Why Is Carob So Expensive?

 

The Truth Behind the Rising Cost of Chocolate’s Keto Cousin

Carob has long been considered the humble alternative to chocolate—especially for those of us on a keto diet or avoiding caffeine and the bitterness of cocoa. But if you've shopped for carob chips or powder lately, you've probably noticed the sticker shock. Prices have soared, and availability has become spotty. So, what gives? Isn’t carob supposed to be the affordable, low-maintenance cousin of chocolate?

Let’s break it down.

Carob’s Popularity Is Growing

Carob is gaining traction not just in keto circles but also in the gluten-free, caffeine-free, and vegan communities. Its naturally sweet flavor (no added sugar needed), gut-friendly fiber, and lack of stimulants make it a go-to for health-conscious eaters. As demand rises, so do prices—especially when paired with limited availability.

Carob on keto, still worth the bake?

"Carob didn't escape the post-COVID price surge—shipping delays, labor shortages, and inflation turned this humble ingredient into a luxury item."

🌍 Post-COVID Supply Chain Disruption Raised the Cost

Another major reason behind the rising cost of carob is the post-COVID supply chain fallout. During the pandemic, international shipping faced major delays, labor shortages, and increased freight costs. Carob, primarily grown in Mediterranean regions, became harder and more expensive to transport globally. Many small suppliers closed their doors, and others had to raise prices just to stay in business.

Even after restrictions eased, fuel prices, inflation, and broken links in the global supply chain never fully returned to normal. This left us, the carob-loving consumers, absorbing the cost through higher prices at the checkout. While chocolate prices climbed due to climate-related shortages, carob wasn’t spared either—it quietly climbed the ladder to become a luxury pantry item in many households.

Will we enjoy carob fat bombs on our keto diet again? 

Shipping Costs & Specialty Suppliers

Unlike chocolate, carob isn’t mass-produced or sold by mega-brands in bulk. Most carob products, exceptionally high-quality organic chips or roasted powders, are sold through specialty food companies or independent suppliers. This means fewer bulk discounts, limited distributors, and much higher shipping costs, especially for U.S. consumers.

Add on current shipping rate increases (and packaging costs), and suddenly that bag of carob chips feels like a luxury item.

Weather Woes: The Global Impact

Chocolate prices have hit record highs recently due to severe weather conditions in West Africa, affecting cocoa crops. Many expected carob to become the cheaper fallback—but that’s not exactly how markets work. Carob is grown mainly in Mediterranean regions like Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. And when cocoa prices spike, people look for alternatives… like carob. That demand surge trickles down fast—and sellers raise their prices in response.

Strategic Price Increases by Sellers

Let’s talk honestly. Some sellers are taking advantage of the trend. As the demand for carob grows and cocoa becomes more expensive, retailers are increasing prices not necessarily because their costs have gone up, but because they can. It’s supply and demand at work—with a dose of opportunism.

Carob chips in particular have become a premium item, with prices rivaling (or exceeding) even some sugar-free dark chocolate chips.

Do we bid farewell to carob chips?

The Chocolate-Carob Confusion

There’s a myth that carob is just a cheaper chocolate. It’s not.

Carob doesn’t contain caffeine, theobromine, or the same fat content as cocoa. It has a different growing process, a different processing method, and fewer industrial suppliers. People expect carob to be the “budget cocoa,” but it was never meant to be.

What You Can Do

If you love carob (and I do at Blissfully Keto), here are a few ways to cope with rising prices:

Buy in bulk when prices are low or during sales.

Store it properly to extend shelf life—carob powder and chips both do well in cool, dry places. They can also be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life. 

Consider roasted carob powder as a substitute for chips in baked goods.

Support ethical suppliers who aren’t inflating prices just to cash in on demand.

Carob might be more expensive these days, but it’s still a potent superfood with benefits that chocolate can’t match—especially for those on a caffeine-free, low-carb lifestyle. As always, quality matters. If you're using it in recipes like keto breads, smoothies, or fat bombs, you're still getting a healthier, gut-friendly option that makes keto sustainable and delicious.

Due to price pirates, we must shop harder for our beloved carob. 

Are you using carob in your keto kitchen? Share your favorite carob recipes or shopping finds in the comments below—or tag me @BlissfullyKeto with your latest creations. Let’s spread the love for this underrated ingredient!

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Keto on, dear friends!