Carob powder is produced by grinding ripe, dried pods of Ceratonia silique (commonly known as carob trees of locust bean) which have been cultivated for at least 4000 years. Carob powder is a suitable substitution for cocoa powder in any recipes/applications as the colour texture and appearance are similar to cocoa powder. It even has a similar but not identical taste. Coming from a different plant to cocoa, carob is a desirable alternative as it contains fewer calories and fat than cocoa, as well as the added advantage of being rich in nutrients and antioxidants.