Cacao vs Cocoa

Both are sourced from the cacao bean of the Theobroma cacao tree. And this makes them essentially the same thing with the difference being in the way the bean is processed. 

Cocoa is the processed form whereas cacao is a pure form of chocolate. 

Often, cocoa comes in a powder form and commonly seen in supermarkets and stirred into beverages.To produce this, the bean in roasted at high temperatures which also destroys the beneficial nutrients within. However, this is not the say that it is not nutritious, but only in less significant amounts compared to cacao. Additives such as sugar, oil, or milk fat will then be added to cut the bitterness. 

On the other hand, cacao which is often labeled as "raw cacao," is a minimally processed form of the bean. Unlike cocoa, this means that cacao still retains the nutrition of the cacao seed when it is released from their pods. Instead of being subjected to intense heat, cacao is the result of a natural fermentation process where it is then roasted at low temperatures and cold pressed. 

This will give rise to another form of cacao, which is cacao butter. This butter is comprised of the fatty part of the cacao fruit and is white in color. The rest is used to make raw cacao powder.

Another cacao derivative is cacao nibs, basically cacao beans chopped into smaller pieces. Unlike regular chocolate chips, these have a more intense chocolatey flavor. 

In terms of nutrition, cacao is rich in antioxidants and magnesium. it is also a source for monounsaturated fats and a small dose of protein. 

Thus, the key distinguishing factor between cocoa and cacao is that the former has been processed with high heat.