Where to Buy Carob Without Going Broke

Frugal Tips for Keeping Carob in Your Keto Life Without Losing Your Wallet

Carob has always been a beloved part of the keto lifestyle for those who can’t—or choose not to—eat chocolate. But in recent years, the price of carob powder and carob chips has skyrocketed. What used to be an economical alternative is now inching its way into the gourmet category.

Let’s take a closer look at why carob is so expensive, how to stretch what you have, and where to still find it affordably.

🧾 Why Carob Costs More Than It Used To

Several factors are driving the rising cost of carob:

Post-COVID Supply Disruptions: Global shipping delays and fewer overseas shipments have limited availability.

Price-Gouging: Some sellers are capitalizing on carob’s increasing popularity, raising prices simply because they can.

Rising Postage Costs: Even a modest bag of carob chips costs more to ship these days.

Chocolate Shortage: Climate-related cocoa shortages have caused chocolate prices to soar, prompting people to turn to carob as a substitute. That demand is driving up carob prices too.

🍫 Is Carob a Chocolate Replacement?

This is a common misunderstanding. Carob is often marketed as a “chocolate substitute,” but it's not a true replacement.

Carob has its own rich, earthy flavor—milder and sweeter than chocolate, with no caffeine or bitterness. It doesn’t need to imitate chocolate to be delicious in its own right.

A visual comparison of carob powder vs cocoa powder

🛒 Where to Buy Carob Without Breaking the Bank

Here are a few places that still offer reasonable carob options:

eBay: A current seller offers 8 ounces of carob powder for $9.97, including shipping—a deal I’ve personally taken advantage of. (Yes, this is an affiliate link.)

Vitacost & Swanson: These health food retailers sometimes run seasonal or bulk deals on carob powder and chips.

Azure Standard: Known for bulk natural foods, you may find carob powder or carob chips here in larger quantities at better rates.

Local Co-ops or Health Stores: Some carry carob in the bulk section, allowing you to buy only what you need.

💡 Tip: Always compare unit pricing per ounce. The cheapest sticker price doesn’t always equal the best value.

Carob Pods With Carob Powder

✨ Stretch Your Carob

Make your carob stash go farther with these clever tips:

Use spice teas like chicory, vanilla, or rooibos to deepen the flavor

Combine carob with cinnamon or nutmeg to intensify the richness

Store carob powder and chips in the freezer to extend freshness

Use carob in small amounts per recipe (1–2 tablespoons)

Keep carob in airtight containers to prevent moisture and clumping

💡 I personally store carob powder in the freezer to maintain its freshness long-term. It works beautifully!

🌿 But What About Chicory?

Chicory root tea or granules are a great pairing with carob, but hard to find in stores. Here’s where to look:

Amazon and iHerb often carry roasted chicory root in tea bags or granules. (Yes, another Affiliate link.)

Teeccino offers blends with chicory, dandelion, and carob

Some local natural markets carry roasted chicory in bulk

🧁 Affordable Carob Recipes Are Coming

I’ll be following up with budget-friendly carob recipes that use only a few tablespoons per dish to keep costs low. Expect treats like:

Carob chia pudding

No-bake carob coconut balls

Skillet carob cake

Carob fat bombs

Carob quick bread and muffins

These recipes will stretch your stash and keep your taste buds happy.

Carob pods to make into carob powder

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