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Everything you could want to know about alma cacao
Cacao 101: Understanding the Basics
Ceremonial-grade cacao is pure, unprocessed cacao paste made from whole cacao beans that have been fermented, dried, slowly roasted at low temperatures (often on an open fire), and stone-ground to preserve their full spectrum of nutrients and natural compounds.
Unlike processed cocoa powders and mass-produced chocolate, our ceremonial cacao is crafted by hand with intention and care— by indigenous communities using ancestral methods—to honour its origins as a sacred plant medicine. Rich in theobromine, magnesium, anandamide, and PEA, it offers a potent combination of physical, emotional and spiritual benefits.
It is pure Cacao-bean paste: Ceremonial Cacao or ceremonial-grade Cacao, as it is also known, is a very specific type of product. It’s a 100% pure Cacao-bean paste that contains a much higher quantity of beneficial, health-restoring, and mood-elevating compounds than any other Cacao-based product on the market (like Cacao powder, non-ceremonial Cacao paste, dark chocolate, etc). They are Meso-American beans that have been fermented, lightly roasted, and ground into a paste. “Ceremonial-grade” Cacao, must be minimally processed, organically grown, and harvested in small-batches using traditional methods
For us, what makes cacao truly ceremonial comes down to three essential qualities—purity, method of production, and intention. These are the soul of every bar we craft.
Purity means our cacao is 100% organic, single-origin, and free from additives or processing shortcuts. It contains nothing but whole cacao beans, hand-prepared in their most natural and potent form.
Method of Production speaks to how our cacao is made—using ancestral techniques passed down through generations. Each batch is fermented, roasted low and slow, and stone-ground by hand by an indigenous women’s collective in Guatemala. This process honours both the land and the spirit of the cacao, preserving its full nutritional, energetic and cultural integrity.
Intention is the invisible thread that ties it all together—both in how the cacao is made and how it’s meant to be consumed. From the care infused by the women who prepare it, to the mindful way it’s used in ritual, creativity or wellness, Alma Cacao is more than a product—it’s a practice. Sound a bit ‘woo-woo’? Trust us! Try it and feel the difference for yourself.
Alma Cacao is ceremonial cacao, made the right way.
Alma Cacao is 100% pure ceremonial-grade cacao, handmade in Guatemala using traditional methods that preserve its full nutritional and energetic integrity.
Supermarket cocoa powders are typically highly processed, chemically treated, and stripped of cacao’s beneficial fats and compounds. Theyre often treated and heated at high temperatures during the production process which breaks down a lot of the magical compounds which make cacao such a special superfood in the first place!
Unlike these products, our cacao retains 100% of its natural oils, minerals, and mood-enhancing compounds—offering a deep, rich flavour and a powerful, nourishing experience. We don’t view cacao as just another ingredient — We understand that cacao is an ancient tradition, a daily ritual, a functional superfood, and the opportunity for us to connect to something deeper in the everyday.
Single-origin cacao means that all of the cacao in your bar or pouch comes from the same region—or even the same farm—rather than being blended from multiple sources, which is often the case with lots of commercially available products these days.
This preserves the unique flavour profile of the region and allows full traceability from bean to bar which in turn means that we know exactly where every single bean of our cacao comes from, where it was grown and who by. When we say source our cacao ethically and treat our farmers with respect — we mean it!
Our 100% organic cacao is sourced from a single origin farm on the pacific coast of Guatemala, in the region known as Las Victorias.
Firstly, cacao is not a sweet drink (unless you add something), and that’s the beauty of it.
Ceremonial cacao has a rich, earthy depth unlike anything you’ll find in mass-produced cocoa or chocolate. Its taste is bold, complex and completely unique —think deep dark chocolate with subtle notes of fruit, spice, and smoke, depending on the region and roast. This is cacao in its purest form, full of character, with a creamy texture that comes from its natural cacao butter—never removed or diluted.
You can prepare Alma Cacao to suit your personal preference for taste. Drinking it with only water will be a lot more of a strong and bitter taste than blending it with 50% oat or coconut milk (our favourite!) which produces a delicious smooth and creamy taste.
Our founder Craig prefers the sharp bitter taste and drinks his morning cacao with only hot water whereas Amy prefers the smooth creamy taste of coconut milk and honey blended for her morning ritual - so there really is no ‘right or wrong way’ – there’s only your way.
