Love these. A tad expensive, but you pay for quality.

Tasty addition to our acai bowls

Yes. Good source of cacao with very low s ugar content

Waatery

Love to add these to Greek yogurt and ice cream.

This is very good, it is a must buy if you don't have access to cacao fruit from a tree.The taste is strong and bitter but you'll enjoy it. It's a super source of antioxidants and good fats, one of the best foods you can consume in order to have a long healthy life.Also be aware that this comes with the prop 65 statement from California! Cacao, goji berries, maca powder, and sea vegetables, have been found to contain varying levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, however this does not differentiate between the metals found in the soil naturally or the industrially polluted by man. Navitas is a reputable source for organic cacao so do not be discouraged by it. Feel free to do your own research on the subject though.If you are a cacao connoisseur, I recommend reading the 1 star reviews for a good laugh, most of those guys don't even know what's up.

If you're not used to raw cacao nibs, realize that they are not going to taste much like chocolate... They are fermented, so they have a wine-like smell and a sour taste. I don't eat them by themselves very much, but once you're used to them you can (again, they won't taste much like chocolate even though they are the actual, raw cacao beans that chocolate is made from). I make my own chocolate (using organic cacao powder, cacao butter, stevia, chia seeds, nuts, etc) and add these to it. I also add them to smoothies. They are great that way.The main reason I eat these is that they are raw, unprocessed cacao beans so they have a lot of health benefits. Cacao powder and butter have been processed (ironically, to separate them out from the original nibs), so they won't be as healthy (even if organic). Maybe someday I'll try to make the nibs into chocolate with a mortar and pestle or something, but for now I'l just keep using them as an addition to things. Everything I've used from Navitas Naturals has been great, 5-stars.

I ordered this item to make homemade chocolate the way I had tasted it Mexico. I never was a fan of hot chocolate until I tasted hot chocolate in Puebla. I have since researched how to make the real homemade hot chocolate and learned I needed raw cocoa which is hard to find. I finally found these nibs. This is how I use them. 1) I break them in my food processor, 5 seconds at a time. I turn the food processor on pulse 5 seconds. Stop. 5 seconds pulse. Stop. 5 seconds pulse. Etc. I read online that if you do it continuously, you will burn the engine of the food processor. 2) Once the nibs are broken, I then put them in the Krups coffee grinder which I also purchased on Amazon (thanks Amazon) and do the same thing. I pulse. Stop. Pulse. Stop. etc until I reach the results mentioned in 3) below. In the middle, I often have to stir to make sure the crushing is even. 3) After a while, you will notice that the coarse bits, become powder, and then sticky powder, and then slowly chocolate paste. 4) Meanwhile the whole time I have had hot coconut milk on the stove (with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla essence (also home made), sea salt or himalayan salt, coconut sugar/stevia mixed (to your taste), pinch hot pepper or rosemary or chipotle or whatever you like and I let it heat and when the chocolate has melted, I take it off. I have noticed that can be enough food for a huge part of my day. It really fills me up. It is a superfood indeed. Enjoy. I see that Navitas also has the powder but I saw in Mexico that the indigenous and locals did not use powder. They used the paste with the grease in it. That is what gives it this rich taste and fills you up.

I have been using Navitas Naturals supefoods for a while and Organic Raw Cacao Nibs are one of mine favorites. I mix them in my smoothies, yogurts. Cacao has a high content of magnesium,minerals and iron.My favorite smoothie is raw milk, one raw egg, cacao nibs, hemp protein, a banana, a 1/4 of tea spoon of vanilla extract and dates. Very nutritious, absolutely no junk and the taste...out of this world!!It is low in sugar, which I am not a big fan at all anyway, high in a good quality protein and fat...YES, FAT, which most of our population freaks out about, but sugar is the processed food, that people should be afraid of.....I know, I know...it tastes good, so it is hard to give it up. Sugar is in everything: alcohol, soda, sports drinks, pasta, grains, bread, fruit and vegetables, too.The obesity in this country is not because of fat, but sugar is the villain!And one more thing: stay away from whey protein! I know it is everywhere, because it is the cheapest ingredient to get and sell for 4,000% mark up! It is a by-product of diary industry and they cannot get rid of it.Try this: give it to cat in bowl...they will walk away. No sugar please. Then give them a raw milk..it will be gone in seconds!!Guess what? Your body does not digest whey!

I was looking for something to add a little bit of crunch to my smoothies and decided to go with the Cacao. I was a little apprehensive when I looked at the nutrition facts (1oz is 10g of fat) but then I realized that an ounce is QUITE a large serving (25% of the bag, which is not small), and I was just looking to throw a handful into my smoothie.The Cacao Nibs blended up nicely - they retained their taste and texture, but even with ice-crushing blending, they still remained solid. They just broke down into tiny little bits of crunchiness, which was a welcome addition to my smoothie.For those looking for a replacement for chocolate- Cacao Nibs are similar, but they do take some getting used to. They are not smooth and creamy like processed chocolate. But they have that lovely soft bite to them, and the chocolate essence is definitely there. I'm not ready to replace ALL chocolate with them, but in my smoothies, and in baking, and as a topping for ice cream, etc. these are a great start.

The word "cocoa" comes from the Spanish word cacao which is a version of the Nahuatl word cacahuatl.The cacao tree may have originated in the Amazon's Andes foothills, and in Colombia and Venezuela, where wild cacao can still can be discovered. In Mexico, the Olmecs were cultivating cocoa by 1500 B.C. Before the Spanish conquerors, cocoa beans were a common form of currency in Mesoamerica (too bad our money system can't be this pure & simple!).These high-quality, sustainable and ethically grown Navitas Naturals Cocoa Nibs are high in the benefits of cocoa, since flavonoids degrade during cooking and alkalizing processes (why you don't want Dutch-proceeded cocoa). Anyway, cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants, as well as flavanoids that contain epicatechin, which may benefit cardiovascular health and prevent heart-disease. In 2006, a study of elderly men found a 50% reduction in cardiovascular mortality, and a 47% reduction in overall mortality for those who regularly consumed cocoa ("Cocoa Intake, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study," Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(4): 411-7). And Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs even contain 4 grams of protein per serving. Enjoy!

The size of this product is small, which is a big plus. A little does go a long way. I use it by sprinkling it on my low carb ice cream. It is a little too bitter for me to eat by itself, but my daughter loves the taste and flavor by itself. It is certified organic, comes in bite size pieces, the container is self-sealing. It is high in antioxidants; iron and magnesium…imagine chocolate that is actually good for you! This is the healthy alternative to regular dark chocolate. It can be used in smoothies as well, so versatile and good for you too. I love the small packaging, which allows customers to try it and see if they like it and not be stuck with a large package that will be tossed out later. Everyone in my family has enjoyed the rich chocolate flavor. But be forewarned that it can have a slight bittersweet taste, so not everyone may fall for it.

I don't doubt the amazing health benefits of this product but what has stood out to me in my first week of eating these nibs daily is their potent mood-boosting effects. I anyone has ever taken an anti-depressant before it literally feels like that without the haze. There is a tremendous amount of energy that comes with consuming this product as well. Yes, it has caffeine in it but the jolt you feel minutes after eating them is clearly different form what you get from your morning coffee. I am able to focus better, longer. Which is a huge plus because I am Adult ADD. I have noticed a better sexual experiences as well.Another benefit I am very fond of is the appetite suppressing effects. This product's high fiber content, basic nutritional profile combined with the appetite suppression makes it an incredible weight loss and management tool.As far as this specific brand of nibs I couldn't tell much other than I am happy with them and the price I paid for them. The package lists a serving as being an oz and since there are 16 to a unit a measured serving comes to about a cup, however I suspect it doesn't take consuming this much to benefit. If anyone can tell me differently that would be helpful because the flavor is tough to get used to. They are mostly flavorless with the really potent after taste of alcohol. Similar to that of a very high-quality, fresh olive oil and I don't care for it.But my recommendation is to eat them raw. As with the antioxidants and polyphenols present in other foods, those present in these nibs are less-absorbed and used less-readily if they are consumed with other high protein, high sugar or high fat foods.

