Our carob powder is a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa, crafted from the dried and roasted pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). With its mellow, earthy flavour and absence of caffeine or theobromine, it’s a gentle, nutrient-rich option ideal for chocolate-style applications and perfect for baking, beverages, and clean-label snacks. It supports health-conscious formulations without compromising taste. Available in both conventional and organic grades.
Availability
This is an ingredient we currently keep in stock at one of our warehouses, or have the ability to do so. Contact us to discuss in more detail.
This is an ingredient we can directly deliver from our supplier to you for commercial reasons, or is necessary due to special product requirements.
Bag: 25 kg, 1,000 kg
1,000 kg (1 Pallet)
Our carob powder is carefully processed to preserve its natural sweetness and nutritional value. With no caffeine or allergens, and a naturally sweet profile, it offers manufacturers a clean-label solution that enhances flavour while reducing the need for sugar or stimulants. It’s ideal for plant-based, functional, and family-friendly formulations.
| Technical Information | |
|---|---|
| Attribute | Description |
| Appearance | Fine brown powder |
| Flavour Profile | Mild, sweet, caramel-chocolate notes |
| Moisture Content | < 8% |
| pH Range | ~5.5 - 6.5 |
| Solubility | Partially soluble in water |
| Shelf Life | 18–24 months when stored in cool, dry conditions |
Naturally Sweet – Contains natural sugars, often eliminating the need for added sweeteners.
Caffeine & Theobromine Free – Gentle on the system, suitable for children and those avoiding stimulants.
Nutrient Dense – Rich in calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Allergen-Free – Gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for vegan diets.
Low Fat & Low Glycaemic – A lighter alternative to cocoa powder.
Clean Label Ingredient – No additives, preservatives, or processing agents.
Versatile Use – Perfect for smoothies, hot drinks, baked goods, snack bars, and desserts.
Natural Sweetener: Contains natural sugars, reducing or eliminating the need for added sweeteners in formulations.
Cocoa Alternative: Mimics chocolate flavor in recipes without caffeine or theobromine, suitable for stimulant-free products.
Flavour Enhancement: Adds mild, caramel-like, and nutty notes to bakery, dairy-free, and beverage applications.
Colouring Agent: Contributes a rich, dark brown hue similar to cocoa powder, useful in chocolate-style applications.
Thickening & Binding: Contains soluble fiber and tannins that offer mild thickening or binding effects in baked goods and smoothies.
Nutritional Enricher: Offering a rich source of dietary fibre, calcium, potassium, and essential vitamins—enhancing the health profile of a wide range of formulations.
Nutritional Boost: Provides fiber, calcium, potassium, and polyphenols, enhancing the functional and nutritional profile of finished products.
Allergen-Free Formulation: Naturally gluten-free, caffeine-free, and dairy-free—suitable for vegan and hypoallergenic products.
Low Fat & Low Glycaemic Index: Offers a health-focused alternative for consumers limiting fat or sugar intake.
Texture Modifier: Adds body and mouthfeel to drinks, yogurts, and desserts without added fats.
Shelf-Life Stability: Naturally resistant to oxidation and spoilage due to low fat content and polyphenol presence.
Carob powder is produced from the dried pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), a leguminous plant native to the Mediterranean region. The process begins by harvesting mature carob pods, which are then washed, dried, and deseeded to remove the hard seeds. The remaining pulp is gently roasted to enhance its natural sweetness and develop its signature caramel-like flavor. After roasting, the pods are finely milled into a uniform, cocoa-like powder. This minimal processing approach retains the natural nutritional qualities of the carob, such as its dietary fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, while delivering a clean-label, caffeine-free ingredient suitable for a wide range of applications.
Carob powder is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with a high proportion of natural sugars (mainly sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and dietary fiber—particularly insoluble fiber such as cellulose and hemicellulose. It contains minimal fat and protein, setting it apart from cocoa powder. One of its key chemical components is polyphenols, including gallic acid and tannins, which contribute antioxidant properties and astringent taste. The low lipid content (typically less than 1%) enhances its shelf-life stability. Structurally, the polysaccharide content (mainly galactomannans in the seeds, though not present in the powder unless processed with seed remnants) plays a minor role in water-binding and viscosity. Overall, carob powder’s molecular profile makes it a naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and caffeine-free alternative to cocoa, suitable for functional and clean-label food formulations.
While carob powder is a versatile and health-friendly alternative to cocoa, it does come with a few considerations.
Its natural sweetness and mild flavour, while advantageous in some formulations, may not fully replicate the rich bitterness or depth of chocolate flavour that cocoa offers—potentially requiring flavour balancing or blending in chocolate-based applications.
Carob also has a lower fat content than cocoa, which can affect texture and mouthfeel in recipes where fat plays a key functional role.
Additionally, due to its natural sugar content, carob may not be suitable for ultra low-sugar or ketogenic diets without careful formulation. Its tannin content, though contributing antioxidant benefits, can also impart a slightly astringent note if used at high inclusion rates.
Finally, as with any plant-based ingredient, product consistency can vary slightly depending on harvest and processing conditions, so sourcing from reliable suppliers is important for consistent quality.
