noun

cacao

kuh-KOW

Cacao (noun) means the dried and fermented seeds of the tropical cacao tree, from which chocolate and cocoa are made. Example: “The bar is made from single-origin cacao grown in Ecuador.”

noun

The dried and fermented seeds of the tropical cacao tree, from which chocolate and cocoa are made.

"The bar is made from single-origin cacao grown in Ecuador."

"Cacao prices hit a record high this year."

The small evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, that produces those seeds inside large ridged pods.

"Cacao grows only within about twenty degrees of the equator."

Raw or minimally processed cacao sold as a food product, typically as nibs, powder or paste, and marketed as less processed than cocoa.

"She stirs a spoon of cacao powder into her morning smoothie."

How to Use Cacao

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe bean that chocolate is made from.

When to use it

Both kuh-KOW and kuh-KAY-oh are heard in English. 'Cacao' is preferred in agriculture, the speciality chocolate trade and health-food marketing; 'cocoa' is the everyday word in the kitchen.

Memory tip

Cacao and cocoa refer to the same plant. Cocoa is simply the older anglicised spelling that became attached to the processed powder.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cocoa → coca → cocoa butter chocolate →

Common pairings

cacao bean cacao pod cacao nibs raw cacao cacao butter cacao percentage

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bar is made from single-origin _____ grown in Ecuador.

Etymology

Via Spanish from Nahuatl cacahuatl, the word for the cacao bean in the language of the Aztecs.

Origin: Nahuatl

Synonyms

View more →

cocoa beans

Rhymes for cacao

ao tao Lao nao hao mao dao bao pao Yao Kao Sao

See all rhymes for cacao →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?

They come from the same bean. In current usage cacao usually means the bean in its raw or lightly processed state, while cocoa means the roasted, ground and often alkalised powder sold for baking and drinks. The distinction is a marketing convention rather than a botanical one.

What is the difference between cacao and coca?

They are entirely unrelated plants. Cacao produces chocolate; coca is a South American shrub whose leaves contain cocaine. The similar spelling causes constant confusion but there is no connection.

How is cacao pronounced?

Most commonly kuh-KOW, echoing the Spanish. Kuh-KAY-oh is also widely used and accepted, particularly in American English.