The Cocoa Crisis: How It’s Impacting Your Favorite Products

Chocolate lovers, brace yourselves—we’ve got some not-so-sweet news. There’s a serious crisis occurring in the world of cacao and cocoa, and it’s affecting everything from some of your favorite products to the livelihoods of farmers across the globe. 

Fueled by years of poor cacao bean harvests, the cost of cacao beans has skyrocketed. As a result, major cocoa production plants in the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which produce nearly 60% of the world’s cocoa, have stopped or slowed production, causing demand for cocoa to far exceed supply. 

So, what does this mean for you, and how can you still get your chocolatey fill without breaking the bank? Read on to find out.

Cacao vs. Cocoa: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common point of confusion—what’s the difference between cacao and cocoa? 

Cacao refers to the raw form of the cacao bean, straight from the pod of the cacao tree. It’s minimally processed and retains more of its natural nutrients, like antioxidants and magnesium. Cacao is typically used in raw food products or in more natural, health-focused products, including Keto Bricks.  

Cocoa is what’s produced after the cacao beans are roasted and processed at high temperatures. The roasting process reduces some nutritional value and gives cocoa its signature rich flavor. Cocoa is what you find in most of your everyday chocolate products, from hot cocoa mixes to chocolate candy bars.

So, while both cacao and cocoa come from the same bean, the difference lies in how they’re processed. Since both cacao and cocoa come from the same bean, the rising costs of raw cacao beans directly impact both types of products.

The Cocoa Crisis: What’s Going On?

At the core of this crisis is the basic principle of supply and demand—there simply aren’t enough cacao beans to satisfy the world’s appetite for cacao- and cocoa-based products. Ivory Coast and Ghana, the two largest producers, have been hit hard by poor harvests over the past few years due to unpredictable weather patterns, diseases affecting cacao plants (like the swollen shoot virus), and aging trees. 

Adding to the strain are inflation, rising labor costs, higher energy prices, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Together, these challenges have resulted in a sharp decline in cacao bean production. As a result, the cost of cacao beans has soared, more than doubling in the past year.[*] 

As the supply of cacao beans tightens, manufacturers of products containing cacao and cocoa are left with no choice but to raise prices. This ripple effect is being felt by consumers, who are now paying more for their favorite products.

But the crisis doesn’t just impact prices. The livelihoods of many cacao farmers are at stake. When local dealers are forced to pay higher-than-normal premiums to secure beans, it disrupts the entire supply chain, leaving both farmers and processors in a difficult position. 

The Benefits of Raw Cacao

One of the key ingredients in our Keto Bricks is raw organic cacao butter — a natural, edible fat extracted from cacao beans. Why do we include this in our bricks? Because raw cacao butter offers a host of benefits that perfectly complement the goals of the ketogenic lifestyle.

• Rich in healthy fats: Raw cacao butter is an excellent source of healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining ketosis. These fats provide a steady, long-lasting energy source without causing blood sugar spikes.
• High stearic acid content: Cacao butter is particularly rich in stearic acid, a unique type of saturated fat that’s been shown to have neutral or even positive effects on cholesterol levels.[*] Stearic acid may also help fuel fat loss, lower blood sugar levels, promote mental clarity, and spark higher energy levels.[*][*][*][*]
• Packed with antioxidants: Unlike highly processed cocoa, raw cacao retains more of its natural nutrients, including powerful antioxidants like catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins.[*] Antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
• Provide essential nutrients: Cacao butter is high in vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium and supports bone health.[*] It’s also high in vitamin E — an antioxidant that supports brain health.

How Does the Cocoa Crisis Affect Keto Brick?

Raw organic cacao butter is the primary ingredient in Keto Bricks, and unfortunately, we’re feeling the effects of the cacao crisis firsthand.

Instead of compromising our product by adding cheap filler ingredients to cut costs, we made the tough decision to start charging for shipping. This was not a decision we made lightly, but it’s necessary to ensure we can continue to offer the same high-quality products you’ve come to expect. 

The realities of the cacao crisis are challenging, but we won’t back down from the principles of quality and integrity this company was built on.

To protect ourselves against the volatility of the cacao market, we’re also exploring the idea of diversifying our primary ingredients (think tallow). These alternatives offer similar benefits in terms of healthy fats and energy production, so they could be a perfect fit for maintaining the quality and performance of our products. Stay tuned! 

Performance Fuel That Won’t Break the Bank

At Keto Brick, we’ve always believed that fueling your performance shouldn’t come at the cost of your health—or your wallet. That’s why our performance bars are designed to be as practical as they are high quality. Each Keto Brick packs 1,000 calories of nutrient-dense, shelf-stable fuel, made with top-tier ingredients that deliver the energy and nutrition you need to thrive.

In every high-calorie, shelf-stable Brick, you’ll find the highest quality ingredients, including:

• Raw, organic cacao butter to support ketosis and deliver the benefits of stearic acid.
• Plant-based or whey protein. Our clean, grass-fed, pastured whey protein is processed using cold-water microfiltration technologies to retain the bioactive protein. Our plant-based bars are made with pea protein isolate and organic brown rice protein concentrate.
• Pure MCT powder for rapid ketone production and steady energy.
• Ground flaxseed for essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber (in some flavors).
• Raw organic cacao nibs for their phytonutrient content and tasty crunch.
• Pink Himalayan salt for minerals and electrolytes.
• Ground coffee (depending on flavor) for a quick caffeine boost.

 No matter what challenges come our way, we’ll continue to stand by our commitment to quality, helping you fuel your goals without compromise.

Find your favorite Keto Brick flavor today — with nine mouth-watering options, there’s a Brick for every palate!