Organic Carob Chips

Editor

Organic carob chips are frequently used as a substitute for chocolate when baking cookies, cakes, and other desserts. Since carob has a similar taste to chocolate and is naturally sweet, the chips don't need any added sugar or other sweeteners. This makes carob a good choice for those that choose to limit their sugar intake. Not everyone loves the flavor, however, so be sure to experiment with your recipes to achieve the result you desire.

The Nutrient-Packed Carob Pod

Carob pods are classified as legumes. They can be typically grown between 15 to 30 centimeters long, while remaining thick and broad. What makes the carob pod so sweet is its sucrose content. Carob contains approximately 40% sucrose. About 8% percent of its composition is protein. According to Nutrition.gov, a site which is part of the Food and Nutrition Center (FNIC), this luscious legume contains rich stores of vitamins A and B as well as:

Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Barium
Copper
Nickel

More importantly, carob has only one third the calories of chocolate, is high in fiber, and is virtually fat free. Comparatively, chocolate is approximately half fat.

Carob's non allergenic factors are attributed to its lack of phenylethylamine (which can trigger migraines) and fromamine (which can cause both migraines and allergic reactions).

Unlike chocolate, carob contains no oxalic acid to prevent the absorption of calcium and zinc. Oxalic acid is thought to be one of the substances in chocolate which may contribute to teenage acne. Some teenagers notice an increase in breakouts after the consumption of chocolate. Since oxalic acid can interfere with the uptake of zinc (an important mineral for clear skin), skin concerns may be well founded.

Perhaps the most valuable selling point of carob is that it does not contain theobromine and caffeine, two stimulant substances found in chocolate. Carob's natural sugar content also means that you will have to include less sugar in your baked goods when substituting carob for chocolate. Ultimately, if you can adjust to the subtle taste difference, organic carob chips are by far the healthier sweet!

Using Carob Chips

Like chocolate, carob is made into small baking chips by combining carob powder with palm kernel oil and various other ingredients. While it can be substituted cup for cup in baked goods, carob chips do not melt the same way as chocolate chips do. You can melt them in a hot substance like cream or soy milk to use in a recipe but it is very difficult, if not impossible, to melt them to be used as a coating for candy. Some people report having good results melting carob by using about a half cup of the chips with a teaspoon of oil.

When you use carob chips in muffins or cookies, there is no need to adjust times, temperatures, or ingredients. Some people find the taste of carob stronger than chocolate and prefer to use less chips in their recipes. Experiment a little to see what works best for you.

Interestingly, carob is perfectly safe for dogs. Pet owners can feel comfortable making special treats for their pets that include carob powder or carob chips instead of chocolate.

Finding Organic Carob Chips

Organic carob chips can easily be found at the health or organic food store in the baking goods or bulk sections.

You may be able to find a brand of unsweetened organic carob chips that will add dairy to the carob mix in order to bind and accentuate the flavor. Sweetened carob chips will often contain natural sweeteners such as malted barley syrup, which is still better for you than refined sugar.

Sunspire Carob Chips

Sunspire is available on a national level. You may find it in your local store or at Amazon or other online retailers of organic foods. The company produces two types of carob chips.

Unsweetened Carob Chips – These carob chips have a little milk powder in them to help to bind the ingredients and bring out the flavor. They contain nonfat milk powder, carob, whey, oil and lecithin (made from soy).
Vegan Carob Chips – These chips don't contain any animal products such as milk or whey. They contain malted corn and barley, palm kernel oil, carob and lecithin.

Sunspire products are certified Kosher.

Switch to Carob Slowly

Some people will find that they absolutely love carob, while others may not feel the flavor is chocolaty enough. Try experimenting with different amounts and different brands of carob chips until you find one that you like.

For some people, carob will never replace chocolate. These may be able to learn to enjoy carob for its own unique flavor and texture. It may be possible to make the switch to carob by substituting it in recipes in increasingly larger amounts. At first you may substitute ¼ cup of chocolate chips for ¼ cup carob chips and then add a larger percentage of carob every time that you make the recipe until you are using all carob.

While carob chips are not for everyone, they make an excellent substitution for chocolate in many people's lives.