I got a taste for roasted cacao beans while traveling around Mexico. You could buy a pound for a dollar or two, and just munch of them like any snack. I have tried to find similarly delicious ones in the U.S., but these are the closest I have found.The good: they are cacao. I have used them in hot chocolate (strained after cooking in milk and sugar) and they are delicious. I have used them in baking (ground up in chocolate cake). They are good in applications.The bad: they are not good by themselves. Unlike whole cacao beans I've had in the past, they are chalky and more bitter. They're also broken up, which probably adds to the dry/chalky problem. I was really excited about them, but they have been relegated to an ingredient. A fine ingredient, mind you, but they're not worthy as a snack like I had hoped.

Not much more I can add to this discussion that hasn't already been said -- great cocoa taste, rich flavor, good to snack on and good for you. I was moved by several reviewers complaining about the taste and having been stuck with 32oz of cacao nibs they can't use, so here are a few suggestions for you that I developed by combining these nibs with other things I've found on Amazon:1. Add to granola cereal for a chocolatety taste -- highly suggest Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Pumpkin Granola Cereal or the Hemp Plus granola. Eat these together with or without milk for a great chocolate treat (the sweetness of the Hemp Plus granola mixes well with the bitter chocolate)2. Make Your Very Own Chocolate Soy/Rice/Almond Milk -- Add 3 or 4 tablespoons of nibs along with the soybeans/rice/almonds to the Soyapower Plus Soy Milk Maker, press the Soy+ button and in less than 20 minutes you will have deliciously chocolatey Soy/Rice/Almond milk. The device does the rest, heating, chopping, mixing -- just strain and serve. Add 3 tablespoons Madhava Organic Agave Nectar - Amber or Light to sweeten.3. Make your own healthy snack by mixing Cacao nibs, Dry Roasted Edamame, and Gogi Berries for a choco-nutty and fruity treat. This last pick is targeted at those of you who also bought Navitas Naturals Goji Berries and have plenty extra.Anyway, have fun with these Cacao nibs -- if you don't like them straight-up there are many ways to enjoy this delicious and healthy alternative to chocolate.Happy Eating!

I believe I read someone referring to Cacao nibs as 'The New Wine'.WELL... I'D HAVE TO AGREE!The problem is....I don't like wine!These cacao nibs oddly smell and taste like red wine to me.The taste is very pungent and in your face. I definitely wouldn't refer to it as pleasing.I usually am able to stomach through nasty tasting, health benificial foods that I buy, but this one is proving to be quite a challenge.I bought this because I already owned the Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder, 16-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 2) and I really like the taste of it. Especially when added to my oatmeal.These cacao nibs do not taste anything like the powder in my opinion. I even added it to my oatmeal just to be fair.I now own 2 bags of these nibs, and being they are expensive, you best believe I will be eating them! But as I said, the taste is hard to stomach, especially when eating alone.I usually add it to a handful of nuts and raisins and the taste is dulled which isn't so bad.I do notice a small spike in energy after eating these, but if I had to choose between the horrible taste of these Cacao nibs and the horrid taste of DoMatcha DoMatcha Organic 2nd Harvest Matcha, 2.82-Ounce for an energy boost, I think I'd have to go with the Matcha.It does a much better job at giving you that extra kick of energy because of the caffeine.As far as antioxidants go, there are plenty of other Nativa blends such as the Navitas Naturals Acai Powder, 8-Ounce Pouches if that's what your looking for.I would not recommend this to snack on per say, and if I had to choose between the nibs and the powdered form, I'd go for the powder.Hope this helps.****UPDATE 09/01/12So I finally found another way to get these things down and its working out pretty well. I've actually been throwing a few in my oatmeal along with a million other things (besides sugar of course =)By the time I dont mixing everything in, the taste of the cacao is masked and it actually add a bit of crunch to the oatmeal which is kinda nice.I recommend you try it if your having trouble getting these down.

Bought for health aspects after reading a food article in a tennis magazine. My blood pressure has been easing slowly up (I'm 50) so I am trying to be proactive in a natural way. Since health aspects are my main criteria, I'm not sure how many stars to give it, as I did not take a before/after test of my cholesterol level, and it is too soon to be aware of blood pressure changes.I love dark chocolate, so I figured this would be a good way to do it.Well, there is a vague chocolate flavor, but mostly it tastes like cardboard. Good texture though. It is certainly eatable straight up, if not particularly tasty. I either take a heaping spoonful straight, or put a small square of dark chocolate on the spoon with the nibs.Since my main reason is health, not taste, I assume this is doing its dark chocolate magic and I can manage the so-so flavor.So-so taste, but all the benefits of dark chocolate without the added junk that makes candy taste good (unless you do as I do and add a smidge of processed 70%+ dark chocolate bar for flavor.A bit of an energy boost too, though that might be a placebo effect.

When I first tried this product, I was not impressed. The bitter flavor seemed overwhelming but I kept nibbling away as I had two pounds of bean fragments lying around. After three days of nibbling, I was hooked. Here is what I love about this product:1) Energy: Around 2pm, I am ready for a nap. I eat a half tablespoon of these beans and I am ready to conquer the last two hours of work. These beans provide amazing energy.2) Two ounces replace numerous candy bars: My workplace has too may candy bowls and casual snacking is easy. I fill a little container with two ounces of nibs and slowly eat them throughout the day. The taste and nature of the nibs is conducive to careful, slow eating. Now, instead of popping 10 snickers, I just fill my palm with nibs and I am completely content.3) Replaces sweet cravings: As noted above, I am no longer eating excessive, sugary sweets at work and I don't miss the super sweet chocolate from the candy bowl. I don't feel deprived and the calorie savings are significant.4)The recipe possibilities are endless: If the nibs alone do not provide you with enough kick, grind some nibs and blend with your coffee for a delightful chocolate coffee. For tea, I've done something similar by mixing ground nibs with loose tea and then steeping in water to create a phenomenally rich tea. I've purchased bulk granola and sprinkled nibs and almonds in to create a nice snack mix. To create flavorful smoothies, I've also blended these with banana and So Delicious Coconut Milk or Chocolate Silk Soy Milk. There are numerous possibilities with this product so be creative!As a side note, for those that are worried about the bitterness of this product, the company makes a sweetened version Navitas Naturals Cacao Nibs Sweetened, 8-Ounce that is addictive, and admittedly, not as easy to eat in moderation.If out of stock, or you want to try single pouches, try iherb.com. If interested in iherb, you can use my code LEK375 for a discount.

85% was the darkest chocolate I could find until Lindt's new 90% (I think they need to fine-tune it with a version 2.0. It seems a bit rich/gummy) Ghiradelli's 100% bar for baking is smooth, and I can eat, but man, how happy would many of us be with a 95% Dove bar!Enter Cocoa nibs: Why not "eliminate the middle man" and go straight to the source - the cocoa beans themselves? Get the cocoa taste I love so much, but without the processing, added fat, etc. Plus, hey, no processing leaves more of the antioxidents & nutrients.Day of arrival and I'm excited. I opened them immediately and saw a bunch of nuggets that looked just like chocolate. So, I stuck my nose in the bag, and it wiped the smile right off my face. It smelled sort of musty, and of vinegar. Like bad wine. Eating them proved no better. So, I put them down and tried them later. Again the next day, and so on.Disappointed is an understatement to say the least. I've got 2 lbs of this stuff and I'm not one to waste food. Did I mention that I'm out $28? What the heck happened? I read that if beans weren't fermented long enough, they could smell like this. I've not compared to other nibs, but thought maybe this is the case. I was looking for that familiar cocoa smell & flavor, yet wasn't finding it. And how strange that there are so few written references to actual flavor and smell!All ends well. I realized that these are raw (yes, I know, "duh" you say). But, I didn't truly make the connection. Cocoa beans need to be roasted. They WANT to be roasted. And I believe they'll thumb their nose at any purist snob that discredits roasting solely for any "loss of nutritional benefits" (and so will I, so save your comments).Conclusion: If you haven't yet done so, get crazy and live on the wild side! Place a thin layer on a cookie sheet, then in the oven. I've done two roasts: 350* at 18 minutes and 275* at 15 minutes. I prefer the latter, but experimenting is half the fun. Oh yeah, don't forget to peek inside around the 8 minute mark...smells sort of like warm brownies! Got to go, I've made myself hungry!

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 fermented and 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.