At Alma Cacao, we don’t just mass produce cacao and call it ceremonial—we honour it.
Every bar is handcrafted using traditional, time-honoured methods that preserve the full integrity of the bean and the traditions where these methods come from. Unlike industrial production, which often separates and removes the natural oils and compounds, we keep everything intact: theobromine, anandamide, PEAs, and the rich natural cacao butter. These elements aren’t just good for you—they’re what give our cacao its signature velvety texture and deep, layered flavour.
Our cacao is made entirely by hand—harvested, peeled, and stone-ground by an indigenous women’s collective in Guatemala—ensuring every bar carries the care, skill and spirit of the people who make it. It’s cacao with a heartbeat.
If you’re looking for the cheapest cacao out there, we’re probably not the brand for you—and we’re okay with that.
There are many products online, especially on you-know-where, that call themselves "ceremonial" but are often mass-produced, industrially processed, and stripped of the natural compounds that make real ceremonial cacao so powerful—both nutritionally and energetically.
At Alma, we’ve made a different choice.
Every bar we offer is made by the hands of the communities where cacao is grown. We pay our producer partners 3x the local average wage and reinvest 10% of profits into indigenous-led projects on the ground. That kind of integrity and reciprocity comes at a cost—but it’s one we believe in.
You're not just buying cacao. You're supporting a system rooted in fairness, tradition, and true nourishment. And we believe that’s worth every penny.
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Preparation & Daily Use
Preparing cacao at home is simple and easy and can be varied to suit your own taste and preference. Here’s our go to recipe to get you started:
- Gently heat a cup’s worth of ½ water / ½ plant milk of your choice (coconut is our favourite!). *Don’t boil, this should be a gentle heat and the liquid should never boil–We’ve taken a lot of care to preserve the full spectrum of natural fats, oils and nourishing compounds which can be broken down if they get too hot.
- Chop approx. 25g (or 1 scoop if you have our hand-grated cacao and custom alma scoop) and add this to the pan once the contents are nice and warm.
- Gently stir until the cacao is melted. Top tip: use a handheld milk frother here to give bring a creamy frothy texture to your cacao.
- Optional: Add honey, cinnamon, a dash of celtic sea salt or anything else you fancy to season to your taste.
- Enjoy and sip with intention.
For everyday ritual use we recommend 20–25g as the perfect amount—enough to gently support mood, focus, and energy and bring you all of the . For deeper inner work such as journaling, meditation, creative practice or in a cacao ceremony, 42–50g is recommended. Always start small and listen to your body, especially if you’re new to cacao. Less is often more.
Keep your cacao in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong smells. There’s no need to refrigerate. Once opened, store it in an airtight container to preserve its oils, flavour, and potency. Properly stored, Alma Cacao has a long shelf life of up to 7 years.
Yes—and many people do! Unlike coffee, cacao contains theobromine, which delivers smooth, sustained energy without the crash, jitters, or overstimulation
Theobromine has a much gentler but longer half-life in the body than its cousin caffeine.This means its effects last longer so whereas a cup of coffee might energise you for 1-4 hours, cacao can last for 6-10 hours or more in the body but without the peak and crash effect which caffeine causes in the nervous system.
Alma Cacao is designed for both. While it’s potent enough for ceremonial depth, it’s also gentle and nourishing for daily life. Whether you're journalling, working, creating, or simply grounding into your morning, our cacao meets you where you are—ritual optional, benefits always included.
In fact one of the core reasons why we created Alma was to help gently bring ceremonial-grade cacao out of the exclusive ceremony space where many people don’t feel comfortable. Its our intention that ceremonial-grade cacao has an important role to place in the everyday lives of everyday people.
Health & Wellbeing
There is no denying that Ceremonial-Grade Cacao holds the undisputed title of the Original Superfood with benefits for both body and mind. It’s packed with antioxidants, flavonoids and essential minerals (like magnesium and iron) that support heart and brain health and overall wellness.
It's the powerful combination of a trio of very special compounds which naturally occur in very high quantities only found in cacao. It is the potent combined relationship between Theobromine, Anandamide and Phenylethylamine working together to create a deeply nourishing mind-body experience which lies at the heart of Cacao’s unique effects as a superfood for the mind, body, heart and (spirit!).
