Grain Brain Natural Carob powder is sourced from the Carob evergreen trees a member of the legume family that grows along the Mediterranean sea. When brown the pods are collected. The seeds are removed and the sweet edible pulp is dried and lightly roasted. (The pulp is roasted as the roasting process is a Validated 'Kill Step' which is necessary as raw carob may have Pathogens.. not that long ago there was a Salmonella recall on RAW carob powder. This had NOTHING to do with Grain Brain as we are only selling roasted carob powder.) After the roasting process the carob is grounded into a dark, sweet, richly flavored powder called carob powder. Nowadays Carob is very popular because it is the perfect replacement for cacao or chocolate. It is widely used and sold in a huge variety of confectionary products, cakes, etc. Carob powder, being very similar to cacao powder in appearance, texture and cooking properties, can be very easily substituted with cacao in your recipes. Replace them one by one or half cacao and half carob. Have you ever tried carob Add this delicious, sweet taste to your baked goods. Do you like carob You will love this one!! Health Benefits Unlike cacao, carob is low in Fat, low in calories, Caffeine-Free, and Theobromine-Free. Many people allergic to cacao can tolerate carob. Or people who want to avoid caffeine use carob instead which is caffeine free. Carob has an excellent nutritional value. It has a great amount of protein. It is rich in fiber and calcium. The polyphenols in carob are also powerful antioxidants, protecting your body from damage from free radicals and environmental toxins. Carob also contains magnesium, Vitamin, B, and several important vitamins Of course, when you use Grain Brain carob powder you get nothing added. Only pure natural carob powder. No additives, sweeteners, chemicals or preservatives added.