I want to start easily
Go for a pre-measured portion that's ready in just a few minutes.
Cacao Bars →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.
Quick navigation
Your starting point
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
| 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 |
Our origins
Both origins are 100% pure and ceremonial grade. The difference lies in their character, flavor profile, and the feeling they provide.
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 →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
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.
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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →Pure & Flexible
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.
100% pure cacao — nothing else. No sugar, no milk, no additives. Just the cacao itself in a single 500g block.
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.
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
How to make a cup of ceremonial cacao:
| Moment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily use | 20–25g |
| Deeper ritual | 30–35g |
| Ceremony | 40–42g |
| Cacao Bar | 36g (Fixed dose) |
Every Day
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 →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 →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 →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.
Your moment
As a mindful start — instead of or alongside your coffee.
A pause between work blocks or as a gentle energy lift.
With a lower dose (15–20g) to wind down. Choose the Empower Bar or India origin for this.
Before a meditation or breathwork session — cacao helps you stay present.
During your period or PMS — the Love Bar and Heal Bar are gentle choices for this time.
For yoga, hiking, or fitness — the theobromine provides calm, steady energy.
Useful to know
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.
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.
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
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? →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.
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.
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 (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 →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
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 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 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.
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 (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 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.
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 →Inspiration
20–25g cacao + 200ml warm water or oat milk. Stir well or froth until creamy.
25g cacao + 150ml warm water + 100ml frothed oat milk. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
Dissolve 20g cacao in a splash of hot water, fill with cold oat milk and ice cubes.
20g cacao + 1 banana + oat milk + a dash of cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Use the Heal Bar (turmeric + piperine) as your base. Add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
Use the Love Bar as your base. Add a pinch of cardamom for a Persian-inspired aroma.
Common Questions
India is softer and creamier, while Peru is bolder and more bitter. See the India vs Peru section for a detailed comparison.
Yes, a daily portion of 20–25g is fine for most people. Read more in our article about daily cacao consumption.
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.
Piperine (from black pepper) increases the absorption of curcumin — the active compound in turmeric — significantly. Without piperine, turmeric is poorly absorbed by the body.
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.
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).
Blue Lotus is a water lily with a rich ritual history. See the Rituals & Blue Lotus section for more info and safety tips.
The Magic Five is a bundle of five different Cacao Bars — the perfect way to explore all our blends. View the Magic Five →
FAQ
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.
For daily use: 20–25g. For a deeper ritual or ceremony: 40–42g. A Cacao Bar is 36g — a perfect pre-measured portion.
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.
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.
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.
Piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin (from turmeric) by up to 2000%. Without piperine, turmeric is barely absorbed by the human body.
In a cool, dry place — not in the fridge. Avoid sunlight and moisture. Stored properly, a block lasts for months.
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.
Deepen your knowledge
Choose your next step
Go for a pre-measured portion that's ready in just a few minutes.
Cacao Bars →Go for a Pure Cacao Block and choose your portion based on your moment.
Pure Cacao Blocks →Taste different Cacao Bars and discover your favorite at your own pace.
Magic Five →Choose a set designed to help you slow down and connect.
Ritual Sets →Who are we?
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 →Check the FAQ first. If your question isn't there, we'd love to help you out personally.
Get in touch →Explore the possibilities of collaborating with CacowGirls.
B2B & Collaborations →