Last verified: 17 days ago
Carob Powder
Also known as: Ceratonia siliqua, locust bean powder, carob pod powder, St. John's bread
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Mediterranean pod powder with fiber and polyphenols. Early evidence suggests it may blunt blood sugar spikes.
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What it does
Carob powder comes from the dried pods of the carob tree, a Mediterranean plant. It contains insoluble fiber, natural sugars, and polyphenols like gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin. One small...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Carob powder comes from the dried pods of the carob tree, a Mediterranean plant. It contains insoluble fiber, natural sugars, and polyphenols like gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin. One small clinical trial found that a 30g carob powder drink produced significantly lower blood glucose and insulin levels 30 minutes after consumption compared to a sugar-matched control, suggesting it may help moderate short-term blood sugar responses.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat diabetes or metabolic disease. No human evidence it fights cancer, cures diarrhea, or lowers cholesterol — those claims come from animal or test-tube research only. Not a proven weight loss ingredient. Don't confuse it with chocolate — it tastes similar but has a very different nutritional profile and no proven mood or energy benefits.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A 30g serving lowered blood glucose and insulin levels 30 minutes after drinking compared to a sugar-matched beverage.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 30g in beverage (single dose)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Contains gallic acid, catechin, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol — plant compounds linked to antioxidant activity.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human absorption or pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies. Rat metabolomics showed measurable fecal and urinary metabolite changes after carob consumption, suggesting some bioactive compounds are absorbed and metabolized, but human bioavailability data is lacking.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Roasting carob powder at high temperatures generates acrylamide and other Maillard reaction products (HMF, furfural, furan) — levels vary significantly by roasting method and duration.
- The only human clinical trial had just 15 healthy males — far too small to generalize findings to broader populations or people with metabolic conditions.
- Carob powder is naturally high in sugar; the glycemic benefit seen in the study may not apply to all carob products or serving sizes.
- Over 1,000 supplement products contain carob, but clinical evidence supporting most label claims is essentially nonexistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Carob Powder do?
Mediterranean pod powder with fiber and polyphenols. Early evidence suggests it may blunt blood sugar spikes.
What is the effective dose of Carob Powder?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Carob Powder safe?
Roasting carob powder at high temperatures generates acrylamide and other Maillard reaction products (HMF, furfural, furan) — levels vary significantly by roasting method and duration.
What doesn't Carob Powder do?
Not proven to treat diabetes or metabolic disease.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25