Carob pods are the fruit of the carob tree, which are dried and used to make carob powder, a natural sweetener and cocoa powder alternative. They have a sweet, chocolate-like flavor and are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. They can be used in baking, as a sweetener for smoothies, and as a chocolate substitute in desserts. Carob pods can also be used to make a traditional sweet syrup called Carob molasses. They are a gluten-free and caffeine-free alternative to chocolate and are used in various healthy diets.