Ceremonial cacao is more than just a drink—it is a heart-opening, spiritually enriching experience that has been used for centuries in sacred rituals. But what exactly is ceremonial cacao, and how does it differ from the chocolate found in stores? In this blog, we explore the origins, significance, and unique qualities of this sacred plant in depth.
What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is the purest form of cacao, made from whole, minimally processed cacao beans, non-gmo, organic and wild-grown, connected to a tribe or keepers who honour past traditions and most important naturally grows in the region where it is located - not planted for the purpose of cultivation and monetisation.
Unlike regular chocolate, although it includes cacao, it doesn’t contain the whole bean, and is often combined with dairy, sugar, and emulsifiers, whereas, ceremonial cacao retains its full nutritional and energetic profile making it the most nutrient dense super-food on the planet.
Key Characteristics of Ceremonial Cacao:
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Sourced with Intention – True ceremonial cacao is grown and harvested with reverence, often by indigenous communities who have cultivated the plant for generations.
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Hand-Processed – Unlike industrial chocolate, which undergoes heavy refinement over high-heat, ceremonial cacao can be stone-ground or minimally heated to maintain its natural compounds. Every brand, culture, farmer and cultivator has their own unique methods which you should be able to access and read about to choose which ceremonial cacao is right for you.
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No Additives – Free from processed sugars, dairy, and emulsifiers, ensuring its purity and potency. It is a 100% raw product - nothing added or taken away.
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Retains Natural Fats – The cacao butter remains intact, providing a rich and creamy texture while enhancing nutrient absorption.
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Rich in Bioactive Compounds – High in flavonoids, theobromine, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants, all of which contribute to its health benefits and spiritual effects.
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Geographically Native - With the demand for chocolate and now ceremonial grade cacao across the world, it is no surprise that different cultures have propagated cacao in their local regions in order to start their own traditions and businesses. What we’ve been told through building a connection to the essence of this sacred plant, is that to receive its cosmic magic from its origins, you must source from its home locations - Mesoamerica - in our case Peru, across the Amazon Basin, what we've come to feel is one the worlds most powerful vortexs' of cosmic energy!
What about the SPIRIT OF CACAO Ceremonial Cacao?
What makes our cacao so special is the entire process from earth to bar.
We are so proud to offer such a unique product - so unique that we’ve searched the earth to find brands and suppliers to add to our website, but none come close.
✔️ Sourced from Northern Peru, the tribes associated are: Awajun (Aguaruna), Shipibo-Conibo and Ashaninka tribes. Wild-grown across hundreds of hectares of dense forest floor, with no interference from the keepers, simply ensuring trees are kept happy and safe and yielding fruit.
✔️ An ancient and cosmic criollo variety. Criollo is a very rare and precious variety of cacao that was at risk of extinction for many years. It is the cacao of the Mayas and the Aztecs, the cultivation of which has been progressively abandoned owing to its low yield.
It is a delicate cacao and makes up just 0.01% of global cacao production. However, the quality of this cacao is unparalleled: the absence of tannins, which normally give it bitterness and astringency, gives Criollo cocoa a unique creaminess, sweetness and roundness.
✔️ Consciously Processed, we use a cold-press machine that regulates for temperature, ensuring we can achieve the lowest temperatures possible whilst eliminating the possibility of mold overgrowth. This means a finer tasting, refined end product without contaminants or high levels heavy metal.
✔️ Non-GMO Strain
✔️ Certified Organic
✔️ Wild-Grown without interference of pesticides or herbicides
✔️ Hand-Plucked and Shucked Pods
✔️ Cacao Beans are Sun Roasted and Toasted to minimal temperatures to maintain the highest nutrient density
✔️ Non-GMO
✔️ Heavy Metal, Mold tested & Contaminant Tested - every batch - our results speak for themselves. Many brands do not share or test, please be mindful as it can impact your health.
✔️ Better than Fair-Trade as there is a direct relationship between tribes and buyers who pay a premium
✔️ VEGAN
✔️ KETO
✔️ KOSHER
The Origins and History of Cacao in Rituals
The use of cacao in sacred ceremonies dates back over 3,000 years, with evidence pointing to the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs as some of the earliest cultures to revere this plant.
The Mayan Connection
The Mayans referred to cacao as "ka’kau’" and honoured it as a sacred elixir. It was consumed during religious ceremonies, marriage rituals, and as an offering to gods. Mayan priests often drank cacao to achieve heightened states of awareness before spiritual practices.
The Aztec Influence
For the Aztecs, cacao was a symbol of divine power, linked to Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. Warriors and nobility drank it for vitality, and it was even used as currency.
How Does Ceremonial Cacao Differ from Regular Chocolate?
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Feature
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Ceremonial Cacao
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Regular Chocolate
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Processing
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Minimally processed
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Highly refined, heat treated and often with a range of emulsifiers
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Ingredients
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Pure cacao paste, sometimes mixed with spices
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Contains sugar, dairy, and artificial additives
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Spiritual Use
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Used in ceremonies, meditation, and rituals
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Primarily consumed for taste and enjoyment
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Nutritional Integrity
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Retains natural fats and compounds a true super-food
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Often stripped of nutrients due to processing leaving no benefits
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The Science Behind Cacao’s Benefits
Cacao is often called "the food of the gods" for a reason. It is rich in powerful compounds that offer profound health benefits. You’ll only need to have 1 cup with a 20g dose of cacao to understand how impactful this plant is to your mood alone!
Key Compounds in Cacao:
Theobromine
Theobromine is a naturally occurring alkaloid predominantly found in cacao plants. Structurally similar to caffeine, it serves as a mild stimulant but offers a gentler effect on the central nervous system. Unlike caffeine, theobromine provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost without the associated jitters. Beyond its stimulating properties, theobromine has been noted for its potential cardiovascular benefits, such as improving lipid profiles and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, it exhibits bronchodilator effects, making it useful in respiratory conditions like asthma. Its presence in cacao contributes to the mood-enhancing qualities often associated with chocolate consumption.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea, and cacao. They are renowned for their potent antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of flavonoid-rich foods has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health through enhanced blood flow and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, flavonoids have been associated with neuroprotective effects, potentially lowering the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Their anti-inflammatory properties also play a role in supporting overall immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation, nerve function, and mood stabilization. Adequate magnesium levels are vital for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping the heartbeat steady. It also aids in regulating blood glucose levels and contributes to energy production. Dietary sources rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Ensuring sufficient magnesium intake can help prevent muscle cramps, reduce the risk of hypertension, and may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Phenylethylamine is an organic compound naturally found in the body and in certain foods, notably chocolate. Often referred to as the "love molecule," PEA is believed to elevate mood and promote feelings of well-being. It functions by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play key roles in mood regulation. Some studies suggest that PEA may enhance mental clarity, focus, and even support weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism. However, it's important to note that while PEA has these potential benefits, its rapid metabolism in the human body can limit its effectiveness when consumed orally.
References
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Theobromine and cardiovascular health:
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Flavonoids and their health benefits:
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Magnesium and its physiological roles:
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Phenylethylamine (PEA) and mood enhancement:
