For people who are allergic to chocolate, the use of carob chips can often make it possible to enjoy many of the same treats that others enjoy, but without the risk. While the taste of carob chips is somewhat different than that of chocolate, the nutty flavor and the slight sweetness of processed chips can be quite appealing. Best of all, there are no complicated conversions to remember when substituting the chips for chocolate chips.
There are several benefits to using carob chips instead of chocolate chips in various recipes. One has to do with avoiding problems due to allergies. The chips that are made from the carob plant do not trigger any of the adverse reactions that are common with a chocolate allergy. This means that the allergy sufferer can use the chips for making candies, cookies, or other recipes with no worries of any type of outbreak.
Another advantage of using carob chips has to do with minimizing the amount of caffeine consumed. Unlike chocolate, carob has no caffeine content at all. This can make the chips ideal for use in various types of baked goods, as well as melting down for use in milk as a pleasing hot beverage before bedtime. People who need to avoid caffeine due to various health problems often find that carob chips satisfy their desire for chocolate, while still allowing them to avoid caffeine.
It is important to note that carob chips do not taste like chocolate chips. While the texture is very similar, and the chips will melt in a manner similar to chocolate, carob has a nutty flavor that is not found with different types of cocoa products. Even with sweetening added, carob also tends to be less sweet as many of the chocolate chips used in cookies and similar recipes. For people who find chocolate chips to be too sweet, carob is a logical choice.
Along with substituting carob chips for chocolate chips, it is also possible to combine the two in a single recipe. Rather than using the amount of chocolate chips called for, simply use half carob and half chocolate chips. This will often help preserve the sweetness while adding another layer of nutty flavor to the finished recipe. Since the texture of the carob is like that of the chocolate, it will be hard for people to tell exactly what is different about the recipe. At the same time, you cut calories and caffeine, making the recipe a little healthier for everyone who chooses to enjoy a portion.
