The Cacao Guide
The Cacao Guide
Everything about cacao, Cacao Bars, herbs and mushrooms
Want to know which cacao suits you, how to prepare it or why a blend contains saffron, Lion's Mane, reishi or ashwagandha? You will find everything here in one place. No complicated explanations, just clear information so you can discover what suits your taste and your moment.
Your starting point
Which cacao suits you?
There is no single best cacao for everyone. It is mainly about what you enjoy, how much you want to decide for yourself and what kind of moment you are looking for.
| I'm looking for | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An easy one-cup serving | A Cacao Bar | One Bar is one cup. There is nothing to weigh. |
| Focus for work, study or writing | FOCUS | With Brahmi and Lion's Mane. |
| Slowing down and reflection | RELAX | With Lion's Mane and reishi. |
| Warmth, softness and a little more fire | LOVE | With saffron, cordyceps and chilli. |
| A warm and earthy blend | HEAL | With turmeric and piperine. |
| Grounding, perspective and some extra drive | EMPOWER | With ashwagandha and cordyceps. |
| To choose how much cacao I use | A cacao block | You choose how much cacao you use per cup. |
| A soft and round pure cacao | Ceremonial cacao from India | Soft, warm and approachable in character. |
| An earthy cacao with more depth | Ceremonial cacao from Peru | Earthy, deep and full in character. |
| Pure cacao with cardamom | CARDAMOM | 100% ceremonial cacao from Kerala, fermented with opened cardamom pods. |
| To discover all five functional Bars | Magic Five | LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER together. |
Good to know: CARDAMOM is our premium Cacao Bar and is excluded from the Magic Five and discount offers. This Bar is made from 100% ceremonial cacao from Kerala and cardamom through fermentation. LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER contain 60% cacao and are blends with herbs and mushrooms.
The basics
What is ceremonial cacao?
Whole cacao
Pure ceremonial cacao is made from whole cacao mass. The naturally present cacao butter therefore stays in the cacao. This is different from cacao powder, where part of the fat is pressed out of the cacao.
Why ceremonial?
Cacao has a long history as a special drink during gatherings, reflection and rituals. For us, ceremonial does not have to mean complicated. It can be part of meditation or breathwork, but just as easily twenty quiet minutes at the kitchen table.
A heart opener
Cacao is often described as a heart opener. People usually mean a feeling of warmth, softness, presence and connection. We recognise that in the way we experience and use cacao ourselves too.
Cacao or hot chocolate?
Classic hot chocolate is usually based on milk, sugar and cacao powder. With ceremonial cacao, the cacao itself is the starting point. You can keep it pure or combine it with milk, tea, cinnamon, cardamom or a little honey.
Many people use cacao as an alternative to coffee. Cacao naturally contains theobromine and also caffeine. The experience is different from coffee and is often described as warmer and more gradual. That remains personal.
Pure and flexible
Cacao blocks
With a cacao block, you choose how much cacao you use. Cut or chop off the amount you want and easily adjust your cup to your taste and the moment.
Soft and warm
Our ceremonial cacao from India is soft, round and approachable in flavour. A lovely cacao when you are just starting out, but also when you simply prefer a softer profile for everyday use.
Warm and aromatic
Ceremonial cacao from India with the warm, fresh and aromatic character of cardamom.
Earthy and deep
Our ceremonial cacao from Peru has an earthier, deeper and fuller character. A lovely choice if you enjoy a strong, pure cacao flavour.
One Bar, one cup
Cacao Bars
Our Cacao Bars are 36 gram one-cup servings. So there is nothing to weigh. LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER contain 60% cacao and ingredients including coconut milk powder. This naturally makes them lovely and creamy when mixed or frothed.
CARDAMOM is different. This premium Bar is made from 100% ceremonial cacao from Kerala and cardamom through fermentation.
Warmth, softness and zest for life
With saffron, cordyceps and chilli. We like reaching for LOVE when we want warmth and softness, but could also use a little extra fire and drive.
View LOVEFocus and clarity
With Brahmi and Lion's Mane. For work, study, writing or other moments when you want to stay clear and keep your attention on one thing.
View FOCUSSlowing down and reflection
With Lion's Mane and reishi. For moments when you want fewer distractions and more space for slowing down, clarity and reflection.
View RELAXWarmth and attention for your body
With turmeric and piperine. An earthy, warming blend for moments when you want to spend a little less time in your head and come back to your body.
View HEALGrounding, perspective and drive
With ashwagandha and cordyceps. We reach for EMPOWER when our energy is lower, everything feels a little heavier or we want more grounding and perspective while still needing some extra movement and drive.
View EMPOWERPure, aromatic and refined
100% ceremonial cacao from Kerala, fermented with opened cardamom pods. During fermentation, the aromatic notes of cardamom become part of the character of the cacao.
View CARDAMOMMagic Five
Want to discover the functional Cacao Bars first? The Magic Five contains LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER. CARDAMOM is intentionally not included because this is our premium Bar made with 100% ceremonial cacao.
