FAQs

HOW MUCH CACAO SHOULD I HAVE?

We often recommend 10-15g for first time users in approximately 150-200mls of water; moderate use between 15-30g in 180-230mls of water; for ceremonial doses between 35-42g in 200-250mls of water.

In any case, we recommend each individual works their way up to larger doses, listening to how their body responds before increasing. If using plant milks (recommended for enhanced flavour & texture), cut down on the amount of water used. A blender of some sort is always recommended if looking to create the smoothest drink possible.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE CACAO?

That's up to you to decide. Everyday is absolutely fine. If you feel called for a second serving, we recommend having it several hours apart using a lower dose. Like anything, we also recommend intermittent breaks. There are no set standards for this, and we leave this up to your preference.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CEREMONIAL CACAO & CACAO POWDER?

Cacao powder is simply an extra processed form of cacao paste. It generally undergoes enormous pressure & heat (unless cold pressed) to separate the natural fatty acids from the other constituents of the cacao bean, leaving a powder behind.

If nothing else is done to the powder, you have a pure cacao powder product. Cacao powder contains none of the fatty acids from the whole bean, so is lower in nutritional content compared to cacao paste. 

There are additional processes cacao powder may go through, which turns it into a cacao-based product, commonly called 'cocoa'. One major process includes roasting at high temperatures, which research shows significantly or completely destroys antioxidant content & other heat sensitive nutrition, thereby reducing the health benefits significantly. Other steps include alkalising through a process called dutching, or having additional ingredients added like milk, sugar, and preservatives.

100% organic criollo cacao paste is the highest quality, and most robust cacao for consumption.

ARE ALL CEREMONIAL CACAO’S THE SAME?

Not all cacao pastes are the same. They all have slightly different bodies, flavours, nutrition profiles, and caffeine to theobromine ratios. The reason for this is that there are different countries in which cacao is harvested such as Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. When you consider the trees genetic blueprint, farming practices, climate, soil conditions, and the processing of the cacao bean, many variables can change the end product.

CAN I CONSUME IT IN THE EVENING?

Generally, we do not recommend cacao after 3-4pm. The reason for this is cacao still contains a low amount of caffeine, so those sensitive to caffeine stimulation may find themselves activated at night and have trouble sleeping.

Ironically, we have also had many reports of improved sleep. We generally attribute this to cacao’s ability to bring us into presence (thereby helping with any potential anxiety, fear or overwhelm), its abundance of magnesium (to support calming the nervous system), and the mood boosting compounds contained in cacao, supporting users sleep.

If you are requiring light stimulation to keep you alert throughout the evening for whatever reason (study, social gathering/event, finishing work/business projects), we would recommend consuming cacao over other stimulants like coffee.

WHAT DOES CEREMONIAL MEAN?

Ceremonial cacao simply refers to a high standard of cacao paste that is favoured for ceremony circles.

Thousands of people around the world will often share their stories of cacao ceremonies where some of the most intimate, life-changing, and transformative experiences of mind, body, & spirit take place.

In order for cacao to be considered as “ceremonial”, it generally aims to meet the following criteria:

1) Cacao should be grown using sustainable farming practices and promoting favourable living conditions for farmers and their families. Being a sacred plant, the spiritual energy of the bean starts with the cultivation of the pod and positive energy present from the cacao plant to the final product to be used in ceremony or daily personal practice.

2) The cacao paste used to make the sacred beverage should be in its pure form. This means no additives or preservatives should be present.

3) The country of origin should be in the geographical area of the ancient Mesoamerican civilisations (IE Peru, Ecuador, Mexico etc.).

4) The cacao should be preferably criollo cacao, which is one of the original varieties used by Mesoamerican cultures (Criollo meaning ‘of local origin’ or ‘original’).

WHY IS CACAO SO GOOD FOR YOU?

Cacao is arguably one of the most nutrient-dense plant products on earth. It contains many essential minerals such as: iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, manganese, calcium and other trace minerals.

It's rich in antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds to support your health and well-being.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COCOA & CACAO?

Cocoa powder (and any other cocoa products) is in fact cacao. All cocoa products derive from the cacao tree. The difference comes from the extra processing, heat treating, additives, chemicals and agents used to enhance flavour or texture within these products. 

CAN YOU CONSUME CACAO WHILST BREASTFEEDING?

Yes - we would even argue it’s incredibly beneficial whilst breastfeeding. As a duty of care, we always recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re interested in using cacao whilst breastfeeding your baby.

CAN YOU CONSUME CACAO WHILST PREGNANT?

Yes - we would even argue it’s incredibly beneficial whilst pregnant. As a duty of care, we always recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re interested in using cacao whilst pregnant.

CAN I CONSUME CACAO WHILST ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS?

We recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional. First-generation antidepressants contraindicate with tyramine in cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses between 10-20g. Second-generation antidepressants (SSRI’s) contraindicate with tryptophan in cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses.

The reality is we cannot speak to each individual and everyone responds differently, thus if you feel called to cacao and its ability to support your journey, speak to your trusted healthcare professional.

IS CACAO VEGAN?

Yes. Cacao is 100% vegan.