Cacoa, Carob, and Cocoa?

[lovely12]

Are these three the same cocoa, carob, and cacao all the same?

[Sharon in Colorado]

Cocoa and cacao and exactly the same, their names are interchanged though to sound more exotic, etc. Usually though you can only find raw cacao as opposed to cooked cocoa. But they are really the same.

Carob is entirely different and doesn't have the same addictive chemicals and stimulants, and it tastes a lot different, however many use it as a substitute as it has a flavor that "sort of" reminds them of chocolate. It is available in both raw and cooked (roasted/toasted).