View Magic FiveTraditional knowledge and our experience
Herbs, mushrooms and adaptogens
We drink our Cacao Bars ourselves and use the different blends at moments when they feel right for us. Because we do not want to make medical promises about what a herb or mushroom will do for you, we mainly share how we know these ingredients through traditional herbal knowledge and Ayurveda, why a combination suits a certain moment for us and how we experience it ourselves.
So do not see this as a promise of what you will feel. Everyone can experience cacao, herbs and mushrooms differently.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a classic herb in Ayurveda and is traditionally associated with resilience, strength and recovery during periods when life asks a lot of you. For us, ashwagandha mainly feels grounding. We reach for it when our energy is lower, we feel a little heavier or everything seems bigger than it really is. You will find it in EMPOWER.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a functional mushroom with a more active character. In traditional Asian uses, cordyceps is associated with vitality and life energy. We mainly experience it as more drive and energy. You will find cordyceps in LOVE and EMPOWER.
Reishi
In traditional Chinese herbal knowledge, reishi has a calm and inward-focused character. It is associated with recovery, slowing down and reflection. That also fits the way we use RELAX.
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane is a functional mushroom often used around focus and mental clarity. We like reaching for Lion's Mane when we are working, writing or processing a lot of information. You will find it in FOCUS and RELAX.
Brahmi
Brahmi, Bacopa monnieri, is a classic Ayurvedic herb for the mind. In Ayurveda, it is associated with learning, memory, attention and mental clarity. For us, that fits well with calm, focused work. You will find Brahmi in FOCUS.
Saffron
Saffron has long been used in Persian and Ayurvedic traditions, among others, where it is associated with warmth, zest for life and a lighter mood. We mainly experience saffron as soft and warm. You will find it in LOVE.
Turmeric
Turmeric is deeply woven into Ayurveda and other Asian traditions. It is often used there around Agni, digestion and physical care. In flavour too, turmeric has a warm and earthy character. You will find it in HEAL.
Piperine
Piperine is a natural compound found in black pepper. Turmeric and black pepper are traditionally often used together. Piperine can also increase the availability of curcumin from turmeric. In HEAL, it also adds a warm and lightly spicy character.
Chilli
Chilli literally brings warmth and fire. LOVE contains a small amount to give the softness of saffron a little extra kick and make the blend feel more lively.
Cardamom
In Ayurveda, cardamom has a special character because it can feel warming while also light and fresh. Traditionally, it is associated with Agni, clarity and a sense of openness around the chest and breath. In cacao, cardamom brings warmth, refinement and aromatic freshness.
What does adaptogen mean?
Adaptogen is an umbrella term used for certain herbs and functional mushrooms that have traditionally been used during periods when the body and mind have a lot to process. That does not mean they all have the same character. That is why we prefer looking at each ingredient individually instead of only using the word adaptogen.
Get started
Preparing and dosing cacao
There is no single perfect way to make cacao. Use water, regular milk, plant-based milk or tea and choose what you enjoy most.
Important for every cup
Warm your cacao, don't boil it
We heat water, milk or tea for cacao to a maximum of around 70 °C. Do not let your liquid boil and do not let the cacao itself keep boiling.
Temperatures that are too high can make cacao taste more bitter or flat. Gentle heating helps preserve its smooth, full character.
Using honey as a sweetener? Add it only after your cacao has cooled slightly. Strong heating can reduce the aroma, flavour and heat-sensitive components of honey.
Easy to remember: around 70 °C maximum for cacao. Add honey last.
Using a cacao block?
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Measure your cacao
Use around 20 grams for an everyday cacao moment or 40 grams for a ceremonial dose. Anything in between can be adjusted to suit you.
-
Chop the cacao
Cut or chop the amount you want from the block. Smaller pieces melt more easily.
-
Heat 200 to 300 ml of liquid
Choose water, regular milk, plant-based milk or tea. Heat to a maximum of around 70 °C and do not let the liquid boil.
-
Let the cacao melt gently
Add the cacao and stir until everything has completely melted.
-
Make it creamy
Use a whisk, mixer or milk frother if you prefer a lighter, creamier cacao.
-
Sweeten last if you like
If you use honey, add it only after the cacao has cooled slightly.
Using a Cacao Bar?
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Use one full Bar
One Cacao Bar is one one-cup serving. There is nothing to weigh.
-
Break or cut the Bar
Smaller pieces melt faster. If you have nothing to hand, you can also let the whole Bar melt.
-
Heat 200 to 300 ml of liquid
Use water, regular milk, plant-based milk or tea and keep it at a maximum of around 70 °C.
-
Let the Bar melt
Add the Bar and stir gently until everything has dissolved.
-
Mix or froth
LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER contain ingredients including coconut milk powder, which naturally makes them creamy with a mixer or milk frother.
Our favourite way to switch things up
Brew your favourite tea or herbal infusion first. Then let it cool to a maximum of around 70 °C before melting the cacao into it.
Think chai, rooibos, ginger, cinnamon or any other tea you enjoy.
20 grams or 40 grams?
20 grams is the amount we use for everyday cacao, for example as morning cacao or as an alternative to coffee.
40 grams is the ceremonial dose we use for moments when we consciously want to go a little deeper. Think meditation, breathwork, yoga, journaling, reflection or setting an intention.
Anything in between can be adjusted to your taste, experience and the moment.
Your moment
When do you drink cacao?
Cacao does not need a special occasion. Sometimes it is simply your morning drink. Sometimes you consciously want to make a little more time for yourself.
Morning
20 grams of cacao is a nice everyday amount for us, for example as a calm start to the day or as an alternative to coffee.
View pure cacaoWork and focus
For a work block, study session or writing day, we often choose FOCUS with Brahmi and Lion's Mane.
Lower energy
When our energy is lower, we are more likely to choose LOVE with saffron, cordyceps and chilli or EMPOWER with ashwagandha and cordyceps.
Slowing down
RELAX with reishi and Lion's Mane suits us when we want a softer pace, reflection and moments when we do not need to do anything else.
Warmth and attention for your body
HEAL with turmeric and piperine is one we like choosing when we want something warm, earthy and gentle.
Yoga and breathwork
A ceremonial dose of 40 grams suits deeper moments such as yoga, meditation and breathwork.
View ceremonial cacaoJournaling and intention
Cacao can be a lovely anchor when you want to write, reflect or consciously pause with whatever is present for you at that moment.
Together
Cacao can also simply be a moment together. At the table, during a good conversation, on a retreat or after a yoga class.
Simply because you feel like it
Also completely fine. Not every cup needs to become a ritual. Sometimes you simply want something warm and delicious.
Good to know
Practical information
Storage
Store cacao in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Most importantly, keep moisture away and avoid large temperature changes.
Preparation temperature
We keep it at a maximum of around 70 °C. Do not let cacao boil. If you use honey, add it only after your cacao has cooled slightly.
Caffeine and theobromine
Cacao naturally contains theobromine and also caffeine. If you are sensitive to these, keep your own response and the time of day in mind.
Drinking cacao every day
We use 20 grams as our everyday amount. How cacao feels for you is personal. More is not automatically better.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine. Some Cacao Bars also contain herbs and functional mushrooms. Always check the ingredients of the specific product and speak to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Medication
If you use medication or have a medical condition, also look at the herbs and mushrooms in your chosen Bar and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much cacao do I use per cup?
We use 20 grams as our everyday amount and 40 grams as a ceremonial dose. Anything in between can be adjusted to your taste and the moment. One Cacao Bar is one cup.
How much liquid do I use?
Use around 200 to 300 ml. Less liquid makes your cacao fuller. More liquid makes it lighter.
Why shouldn't cacao boil?
We heat water, milk or tea for cacao to a maximum of around 70 °C. At higher temperatures, cacao can taste more bitter or flat. That is why we do not let cacao boil.
When do I add honey?
Add honey only after your cacao has cooled slightly. Strong heating can reduce the aroma, flavour and heat-sensitive components of honey.
Can I make cacao with regular milk?
Yes. You can use water, regular milk, plant-based milk or a combination. Choose what you enjoy most.
Can I make cacao with tea?
Absolutely. Brew your favourite tea or herbal infusion first. Then let it cool to a maximum of around 70 °C before melting the cacao into it.
Why are the Cacao Bars so creamy?
LOVE, FOCUS, RELAX, HEAL and EMPOWER contain ingredients including coconut milk powder. This naturally makes them creamy with a mixer or milk frother.
What is the difference between India and Peru?
Ceremonial cacao from India has a softer, rounder and warmer character. Cacao from Peru is earthier, deeper and fuller.
What makes CARDAMOM different?
CARDAMOM is made from 100% ceremonial cacao from Kerala and fermented with opened cardamom pods. The other five Cacao Bars contain 60% cacao and are functional blends.
Does cacao always have to be drunk ceremonially?
No. Cacao can be part of meditation, yoga or breathwork, but it can just as easily be your morning drink or come along in a thermos during a walk.
Keep reading
More about cacao
Want to explore further? On our website, you will find separate articles about preparation, drinking cacao every day, cacao versus coffee and recipes.
Ready to choose?
Choose the cacao that suits your moment
Ceremonial cacao from India or Peru, an easy Cacao Bar or a functional blend with herbs and mushrooms. There is no right or wrong choice. See what you feel like today.
About this Cacao Guide
This guide was created by Tamy and Rachel from CacowGirls based on our own everyday experience with cacao, our product knowledge and traditional knowledge from Ayurveda and herbal traditions, among others.
We drink our cacao ourselves almost every day and share here how we use and experience the different blends and ingredients in our own lives. That is not a promise that you will experience the same. Everyone can experience cacao, herbs and mushrooms differently.
Last updated: September 2026.