HerbMate Library

Cocoa Nibs

Theobroma cacao

Antioxidant, Mood

Cocoa nibs are crushed cacao beans—bitter, crunchy, and full of polyphenols. They’re used for mood/energy routines, heart-healthy eating patterns, and as a low-sugar way to get ‘chocolate’ flavor.

Key Benefits

Polyphenol-rich food that supports antioxidant routines.
Can support mood/energy routines (mild stimulant effect).
Low-sugar way to add chocolate flavor and crunch.

Common Issues It May Help With

Low-energy food-based routines (mild).
Sugar-reduction routines (swap for candy/chips).

How To Use (Simple)

Add to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or trail mix.
Use as a topping for ‘chocolate crunch’ without added sugar.
Start with 1–2 teaspoons if sensitive to caffeine.

Taste / Notes

Bitter, roasted chocolate, crunchy.

Evidence Level

Good nutrition evidence for cocoa polyphenols; effects depend on dose and overall diet.

Cautions

Contains caffeine/theobromine—can trigger jitters, reflux, or sleep issues in sensitive people. Pets (dogs) should not eat cocoa.

Interactions

Use caution with stimulants and if you’re caffeine-sensitive. If on MAOIs or certain psychiatric meds, ask a clinician before high daily intake.

Debug: Loaded Herb Fields (verification)

{
  "slug": "cocoa-nibs",
  "title": "Cocoa Nibs",
  "latinName": "Theobroma cacao",
  "category": "Antioxidant, Mood",
  "tagsCount": 0,
  "summaryLen": 196,
  "benefitsBullets": 3,
  "issuesItTreats": 2,
  "howToUse": 3,
  "hasTaste": true,
  "hasEvidence": true,
  "hasCautions": true,
  "hasInteractions": true
}