Unlike coffee, cacao provides a gentle energy boost through theobromine, a mild stimulant that enhances focus and mood without the jitters or crash of caffeine. It also contains mood-elevating compounds such as anandamide and PEA (phenylethylamine). These are often called the “bliss” and “love” chemicals, known for promoting positive feelings, clarity, and stress relief. Many people find that enjoying pure cacao helps them feel more centered, uplifted, and connected.
We’re serious about the science-backed health benefits of ceremonial cacao and if you’re a cacao-science nerd like us then you can check our health benefits page for a deeper dive into the health science of this soulful superfood.
Absolutely. Alma Cacao is 100% pure and unprocessed – no additives, no refined sugar, and no preservatives to stress your system. It's rich in natural flavanols, which act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and support heart and brain health.
Ceremonial cacao is also high in magnesium, iron, and potassium, essential minerals that nourish your nervous system, regulate energy, and support muscle and cognitive function. Unlike heavily processed chocolate or sweetened cocoa drinks, our cacao delivers clean, plant-based nutrition in its most potent form.
Absolutely—ceremonial cacao does contain fat. And that’s a good thing.
In fact, around 50% of the cacao bean is made up of natural cacao butter—sometimes called theobroma oil. It’s this golden, velvety fat that gives ceremonial cacao its luxurious texture, deep flavour, and nourishing potency. At Alma Cacao, we leave that cacao butter right where it belongs—in the bean.
Unlike mass-produced chocolate, which separates the fat, deodorises it, and sometimes replaces it with fillers like soy lecithin, we honour the bean in its wholeness. No pressing, no stripping, no tampering. Just pure, unprocessed cacao—as it was always meant to be.
Cacao butter isn’t just there for the creaminess (though yes, it does make every cup rich, lip-smackingly delicious)—it also plays a crucial role in helping your body absorb cacao’s incredible nutrients, from magnesium to mood-boosting compounds. It even contains phytosterols, which studies show can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
So yes, ceremonial cacao contains fat—but not all fats are created equal. These are the kind your heart, brain, and body will thank you for. Don’t fear the fat—embrace it.
Alma Cacao contains no added caffeine, but it does contain a naturally occurring compound called theobromine – a gentle stimulant found in cacao that offers a sustained energy boost without the spikes and crashes of coffee.
Theobromine primarily stimulates the cardiovascular system (rather than the central nervous system like caffeine), making it less likely to cause jitteriness, anxiety or sleep disturbances. Many people find that cacao actually calms the nervous system while increasing focus and alertness. That said, everyone is different – if you're especially sensitive to stimulants, we recommend enjoying your cacao earlier in the day to see what works best for your body.
Yes – many people safely enjoy ceremonial cacao during pregnancy, and it can be a nourishing, grounding companion during this transformative time. Cacao is rich in magnesium, iron, and other essential nutrients that support energy and relaxation.
However, because cacao is a natural stimulant and can affect individuals differently, we always recommend consulting with your doctor, midwife, doula or healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your personal needs. If in doubt, start with a smaller serving (10–15g) and tune into how your body responds.
Every experience is unique – but most people describe ceremonial cacao as heart-opening, grounding, and gently uplifting. Thanks to its natural compounds like anandamide, PEA, and theobromine, cacao can create a sense of calm focus, lightness in the heart, and deeper emotional connection.
Cacao is non-psychoactive and is not a hallucinogen. It can create feelings of bliss and joy and openness depending on the dosage used.
You might feel more present, more creative, or simply more you. That’s why so many people use it to support meditation, journaling, deep work, or even just a mindful ritual to start their day. The best way to understand how cacao feels? Try it and see what it brings up for you.
Yes, yes, and yes. Alma Cacao is made from 100% organic cacao beans, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. It contains no animal products, no gluten, and is completely plant-based and pure.
It’s just one single ingredient: whole, traditionally prepared cacao paste. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Crafted in small batches with care and intention – the way ceremonial cacao is meant to be.
At Alma Cacao, we honour cacao as both a sacred plant medicine and a nourishing daily ritual. While ceremonial cacao offers profound benefits, it's essential to approach it with mindfulness—especially if you're navigating specific health conditions or medications. Below, we've outlined key considerations to support your well-being.
