Roasted Carob Powder (Ceratonia siliqua)

Roasted ground pods of Ceratonia siliqua, the carob tree, an evergreen of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Carob has a deep history in Mediterranean cuisine - the seeds were the original "carat" measurement (the word derives from "carob") because they are remarkably uniform in weight. The roasted pod powder is naturally sweet and chocolate-colored, making it a long-traditional cocoa alternative.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Ceratonia siliqua

Family

Fabaceae (legume family)

Native region

Mediterranean basin, Middle East

Part used

Roasted ground pods (not the seeds, which become carob bean gum)

Naturally caffeine-free

No caffeine or theobromine

Naturally sweet

Carob is naturally sweet without added sugar

Historical note

The carat measurement derives from carob seeds, which have uniform weight

What is Carob?

The carob tree is an evergreen Mediterranean legume that produces long brown seed pods. The pods have been a staple food of the Mediterranean for thousands of years - they are mentioned in biblical and ancient Greek texts. The dried roasted pods, ground to powder, have a sweet, mild, chocolate-like flavor without the bitterness, caffeine, or theobromine of cocoa. This makes carob a particularly useful ingredient for users avoiding caffeine, for dogs and pets (who cannot tolerate theobromine in cocoa), and for users seeking a sweet ingredient without added sugar.

How to Use Roasted Carob Powder

Substitute for cocoa powder 1:1 in most baking recipes (you may want to reduce added sugar since carob is naturally sweet). Make carob "hot chocolate" by stirring into warm milk. Blend into smoothies for a chocolate-like flavor without caffeine. Use in carob-coated dog treats (carob is safe for dogs; chocolate is not).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between carob and cocoa?
Different plants and different chemistry. Carob has no caffeine or theobromine and is naturally sweet; cocoa is naturally bitter and contains caffeine and theobromine.

Is carob really caffeine-free?
Yes; carob contains no caffeine or theobromine.

Is carob safe for dogs?
Yes; unlike chocolate, carob contains no theobromine and is safe for dogs. Carob "chocolate" dog treats are widely available.

Where does "carat" come from?
From "carob." The carob seeds have remarkably uniform weight (approximately 200 mg each) and were historically used as the standard weight unit for jewelers - the modern carat (200 mg) traces to this practice.

Does carob need sugar like cocoa does?
No; carob is naturally sweet. Most carob baking recipes use less added sugar than the cocoa equivalent.

What's the difference between roasted and raw carob?
Roasting deepens the color and flavor toward a more chocolate-like character. Both are usable; roasted is more popular for cocoa substitution.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.