Countless studies have been done that show that cacao (without added dairy or processed sugar) has a multitude of health benefits. Luckily for those of us who enjoy the sublime taste of raw chocolates, there are no scientific studies that have concluded that cacao is unhealthy. One of the most intensive studies on the extreme health benefits of cacao was the twenty year Harvard University study of the Kuna Indians, who have “among the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease in the world.

These are in all honesty, one of my top favorite treats of ALL TIME, raw or not raw! They are just so delicious. Seriously, I can’t even keep them in the house between my kids, their friends and my husband! Every time we make a batch the family descends on the platter like they’ve never had a treat before!

These bars are a perfect quick and nutritious breakfast or anytime snack. There are three ways to prepare these: refrigerate, freeze or dehydrate. I’ve had them all three ways and they are delicious! Feel free to swap out cashews for pecans, almonds for walnuts, and use dried apricots and dates in place of figs.