This Unique CaPao Fruit Jerky Comes From the Same Plant as Chocolate
Who knew that there was so much more to the cacao fruit than chocolate?
When cocoa beans are harvested, the surrounding fruity pulp is often thrown away. That's a shame, because this fruit is super flavorful and packed with nutrition. That's where CaPao and their delicious cacao fruit treats come in. When they offered to send me a package of their Fruit Jerky Strips, I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about.
The Product
Cacao fruit is usually tossed along with the husk when cocoa beans are harvested, despite the pulp's sweet and zesty taste and nutrients, including magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants. That's why CaPao is dedicated to "rescuing" the often discarded cacao fruit by transforming it into tasty and healthy snacks that anyone can enjoy. Not only does this make more food out of the same process, but it also helps the communities that farm cacao because it's no longer just about selling cocoa beans.
CaPao's products include Smoothie Balls and Fruit Jerky Strips in various flavors, which are all vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, with no added sugars or preservatives. Their manufacturing process is fully wind-powered, and all their packaging is recyclable. If you use the PantaPå recycling app, you can even get coupons for up to 50% off future CaPao snacks by dropping the packaging off at approved recycling centers. They sent me the Cacao Fruit Original flavor of their Fruit Jerky Strips , which retail for $4.99 per 2.6 oz. bag.
The Experience
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect before I tore open the bag of CaPao Fruit Jerky Strips. Even though I knew the snacks wouldn't taste like chocolate, I was surprised when I tore about the bag and the smell was fruity and tangy. Before hearing about CaPao, I didn't know that cacao fruit pulp was a thing, so I was certainly curious.
Inside the bag were three smaller plastic containers with their own plastic wrap, and each of these containers had four fruit jerky strips, with thin sheets of paper between each one to prevent them from sticking. At first, I thought all this packaging seemed a little much, but the company offsets that with their awesome recycling program.
After a single bite into the thick, fruit leather-like jerky strip, I was sold. It didn't taste anything like chocolate. Instead, it was tart and sharp, reminding me of the flavor of tamarind, minus the warmth. The only ingredients in the snack are concentrated cacao pulp extract, apple puree, oat fiber, pectin and cocoa butter, so I felt clean and healthy after eating it. The first little package of fruit jerky disappeared all too quickly—and then the second, and the third. At only 80 calories per package, I was able to do so without guilt. If anything, I'd be willing to pay a little extra if more fruit jerky was contained in each bag.
Bottom Line
If you're all about saving the planet and want to try a sweet but healthy new snack, I definitely recommend CaPao. It may not be the least expensive treat on the market, but the benefits and unique flavor are totally worth the cost. The one major downside is that they're currently available in just a few California stores, which can be found HERE. I hope they branch out soon to have an online shop as well, because not everyone's lucky enough to live near a grocer that stocks CaPao. I'll definitely have to visit one near me soon to restock.
We're passionate about sustainability when it comes to chocolate. Click HERE to find out why you should pay attention to where your chocolate comes from.