Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been roasted and crushed, and they taste like rich chocolate and are naturally crunchy. They are a good ingredient for sweet and savory recipes and do not have the added sugar that chocolate chips do.
If you have a bag of cacao nibs in your pantry and wonder what to do with cacao nibs, there are so many easy options. Top bowls of breakfast, baked goods, smoothies, salads, snacks and even savory dishes.
Here are 10 practical ways to use cacao nibs in your kitchen.
1. Add Cacao Nibs to Oatmeal
One of the simplest ways to use cacao nibs is to add them to a warm bowl of oatmeal.
They add a crunchy texture and a rich cocoa flavor that pairs nicely with bananas, berries, nuts, cinnamon and nut butter.
Try this combination:
- Cooked oats
- 1–2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- Banana slices
- Almond or peanut butter
- Cinnamon
- A little drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Add the cacao nibs after cooking to keep them crunchy.
2. Sprinkle Them Over Yogurt and Smoothie Bowls
Cacao nibs are an easy topping for yogurt, chia pudding and smoothie bowls. Their slightly bitter flavor can cut through sweeter ingredients.
Layer Greek yogurt with berries, sliced fruit, granola and cacao nibs for a quick breakfast or snack.
You can add them to a smoothie bowl with frozen banana, berries and yogurt. Sprinkle the nibs on top just before serving.
This is one of the easiest things to do if you’re wondering what to do with cacao nibs without making a whole recipe.
3. Combine Cacao Nibs With Homemade Granola
You can make your own granola and add cacao nibs for chocolate flavor without using chocolate chips.
Mix rolled oats, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Bake until golden, add the cacao nibs once the granola has cooled.
Adding the nibs after baking helps to preserve their texture.
Good granola combinations:
- Almonds
- Filberts (Hazelnuts)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Coconut
- Dried cherry
- Raisins
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
4. Use Cacao Nibs in Cookies and Muffins
Cooking with cacao nibs is a simple way to add texture and cocoa flavor to baked goods.
Stir in cacao nibs into cookie dough, banana bread, muffins, brownies and energy bars. Since they are not sweet like chocolate chips, they are especially good in recipes that already have sugar or naturally sweet ingredients.
Try adding cacao nibs to:
- Banana muffins
- Oatmeal cookies
- Chocolate cookies
- Zucchini bread
- Banana bread
- Brownies
- Breakfast bars
A good starting point is about 2–4 tablespoons of cacao nibs per standard batch, depending on how pronounced you want their flavor and crunch to be.
5. Blend Them Into Smoothies
You can add cacao nibs right into smoothies. When you blend them, you break them down, you disperse their cocoa flavor through the drink.
For a basic chocolate type smoothie, blend:
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1–2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Ice if needed
If you want a sweeter smoothie you can add dates.
Mix the mixture well for a smoother drink. For a little crunch, save a small amount of cacao nibs and sprinkle over the top.
Also try recipes using Cacao nibs
6. Make a Cacao Nib Trail Mix
Cacao nibs lend a rich roasted flavor to homemade trail mix.
Mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut chips and whole-grain cereal for a quick snack.
Try this mix:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Cacao nibs
- Dried cranberries
- Pumpkin seeds
- Coconut flakes
Dried fruit adds sweetness, while nuts and seeds add a savory contrast to the cacao nibs.
7. Add Them to Pancakes and Waffles
You can also simply fold cacao nibs into pancake or waffle batter.
The heat has made them a little soft, but there are still little pockets of crunch throughout the finished dish.
Cacao nib pancakes pair well with:
- Banana
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Yogurt
- Maple syrup
You can also sprinkle a few nibs on top of finished pancakes with fresh fruit.
8. Add Cacao Nibs to Salads
Cacao nibs are not just for sweet recipes. They can be surprisingly good in salads, with their roasted, slightly bitter flavor.
Combine cacao nibs with leafy greens, fruit, nuts, cheese and a lightly sweet dressing for a balanced salad.
A simple combination:
- Mixed greens
- Sliced pear or apple
- Toasted walnuts
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Cacao nibs provide crunch and a hint of cocoa flavor without tasting like a dessert salad.
9. Use Cacao Nibs in Savory Seasonings
A strange way to use up cacao nibs is in savory spice blends.
Finely crushed cacao nibs can be used with spices like chili, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, and smoked paprika. This mix can be used as a seasoning for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, beans or tacos.
You could also use cacao nibs in Mexican mole-like dishes, where the cocoa flavor plays with chilies and spices.
If this is your first time using cacao nibs in a savory dish, start with a small amount. Used in excess, their bitterness can be quite strong.
10. Make Cacao Nib Butter or a Spread
Cacao nibs can be mixed with other ingredients to create a nut-butter-like spread.
A simple homemade spread can be made by blending roasted cacao nibs with roasted nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. This will take a few minutes for the natural oils to release and the mixture to become smooth.
You can add:
- A pinch of salt
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Dates
- A little honey or maple syrup
Serve the finished spread with toast, fruit, oatmeal, pancakes or crackers.
What Foods Pair Well With Cacao Nibs?
Cacao nibs are best paired with ingredients that complement their naturally bitter, roasted, chocolate-like flavor.
Sweet Pairings
Cacao nibs pair well with:
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Pears
- Apples
- Dates
- Coconut
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Nut and Seed Pairings
They also go well with:
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cashews
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
Savory Pairings
For savory recipes, try cacao nibs with:
- Chili peppers
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Roasted vegetables
- Beans
- Leafy greens
- Goat cheese
- Feta
- Grilled meats
The trick is balance. Naturally sweet, creamy, acidic or warm and spicy ingredients can help balance out the cacao nibs’ bitterness.
How Many Cacao Nibs Should You Use?
Most recipes recommend you start with 1-2 tablespoons. Add some more if you want a more intense cocoa flavor and a little more crunch.
For baked goods, 2 to 4 tablespoons per batch will usually impart a noticeable flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
If you’re using cacao nibs in a savory dish, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Do Cacao Nibs Taste Chocolatey?
Cacao nibs taste like dark chocolate, but are often more bitter and less sweet because they don’t have the added sugar that most chocolate products contain.
Depending on the cacao beans and how they were processed, the flavor can be roasted, nutty, earthy and a little fruity as well!
This makes cacao nibs a good partner to sweet fruits, creamy things, nuts and warm spices.
Ready to Try Cacao Nibs in Your Kitchen?
Get creative with familiar ingredients and recipes to find new ways to use cacao nibs. Their unique taste and texture can spark simple kitchen experiments. Experiment with combinations and quantities to your taste. Try both familiar and novel combinations and find recipes that work for you .
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with cacao nibs?
Add to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, granola, cookies, muffins, pancakes, trail mix, salads and savory spice blends. They can also be combined with nuts to make a spread.
Can you eat cacao nibs straight?
Yes, you can eat cacao nibs raw. These have a deep bitter cocoa taste and are crunchy so most people like to use them with sweeter or creamier ingredients.
Are cacao nibs good for baking?
Yes. You can add cacao nibs to cookies, muffins, brownies, banana bread, pancakes, waffles and other baked goods. They provide cocoa flavor and crunch but no sweetness from chocolate chips.
What is the best way to use cacao nibs?
There is no best way. To begin, sprinkle them on oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowls, or granola. Bake with them in cookies, muffins or banana bread.