Ceremonial Cacao Guide

Q: What is ceremonial cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao paste made from whole cacao beans that are fermented, dried, and minimally processed. It’s traditionally prepared as a warm drink for focus, reflection, and connection. Unlike cocoa powder, it contains the cacao butter and compounds of the whole bean.

Q: What’s the difference between ceremonial cacao and cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is processed for baking and typically has most of its natural cacao butter removed (and is sometimes alkalized). Ceremonial cacao is whole-bean based, minimally processed, unsweetened, and made to dissolve into a drink—preserving the natural fats and integrity of the bean.

Q: Does ceremonial cacao contain caffeine?

Ceremonial cacao contains small amounts of caffeine, but it’s best known for theobromine. Theobromine is often experienced as a gentle, sustained lift with grounded focus—smoother than coffee and without the sharp spikes some people feel from caffeine.

Q: Does ceremonial cacao contain heavy metals?

Cacao is grown in soil, so trace minerals can naturally occur. That’s why we test every lot. At Cacao Adventures, each production lot is independently tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and Salmonella, and we publish results so customers can review the data behind their ritual.

Q: How much ceremonial cacao should I drink?

A common serving is 20–30g for a daily ritual. For deeper ceremonial use, some choose 35–45g. If you’re new, start smaller and increase slowly as you learn how cacao feels in your body.

Q: Can I drink ceremonial cacao every day?

Many people enjoy ceremonial cacao daily. Start gently, stay hydrated, and adjust your serving based on how you feel. If you’re pregnant, sensitive to stimulants, or have a medical condition, check with a healthcare professional first.

Welcome, Explorer

If you’re here, you’re not just looking for chocolate <3.

You’re stepping into the world of ceremonial cacao - where land, lineage, respect and ritual meet.

At Cacao Adventures, we work directly with Indigenous and small farming communities in Peru to preserve native cacao strains and honor the traditions that have surrounded cacao for generations putting always this plant medicine first.

This guide will help you understand:

What ceremonial cacao is
How it feels
How to prepare it
What makes ours different
And how to begin your own ritual at home

Welcome to the adventure

What Is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao paste made from whole cacao beans that have been fermented, dried, and minimally processed to preserve their natural integrity.

It is not cocoa powder.
It is not sweetened hot chocolate.

Ceremonial cacao contains the natural cacao butter, fiber, and active compounds found in the whole bean. It is traditionally prepared as a warm drink for focus, reflection, creativity, and connection.

Unlike commercial chocolate, ceremonial cacao is:

Non-alkalized
Unsweetened
Minimally processed
Crafted for drinking, not candy-making
Made from wild and native strains of cacao (Yes, you can find a lot of GMO and hybrid strains out there)

At Cacao Adventures, our ceremonial cacao is crafted at origin in Peru, our home country, using native strains — not high-yield commodity hybrids - preserving cacao genetics that have grown in the Amazon Basin, Sacred Valley, and Tropical Desert regions for generations.

This is cacao in its original form from what is now know the birth place of cacao.

What Does Ceremonial Cacao Feel Like?

Cacao naturally contains theobromine, a compound that supports circulation and provides a gentle, sustained lift.

Unlike caffeine, theobromine works gradually and smoothly.

Many explorers describe ceremonial cacao as:

Grounded clarity
Calm alertness
Subtle euphoria
Heart-opening warmth
Steady focus without jitters

It’s not about intensity.
It’s about presence.

Every body is different - part of the adventure is discovering how cacao meets you.

How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao at Home

Preparing ceremonial cacao is simple. The ritual is what makes it powerful.

Basic Preparation
Traditionally is prepared just with water, but we will share an optional recipe if you would like to add sweetener and spices.

Put 4 coins or 21 g of ceremonial cacao in a cup
Cover it with hot water.
Wait 45-60 seconds. Mix (try using a frother or whisk)
Add to 6 oz hot (not boiling) water or your preferred milk
Add spices of your choice: cinnamon, chili, vanilla, or a touch of a sweetener like honey
Blend or whisk until smooth
Sip slowly and intentionally.

For a deeper ceremonial serving, some choose 7-9 coins or 35–45g.
For a lighter daily ritual, 3-4 coins or 15–20g may be perfect.

Listen to your body.

Watch: How to Prepare a Ceremonial Cacao at Home | Step-by-step guide

Ceremonial Cacao vs. Cocoa Powder

This is one of the most searched questions online.

Cocoa powder:

Often alkalized (Dutch processed)
Processed at high temperatures
Separated from its natural cacao butter
Primarily used for baking

Ceremonial cacao:

Minimally processed
Whole bean (includes natural fats)
Traditionally prepared as a drink
Sourced intentionally, not industrially

The difference is integrity.

Is Ceremonial Cacao Safe?

Cacao is an agricultural product grown in mineral-rich soils. Because of this, trace amounts of naturally occurring elements like cadmium can be present.

At Cacao Adventures, every production lot is independently tested for:

Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)
Salmonella

We publish our lab results transparently.

View our safety & heavy metals testing page here →

Stewardship means accountability.

Our Direct-Trade Commitment

When you purchase from Cacao Adventures, you are supporting:

Direct trade relationships in Peru
Premium payments above New York commodity reference prices
No middlemen
Preservation of native cacao genetics
Indigenous and small farming communities
We prioritize biodiversity over volume.

This is not commodity cacao.
This is cacao with lineage.

Who Is Ceremonial Cacao For?

Ceremonial cacao is for explorers.

For those who choose:

Morning focus rituals
Creative flow sessions
Meditation and journaling
Intentional gatherings
Alcohol-free connection
Want an energy source that is not coffee.

It is not a trend.

It is a return to something older.

Begin Your Cacao Ritual

If you are new to ceremonial cacao, start gently.

Taste carefully.
Notice how you feel.
Let it unfold.

Cacao has traveled from the forests of Peru to your cup.
We are honored to guide you.

Explore Our Ceremonial Cacao Collection →

Ceremonial Cacao FAQ

What is ceremonial cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao paste made from whole cacao beans that are fermented, dried, and minimally processed. It is traditionally prepared as a warm drink for focus, reflection, creativity, and connection — not as a sugary mix.

What’s the difference between ceremonial cacao and cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is typically processed for baking and often has its natural cacao butter removed. Ceremonial cacao is whole-bean based, unsweetened, minimally processed, and crafted to be dissolved into a drink.

Does ceremonial cacao contain caffeine?

Ceremonial cacao contains small amounts of caffeine but is primarily rich in theobromine — often experienced as a gentle, sustained lift with grounded focus rather than sharp spikes.

Does ceremonial cacao contain heavy metals?

Cacao is grown in soil, so trace minerals can naturally occur. Every production lot from Cacao Adventures is independently tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and Salmonella.

How much ceremonial cacao should I drink?

A common daily serving is 4 coins or 21 g. For deeper ceremonial use, some choose 35–45g. If you're new, start gently and notice how your body responds.

Can I drink ceremonial cacao every day?

Many people enjoy cacao as a daily ritual. Listen to your body and adjust your serving as needed. Make sure the cacao you consume is tested for heavy metals. If pregnant or sensitive to stimulants, consult a healthcare professional.