The present invention provides a method of preparing an alkalized carob, the method comprising: (a) providing a slurry comprising water and carob powder (b) adding an alkali to the slurry of (a) to provide a reaction mixture (c) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of between about 65° C. and about 150° C. (d) optionally maintaining the reaction mixture at a temperature of between about 65° C. and about 150° C. and (e) drying the reaction mixture to obtain an alkalized carob. The present invention also relates to an alkalized carob and to blends of the alkalized carob with one or more of unalkalized carob, natural cocoa and alkalized cocoa. The present invention also relates to use of the alkalized carob or blend as a cocoa substitute or cocoa extender, and to a food or beverage product comprising the alkalized carob or blend.