- Cacao Is a Bitter—Start Low, Go Slow
Pure ceremonial cacao is naturally bitter—a sign of its potency. As with any bitter plant, excessive amounts can lead to nausea or discomfort. If you’re completely new to cacao we recommend starting with a modest serving (10–20g) and tuning into your body's response. Over time, you may find that a smaller amount delivers the desired effect. Less can truly be more. - Interactions with Antidepressants and Medications
Cacao contains compounds like tyramine and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), which can interact with certain medications:
MAOI Antidepressants: Combining cacao with MAOIs can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure due to elevated tyramine levels. It's advisable to avoid cacao if you're on MAOIs.
SSRIs and Antipsychotics: While lower doses may be tolerated, higher doses of SSRIs or antipsychotic medications can interact with cacao's natural MAOIs, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. We recommend starting at a low dose and consulting your healthcare provider before consuming cacao if you're on these medications. - Cardiovascular Considerations
Cacao's active compound, theobromine, is a mild stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood flow:
Heart Rate: If you have a heart condition or are sensitive to stimulants, start with a smaller dose and monitor your response.
Blood Pressure: Cacao may lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects. If you have low blood pressure or are on antihypertensive medications, consult your doctor before consuming cacao. - Amplification of Other Substances
Cacao increases cerebral blood flow by up to 30–40%, which can amplify the effects of other substances in your system, including alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications. Be mindful of this synergistic effect and consider consuming cacao separately from other stimulants or substances. - Caffeine Content and Sleep
While cacao contains less caffeine than coffee, it does have stimulating properties due to theobromine:
Caffeine Sensitivity: If you're sensitive to caffeine, consume cacao earlier in the day to avoid potential sleep disturbances.
Sleep: Theobromine's stimulating effects are milder and longer-lasting than caffeine, but late-day consumption may still impact sleep quality for some individuals. - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cacao can be a nourishing ally during pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed mindfully:
Pregnancy: Limit intake to 10–15g per day during pregnancy. In the third trimester, some practitioners recommend reducing the dose further to 5–10g. Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing cacao during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Start with small amounts (5–10g) and observe your baby's response. Some infants may be sensitive to cacao's stimulating effects. - Children
Children can enjoy cacao in smaller, age-appropriate doses:
Dosage: Adjust the serving size based on the child's weight and sensitivity. A general guideline is 5–10g for children, but always start with the lowest amount and observe their response. - Pets
Cacao is toxic to animals, particularly dogs, cats, parrots, and horses:
Safety: Keep cacao products out of reach of pets. Even small amounts can be harmful or fatal to animals.
Note: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before starting new dietary practices.
Ceremonial & Spiritual Use
A cacao ceremony can mean many things depending on where you are and who is guiding it. In Guatemala, where our cacao is grown and made, Mayan wisdom keepers use cacao ceremonially to honour ancestors, connect with spirit, and mark important transitions.
In other parts of the world, cacao ceremonies might involve meditation, movement, intention-setting, or creative expression. There's no one "right" way. A ceremony might be shared in community or practised alone in quiet reflection.
At its heart, a cacao ceremony is simply the act of drinking cacao with intention—slowing down, listening in, and creating space for what matters. Whether you call it a ritual, a reset, or just a mindful moment, the invitation should always be the same: come as you are.
Not at all. Cacao can be used however it best serves you. For some, it’s a tool for emotional healing and spiritual connection. For others, it’s a nourishing daily ritual that supports energy, focus, and mood.
You don’t need to subscribe to any particular belief system to enjoy cacao. What matters most is that you approach it with presence, care, and respect—for the plant, for yourself, and for the people who grew and made it.
Absolutely. Ritual was an important aspect of our ancestor’s lives and helps to bring us into relationship with the present moment, life and ourselves.
Creating a ritual can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Light a candle, set an intention, take a few deep breaths, and sip slowly. Play music, journal, or simply sit in stillness.
Your ritual is yours. Whether you’re grounding before a busy day or seeking clarity during a big transition, cacao can hold space for whatever you bring to the cup.
Cacao is often referred to as a “heart-opening” plant, but it’s not psychoactive like psychedelics. It works gently, enhancing mood, emotional clarity, and inner connection.
For some people, this can lead to profound insight and deep feeling; for others, it simply brings calm focus or creative energy. It's subtle and supportive, not mind-altering.
