Cacao butter is a type of fat extracted from cacao beans. It has a smooth, silky texture and pale yellow buttery appearance. When you press cacao beans at high pressure the butter comes out as a liquid but quickly solidifies at room temperature. The biproduct of producing cacao butter is cacao powder (the remaining solids). Cacao butter is often added back into high quality chocolate to improve texture and mouthfeel. In low quality chocolate cacao butter is taken out and replaced with cheaper fats.
Cacao butter is also packed with health benefits. It is high in antioxidants which protect the body from free radical damage and inflammation. It is also rich in oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, which are healthy fats that help to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, cacao butter contains polyphenols that have been linked to improved brain function. Cacao butter is also used in skincare for its ability to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin.