Cacao Guide

The Complete Ceremonial Cacao Knowledge Base

Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure cacao that you prepare and drink with intention. It's not chocolate milk, but a warm ritual for yourself. On this page, you'll discover everything about preparation, dosage, rituals, Ayurveda, adaptogens, and our different cacao origins.

Your starting point

Which cacao is right for you?

You don't have to get it perfectly right away. Just look at what fits best into your day right now.

I want to… You choose Why
Start quickly and easily Cacao Bars Pre-measured portions, ready in 3 minutes
Decide my own dosage Cacao Blocks (500g) Flexible, pure, shave it yourself
Explore multiple flavors Magic Five All 5 Cacao Bars in one pack
Create a mindful ritual Ritual Sets Includes accessories and guidance
Try cacao with herbs or adaptogens Cacao Bars Blends with saffron, turmeric, Lion's Mane, etc.
Give cacao as a gift Ritual Sets Beautifully packaged complete gift sets

The basics

What is ceremonial cacao?

Origins

Cacao was used thousands of years ago by the Mayans and Aztecs — not as candy, but as a sacred drink for rituals, ceremonies, and communal gatherings. They called it "food of the gods" and used it to connect with themselves, others, and the higher self.

What makes it ceremonial?

Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure cacao — minimally processed, with no additives. The difference lies in the intention and quality: consciously grown, harvested with care, and prepared mindfully. It's an experience, not just a drink.

Heart Opener

In many traditions, cacao is called a "heart opener." This is symbolic language for the feeling cacao can provide: more openness, softness, and presence. While not a medical claim, it's an experience many people recognize.

How to use it?

You prepare it as a warm drink using water or plant-based milk. It's perfect for morning rituals, meditation, movement, or simply as a moment of stillness in your day.

How to prepare cacao? →

What's the difference?

Ceremonial Cacao vs Raw Cacao vs Powder vs Chocolate

Type Processing Fats Use Case
Ceremonial Cacao Minimal, fermented & dried Full (cacao butter present) Warm drink, ritual
Raw Cacao Unroasted, cold processed Variable Smoothies, baking
Cocoa Powder Defatted, highly processed Mostly removed Baking, standard drinks
Chocolate Highly processed, added sugar Present + milk fats Snack, dessert
Hot Chocolate Powder + sugar + milk Variable Recreational drink
Read the full comparison article →

Our origins

India vs Peru

Both origins are 100% pure and ceremonial grade. The difference lies in their character, flavor profile, and the feeling they provide.

🇮🇳 India

Soft & Warm

Our Indian cacao comes from Kerala and Goa — regions with a rich Ayurvedic tradition. The taste is mild, creamy, and earthy. It's ideal if you're sensitive to bitter notes or just starting your journey with ceremonial cacao.

Special mention: one of our Indian varieties is fermented with cardamom — a unique process that makes the flavor even smoother and more aromatic.

Explore India Cacao →
🇵🇪 Peru

Powerful & Deep

Our Peruvian cacao has a fuller, bolder profile with more depth and bitterness. It's the perfect choice if you love a pronounced cacao flavor or already have experience with ceremonial cacao rituals.

Explore Peru Cacao →

💡 Not sure which to pick? Take the Cacao Quiz or try the Magic Five to experience both.

Our blends

Cacao Bars

Each Cacao Bar is 36g — one pre-measured portion, ready in minutes. You can drink them as warm cacao or eat them directly as a nutrient-dense snack. Each bar features a unique blend of herbs or adaptogens.

❤️ Love Bar

Cordyceps, Saffron & Chili

The Love Bar combines three powerful ingredients: cordyceps (an adaptogenic mushroom), saffron, and a hint of chili. Saffron has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Persian traditions, particularly regarding femininity and the cycle. Many women choose the Love Bar intentionally during their period or in the days leading up to it (PMS).

No medical claim — saffron and cordyceps are herbs and food supplements, not medicine.

View Love Bar →
🌿 Heal Bar

Turmeric & Piperine

The Heal Bar combines turmeric with piperine (from black pepper) for optimal absorption. Turmeric is a classic warming and supportive herb in Ayurveda. This bar is also a favorite choice during periods or PMS, as the warming energy of turmeric is often felt as very grounding and soothing.

No medical claim — turmeric is an herb, not medicine.

View Heal Bar →
🍄 Relax Bar

Lion's Mane & Reishi

The Relax Bar features two functional mushrooms: Lion's Mane and Reishi. Reishi has been prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries as a supportive herb for rest and recovery. Combined with Lion's Mane, it creates a blend for a mindful, calmer moment.

No medical claim — Lion's Mane and Reishi are food supplements, not medicine.

View Relax Bar →
🧠 Focus Bar

Brahmi & Lion's Mane

The Focus Bar combines Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) — a legendary Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to support concentration and clarity — with Lion's Mane extract. Some people with ADHD tendencies find this combination beneficial as part of their daily routine for mental presence.

No medical claim — Brahmi and Lion's Mane are food supplements, not a treatment for ADHD.

View Focus Bar →
💪 Empower Bar

Ashwagandha

The Empower Bar contains Ashwagandha — a classic Ayurvedic adaptogen used for centuries to support balance and resilience. It pairs perfectly with an evening ritual or a calm start to your day.

No medical claim — ashwagandha is an herb, not medicine.

View Empower Bar →
✨ Magic Five

Explore all 5 blends

Can't decide? The Magic Five includes all five bars — Love, Heal, Relax, Focus, and Empower. It's the perfect way to taste your way through our range and find your personal favorite.

View Magic Five →
⚠️ Please note: All ingredients are listed on the packaging. If you have allergies, take medication, or are pregnant, always consult a healthcare professional before using herbs or adaptogens.

Pure & Flexible

Pure Cacao Blocks (500g)

Our Pure Cacao Blocks are for those who want total control over their experience. You shave or chop the exact amount you need and prepare it just the way you like it.

What's inside?

100% pure cacao — nothing else. No sugar, no milk, no additives. Just the cacao itself in a single 500g block.

Dosage

A standard serving is 20–25g for a daily moment. For a deeper ritual or ceremony, you can increase this to 40–42g. Start low and feel what works for you.

Varieties

  • India — Soft, creamy, mild
  • Peru — Powerful, deep, bitter
  • India Cardamom — Fermented with cardamom, aromatic and unique
Explore all Blocks →

Storage

Store your cacao in a cool, dry place — avoid the fridge. When stored correctly, a block stays fresh for months. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Getting started

Prep & Dosage

Basic Recipe

How to make a cup of ceremonial cacao:

  1. Shave or chop 20–25g of cacao (or use 1 Cacao Bar)
  2. Heat 150–200ml of water or plant milk (do not boil)
  3. Add the cacao and stir thoroughly
  4. Optional: use a frother for a creamy texture
  5. Take your time — sip mindfully
Full prep guide →

Dosage Guide

MomentAmount
Daily use20–25g
Deeper ritual30–35g
Ceremony40–42g
Cacao Bar36g (Fixed dose)

Every Day

Cacao in Daily Life

☀️ Morning

Start your day right

Many people replace their morning coffee (partially) with cacao. Cacao provides a grounded, steady energy without the jitters or the 'caffeine crash.' It's the perfect way to start the day with intention.

Cacao vs Coffee →
🌸 Cycle & PMS

Cacao during your cycle

Cacao naturally contains magnesium and theobromine. Many women choose cacao intentionally during their period or the days before. The Love Bar with saffron and the Heal Bar with turmeric are popular choices for this phase, offering a soft and warming embrace.

No medical claim — this is a personal experience narrative, not a treatment.

Explore Cacao Bars →
🍄 Focus & Concentration

Cacao and Lion's Mane

The synergy of cacao and Lion's Mane mushroom extract is used by many to support focus and mental clarity. Some individuals with ADHD tendencies find this natural combination helpful as part of their daily routine — as a mindful transition into work or a calm afternoon pick-me-up.

Lion's Mane is a food supplement. It does not replace medical treatment or therapy.

View Lion's Mane Bar →
🧘 Meditation & Movement

For yoga, meditation, or sport

Cacao is a great companion for conscious movement. The theobromine provides a gentle energy boost without the restlessness of caffeine — ideal for yoga, long walks, or a low-intensity workout.

Read more about daily cacao →

Your moment

When do you drink cacao?

🌅 Morning

As a mindful start — instead of or alongside your coffee.

🌿 Afternoon

A pause between work blocks or as a gentle energy lift.

🌙 Evening

With a lower dose (15–20g) to wind down. Choose the Empower Bar or India origin for this.

🧘 Meditation

Before a meditation or breathwork session — cacao helps you stay present.

🌸 Cycle

During your period or PMS — the Love Bar and Heal Bar are gentle choices for this time.

🏃 Movement

For yoga, hiking, or fitness — the theobromine provides calm, steady energy.

Useful to know

Practical Knowledge

Storage

Store cacao in a cool, dry place — but not in the fridge. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture. When handled properly, a block remains high-quality for many months.

Safety & Medication

  • Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine — be mindful if you are sensitive to stimulants
  • Using antidepressants (MAO inhibitors)? Consult a doctor first
  • Lion's Mane, saffron, and turmeric may interact with certain medications
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding? Always check with your healthcare provider
  • Blue Lotus: see the Rituals section for specific safety information

Cacao and Caffeine

Ceremonial cacao contains less caffeine than coffee, but it is not caffeine-free. The energy primarily comes from theobromine — a smoother, longer-lasting stimulant compared to caffeine.

How much is too much?

A daily dose of 20–25g is perfectly fine for most people. At higher doses (40g+), you might experience mild nausea or a feeling of heat — this is normal and usually passes quickly.

Mindful moments

Rituals, Moon & Blue Lotus

Creating a Cacao Ritual

A ritual doesn't have to be complicated. It starts with intention: why are you drinking this cup? Put your phone away, choose a quiet spot, and take the time to prepare and sip. That simplicity is your ritual.

How to start? →
🌕 Full Moon

Full Moon Ritual

The full moon is a powerful time to reflect on what you've achieved — and what you want to let go of. A cup of ceremonial cacao during the full moon is a beautiful way to mark that moment. Write down what you are releasing, sip your cacao mindfully, and close with a moment of gratitude.

Tip: choose a higher dose (30–35g) and carve out extra time for yourself.

🌑 New Moon

New Moon Ritual

The new moon represents new beginnings — a time to set intentions for the upcoming cycle. Prepare your cacao mindfully, write down what you want to create or where you want to grow, and drink your cup as a quiet promise to yourself.

Tip: combine with journaling or a short meditation for extra depth.

🎁 Giving

Ritual Sets as a Gift

Want to surprise someone with a mindful moment? Our Ritual Sets are beautifully packaged and contain everything they need to start right away — including cacao, accessories, and guidance. A gift that invites slow living.

View Ritual Sets →

Blue Lotus

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is a water lily with a long ritual history — especially in Ancient Egypt and Asia. It is used for relaxation, dreamwork, and elevating mindful moments. At CacowGirls, Blue Lotus is available as a Ritual Pack — featuring 2 servings of 2g (4g total), specially curated for a soul-led ritual experience.

Preparation: add one serving to your prepared ceremonial cacao and sip consciously and slowly.

View Ritual Pack →

Blue Lotus — Safety

⚠️ Blue Lotus is a gentle herb with mild effects. Do not combine it with alcohol, sleeping pills, or other sedatives. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult a doctor if you take medication. Do not drive after use.

Cacao & Breathwork

Cacao and breathwork are becoming a popular combination. Cacao helps you stay present and stay open during the session. Read more in our blog article.

Cacao & Breathwork →

Herbs & Traditions

Ayurveda & Adaptogens

Our Cacao Bars are inspired by Ayurvedic traditions and modern functional knowledge about adaptogens. Each herb has its own unique character and traditional use.

❤️ Saffron & Cordyceps

Love Bar — Cycle & Femininity

Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world — used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Persian traditions for femininity and cycle support. Cordyceps is an adaptogenic mushroom traditionally used to support energy and vitality. The Love Bar combines both with a hint of chili spice.

🌿 Turmeric & Piperine

Heal Bar — Warmth & Support

Turmeric is a foundational warming herb in Ayurveda. In this blend, it is also highly valued during the menstrual cycle. The active compound curcumin is better absorbed when paired with piperine (from black pepper). The Heal Bar combines both for a supportive blend fit for any moment.

🍄 Lion's Mane & Reishi

Relax Bar — Rest & Recovery

Reishi has long been used in traditional medicine to support rest and recovery. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a functional mushroom extract used to support focus and mental presence. Together, they create a blend for a conscious, grounded moment.

No medical claim — food supplements, not medicine.

🧠 Brahmi & Lion's Mane

Focus Bar — Concentration & Clarity

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a classic Ayurvedic herb utilized for centuries to support concentration and mental clarity. Combined with Lion's Mane, it's a popular choice for those working mindfully on focus — including those with ADHD tendencies.

No medical claim — Brahmi and Lion's Mane are food supplements, not a treatment for ADHD.

💪 Ashwagandha

Empower Bar — Balance & Resilience

Ashwagandha is a legendary Ayurvedic adaptogen used for centuries to support balance and individual resilience. Ideal for an evening ritual or a calm start to the day.

🌱 What are adaptogens?

Explanation

Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms used in traditional medicine for millennia. They are valued for their ability to support balance and resilience. They are not medicines and do not replace medical treatment.

More about Ayurveda & Adaptogens →
⚠️ Disclaimer: All herbs and adaptogens in our Cacao Bars are food ingredients, not medicines. They do not replace medical treatment or prescription drugs. Always consult a doctor if you take medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Inspiration

Recipes

Warm Cacao (Base)

20–25g cacao + 200ml warm water or oat milk. Stir well or froth until creamy.

Cacao Latte

25g cacao + 150ml warm water + 100ml frothed oat milk. Add a pinch of cinnamon.

Iced Cacao

Dissolve 20g cacao in a splash of hot water, fill with cold oat milk and ice cubes.

Cacao Smoothie

20g cacao + 1 banana + oat milk + a dash of cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Golden Cacao

Use the Heal Bar (turmeric + piperine) as your base. Add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.

Saffron Cacao

Use the Love Bar as your base. Add a pinch of cardamom for a Persian-inspired aroma.

View all recipes →

Common Questions

People also ask

What is the difference between India and Peru cacao?

India is softer and creamier, while Peru is bolder and more bitter. See the India vs Peru section for a detailed comparison.

Can I drink cacao every day?

Yes, a daily portion of 20–25g is fine for most people. Read more in our article about daily cacao consumption.

What does saffron do in the Love Bar?

Saffron is a prized herb used for centuries in traditional practices for femininity and cycle support. Many women choose the Love Bar purposefully during their period or PMS.

Why is there piperine in the Heal Bar?

Piperine (from black pepper) increases the absorption of curcumin — the active compound in turmeric — significantly. Without piperine, turmeric is poorly absorbed by the body.

Can Lion's Mane help with ADHD?

Lion's Mane is a supplement used by some people to support focus. It is not a treatment for ADHD and does not replace medication. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Is cacao safe with medication?

Cacao itself is safe for most. If you use antidepressants (specifically MAOIs) or other medications, consult your doctor first. This also applies to the herbs in our bars (saffron, turmeric, Lion's Mane).

What is Blue Lotus?

Blue Lotus is a water lily with a rich ritual history. See the Rituals & Blue Lotus section for more info and safety tips.

What is the Magic Five?

The Magic Five is a bundle of five different Cacao Bars — the perfect way to explore all our blends. View the Magic Five →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ceremonial cacao and regular cocoa?

Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure, minimally processed, and contains all natural fats (cacao butter). Regular cocoa powder is defatted and often highly processed, losing much of its complexity.

How much cacao should I use per cup?

For daily use: 20–25g. For a deeper ritual or ceremony: 40–42g. A Cacao Bar is 36g — a perfect pre-measured portion.

Can I drink cacao if I take antidepressants?

If you take MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant), it is advised to avoid cacao. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

Is the Love Bar suitable during my cycle or PMS?

The Love Bar with saffron is a popular choice for cycle support. Saffron is an herb — not a medicine. It is not a treatment for menstrual conditions. Consult a doctor for severe symptoms.

Can Lion's Mane help with focus or ADHD?

Lion's Mane is a food supplement utilized by many to support mental presence. It is not an ADHD treatment or a replacement for therapy/medication.

Why does the Heal Bar contain piperine?

Piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin (from turmeric) by up to 2000%. Without piperine, turmeric is barely absorbed by the human body.

How do I store my cacao?

In a cool, dry place — not in the fridge. Avoid sunlight and moisture. Stored properly, a block lasts for months.

Is Blue Lotus safe?

Blue Lotus is a mild herb. Do not combine it with alcohol, sedatives, or sleeping pills. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Do not drive after consumption.

View all FAQs →

Deepen your knowledge

Further Reading

Choose your next step

What are you feeling today?

I want to start easily

Go for a pre-measured portion that's ready in just a few minutes.

Cacao Bars →

I want to decide my own dosage

Go for a Pure Cacao Block and choose your portion based on your moment.

Pure Cacao Blocks →

I want to explore multiple blends

Taste different Cacao Bars and discover your favorite at your own pace.

Magic Five →

I want to create a ritual moment

Choose a set designed to help you slow down and connect.

Ritual Sets →

Who are we?

The Story Behind CacowGirls

We are Tamy and Rachel. Our love for cacao didn't start in a shop, but on the road. Traveling through South America, we first encountered ceremonial cacao at its source. Later, in Goa and Kerala, we discovered the soft, warming Indian cacao that stole our hearts.

Back home in the Dutch countryside, surrounded by cows, it all clicked. Cowgirl Spirit represents freedom and the courage to follow your own path. Cacao Soul represents slowing down, connecting, and living mindfully. Nearly every morning, we start our day together with a cup of cacao. It has truly become our love language.

Everything you find at CacowGirls comes from what we drink, use, and love giving back every single day.

Read our full story →

Have a practical question?

Check the FAQ first. If your question isn't there, we'd love to help you out personally.

Get in touch →

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B2B & Collaborations →