Carob Powder (Cocoa Substitute)
Quick answer
A medium portion of Carob Powder (Cocoa Substitute) (10 g) contains 22 kcal, with 4.9 g of net carbohydrates and 0.5 g of protein.
- Carbs8.9 g93.5%
- Protein0.5 g4.8%
- Fat0.1 g1.7%
- Fibre4 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
How many calories are in carob?
People in the Levant know carob from carob juice in Ramadan, or from carob molasses. Carob powder is roasted, ground carob pods, and it is brown like cocoa. There are 222 calories per 100 g, and a tablespoon (10 g) has about 22 calories and 4 g of fibre.
Does carob raise blood sugar?
Carob is naturally sweet because it contains natural sugars, but it also has a lot of fibre (40 g per 100 g!), and fibre slows absorption. But there is no approved published measurement of its glycemic index, so we will not give you a number of our own.
Carob or cocoa?
- Carob is naturally sweet, so you need less sugar in the recipe. Cocoa is bitter.
- Carob has no caffeine (while cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine), so it is fine in the evening and for children.
- The taste is a little different: carob has a caramel and date flavour, not 100% chocolate.
How to use it
- A hot drink: a spoon of carob in a cup of hot milk, without sugar or with just a little.
- In oatmeal or yoghurt: it adds colour and a sweet taste.
- In bread and cakes: you can replace half the cocoa with carob and cut the sugar.
Lighter alternatives
- Instead of ready-made sweetened chocolate powder: carob with milk and no sugar.
- Instead of cocoa at night: carob, because it has no caffeine.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (10 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 222 kcal | 22.2 kcal |
| Protein | 4.6 g | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 89 g | 8.9 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 49 g | 4.9 g |
| Sugar | not available | — |
| Fat | 0.7 g | 0.1 g |
| Dietary fibre | 40 g | 4 g |
| Glycemic index | Not available | |
| Glycemic load | Not available | |
| Insulin index | not tested | |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 222 kcal per 100 g, ranking 11 of 34 in Special ingredients & supplements (lowest first).
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in carob powder?
222 calories per 100 g, and a tablespoon (10 g) has about 22 calories.
Does carob raise blood sugar?
It contains natural sugars and a lot of fibre, but there is no approved published measurement of its index.
Does carob contain caffeine?
No, carob is caffeine-free, which is why many people use it instead of cocoa in the evening.
How do I use carob instead of cocoa?
Replace half or all of the cocoa with carob, and cut the sugar because carob is naturally sweet.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- There is no approved published measurement of the glycemic index of carob powder according to the international standard ISO 26642.
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Medically reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib | Founder, WiBo Health · 31 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.