Cacao won’t take you anywhere you're not ready to go—but it might help you listen more closely to the quiet voice within.
Yes, and it can be a beautiful complement. Cacao enhances presence, softens emotional defences, and supports calm focus—all of which pair well with mindfulness, movement, or creative practices.
Many people drink cacao before journaling, therapy sessions, or time in nature. Use it to deepen what’s already working for you.
Sourcing & Ethics
Las Victorias is a lush, biodiverse region in Guatemala, known for its fertile volcanic soils, dense forests, and rich agricultural heritage. Nestled within the country's central highlands, this region benefits from a humid tropical climate and high-altitude terrain, creating the perfect conditions for cultivating premium cacao. The area's volcanic influence enriches the soil with essential minerals, enhancing the flavour complexity and nutritional density of its cacao beans.
Beyond agriculture, Las Victorias is home to a diverse ecosystem of tropical flora and fauna, with a landscape that combines mountainous terrain, rivers, and protected natural reserves. The region is deeply connected to Mayan heritage, with traditional farming communities preserving age-old techniques of cacao cultivation, fermentation, and hand-processing. This dedication to sustainability and cultural authenticity makes Las Victorias a standout origin for some of the finest ceremonial cacao in Guatemala.
Yes. Our cacao is independently lab tested for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury and chromium) by a certified UK-based laboratory. All results are below detectable limits.
Independent testing like this allows us to confidently stand behind the purity, safety and integrity of our cacao — especially as it’s often enjoyed as a daily ritual. By testing our cacao, we ensure that what reaches your cup reflects clean sourcing, careful handling and minimal processing — with no unwanted contamination introduced along the way.
In the heart of Tzununá, a small Mayan village by Lake Atitlán, a remarkable group of women (many of them single mothers) have come together to transform their lives and reclaim their heritage. Through the wisdom passed down by their ancestors, they are reviving traditional cacao practices that had nearly been lost. This isn’t just about preserving culture; it’s about empowerment, resilience, and creating a future where their children can thrive.
At Alma Cacao, we are honored to support these strong women on their journey. By working closely with them, we ensure that every purchase of our cacao directly contributes to their community, providing sustainable livelihoods and resources for their families. Every block of cacao you enjoy carries with it their dedication, care, and love.
Alma Cacao is made by hand, using traditional Mayan methods passed down through generations. Our cacao is grown in the volcanic highlands of Guatemala, where smallholder farmers tend to their trees with care and deep ancestral knowledge. The beans are harvested when the fruit is ripe, then carefully fermented and sun-dried to develop their full flavour and potency.
What makes our cacao ceremonial is not just where it’s grown—but how it’s made. Every bean is peeled by hand, gently toasted, then stone-ground in small batches by a collective of indigenous Mayan women. This process retains the cacao’s natural oils and powerful compounds— theobromine, anandamide, phenylethylamine and flavanols—ensuring a rich, smooth texture and a full-spectrum experience for mind and body.
Every bar is then carefully hand-wrapped in recycled kraft paper printed with eco-friendly soy-based inks. No industrial machinery. No shortcuts. Just cacao, prepared with patience, tradition, and love.
Every bar of Alma carries the soul of this process—and the spirit of the people who make it.
Orders, Shipping & Returns
Absolutely. We’re excited to work with everyone who already works with cacao or wants to introduce it into their offering —whether that is in ceremony or on the menu, part of our purpose here at Alma Cacao is to make high-quality ceremonial-grade cacao available and accessible to the world.
If you’d like to learn more about pricing please contact us directly via our Practitioner, Barista or Retailer pages with your enquiry.
Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order.
Orders are shipped three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays via Royal Mail Tracked 48 Hour Delivery.
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. Additional import taxes may apply to your specific country which you should be aware of.
Every bar of Alma Cacao has been handmade and brought all the way from the mayan heartland of Guatemala for you to enjoy. If any of our products arrive damaged then we will of course replace these for you. Unfortunately once you have opened and tried your bar we cannot accept returns.
However, it is really important to us that everyone enjoys Alma Cacao fully so we would love to hear from you and understand what it is that you don’t enjoy so we can share some recipes, tips and serving suggestions to allow you to enjoy the calming and uplifting energy of Cacao.
