seeds. They will soften slightly when used in baked goods or soaked in hot water.

Can you eat raw cacao nibs as a snack? ›

Cacao beans that have been heated or roasted during processing are used to make chocolate due to its sweeter taste. As most superfoodies will know, you can eat raw cacao and cacao nibs are no different. They have a subtle crunch - that someone people liken to the that of cashew.

Can cacao trigger IBS? ›

Chocolate

Chocolate bars and candy can trigger IBS due to their fat and sugar content. They also commonly contain lactose and caffeine. Some people experience constipation after eating chocolate. Some vegan options for chocolate lovers may be more tolerable for people with IBS.

What does cacao do for the body? ›

Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain and heart, and help prevent blood clots. The antioxidants in cacao and cocoa may affect how your body responds to insulin, which could lower your chances of diabetes.

Can celiacs eat cocoa? ›

Cocoa powder is naturally gluten free, however, we would recommend checking drinking chocolate, along with chocolate added to cappuccinos.

Does nibs have gluten? ›

Is it Gluten Free? No. This product is not gluten free as it lists 1 ingredient that contains gluten and 1 ingredient that could contain gluten depending on the source.

Do cacao nibs spike insulin? ›

Most results support an anti-diabetic effect of cocoa flavonoids by enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, exerting a lipid-lowering effect and preventing the oxidative and inflammatory damages associated to the disease.

Can you be allergic to cacao nibs? ›

Cacao allergy can induce cutaneous, oral/gastrointestinal, respiratory symptoms, , and anaphylaxis after ingestion. Studies have shown that individuals working with cacao seeds are at risk of experiencing allergic reactions due to their allergen's inhalation. To date, no major cacao allergens have yet been recognized.

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