5 reasons to choose Ritual Cacao this Christmas
December’s here and despite everything that’s happened this year and all the challenges we’ve faced, it’s still the season to connect with family and friends, give thanks for all the blessings in our life and of course, to indulge in lots of lovely chocolate!
But rather than reaching for big-brand chocolates this festive season which are often wrapped in environmentally-unfriendly packaging, loaded with milk and sugar, and may even have been made using child and slave labour (see our recent post on the ethics of the chocolate industry here), why not opt for some ethical and delicious raw cacao which does us good from the inside out?
Here are 5 reasons you can make a difference by choosing Ritual Cacao this Christmas…
Looking to discover the difference between our ceremonial-grade Ecuadorian and Peruvian cacao?
The Taster Bundle brings together our two beautiful cacao origins, giving you the opportunity to explore their individual flavours and find the one you love most.
Our Ecuadorian cacao is light, smooth and refined, while our Peruvian cacao offers a deeper, richer and earthier flavour.
Both are 100% pure ceremonial-grade cacao, carefully sourced and perfect for bringing a little more intention into your daily routine.
Available in two sizes, so you can choose how much you'd like to explore.
What's Inside
200g Taster Bundle - £48
Individual RRP £53 | Save £5
200g Ecuadorian Cacao Chunks
200g Peruvian Cacao Chunks
500g Taster Bundle - £85
Individual RRP £93 | Save £8
500g Ecuadorian Cacao Chunks
500g Peruvian Cacao Chunks
Why You'll Love It
Discover the difference between our Ecuadorian and Peruvian cacao.
Explore two distinct flavour profiles.
Find the origin that suits your personal taste.
Choose between two sizes to suit your cacao needs.
A lovely introduction to pure ceremonial-grade cacao.
Portion Guide
Our suggested daily serving is 20–25g of cacao.
200g Taster Bundle: Approximately 16–20 daily servings in total.
500g Taster Bundle: Approximately 40–50 daily servings in total.
For a more ceremonial experience, you may prefer a larger serving of approximately 40–42g.
Choose between 200g or 500g of each cacao included in your collection.
Pure, raw, ceremonial-grade cacao – nothing added!
Our pure, raw, ceremonial-grade cacao is organic, wild-harvested and non-GMO. Unlike most mass-produced chocolates, our cacao has absolutely nothing added – no milk, no sugar, no artificial fats. And because it’s not roasted or heated at high temperatures, all the nutrients from the raw cacao bean remain intact, including the rich cocoa butter for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling! Try blending it into a warming winter brew or using it to make chocolates and truffles for your loved ones (see our simple recipe below!).
Environmentally-friendly packaging
At Ritual Cacao, we want to be as sustainable as possible and minimise our footprint on Mother Earth. We also believe that in today’s world, an ethical product is not just about what’s on the inside, but what’s on the outside too. That’s why we choose packaging that’s environmentally friendly, fully recyclable and perfectly preserves the flavour and quality of your raw cacao.
Single origin
Ritual Cacao comes direct from single sources in the Amazon. This means it’s made from one variety of cacao bean, harvested in one region: not a mix of beans from multiple regions and even countries, which sometimes happens with industrially-produced chocolate to mask quality issues such as mould. Similar to other products, like wine and coffee, cacao beans take on the characteristics of the region where they’re grown – this is known as the unique ‘terroir’ that gives specialist, single-origin products an individual flavour profile.
So if you’d like to sample raw cacao from two different regions of the Amazon, our new taster pack is for you! We think it also makes a beautiful ethical Christmas gift for any foodie connoisseur, who loves to dabble in chocolate.
Fair-Trade
We work only in Fair-Trade, meaning that there is no exploitation, slave or child labour in the cacao-growing communities of the Amazon that supply our cacao. We offer a fair price to the communities and help to protect their indigenous agricultural heritage, their ancient variety of cacao trees, and their dignity. Ritual Cacao is also proudly slave and child-labour free: and in 2020, we wonder why all chocolate companies can’t say the same?
A beautiful combination of ceremonial-grade cacao, handcrafted artistry and meaningful ritual.
The Divine Goddess Bundle pairs your choice of our pure ceremonial-grade cacao with the IxCacao Goddess, a unique handmade statue created to honour cacao and the rituals surrounding it.
With her outstretched hands, the IxCacao Goddess is designed to hold cacao beans, Chunks or Crumbles, making her a beautiful addition to an altar, shelf or sacred space.
Each statue is individually handmade in Glastonbury by local artist Kishi Bay Childs, using a combination of clay, iron oxide, stoneware, terracotta and sand. No two are exactly alike, making every Goddess a truly unique piece.
Thoughtfully brought together, this collection celebrates both the cacao-growing communities we work with in Ecuador and independent makers here in the UK.
Whether you're adding to your own sacred space or choosing a meaningful gift for someone special, the Divine Goddess Bundle is something to treasure for years to come.
What's Inside
One handmade IxCacao Goddess statue (RRP £90) - Individually crafted by Kishi Bay Childs in Glastonbury. Each piece is unique, designed to hold cacao and complement your sacred space.
Your choice of Ritual Cacao (RRP £25-£85) - Select your preferred cacao origin, format and size, from traditional Chunks and our signature Bullion Bar to convenient Crumbles or portioned Pods.
Save between £5 and £16 compared with purchasing the items individually.
Why You'll Love It
A one-of-a-kind handmade IxCacao Goddess statue.
Beautiful for altars, ceremonies and sacred spaces.
Choose the ceremonial cacao that suits your personal ritual.
Support cacao-growing communities in Ecuador and independent artists in the UK.
A meaningful gift that combines exceptional cacao with lasting craftsmanship.
Portion Guide
Our suggested daily serving is 20–25g of cacao.
200g: Approximately 8–10 daily servings.
250g Pods: Approximately 10–12 daily servings.
500g: Approximately 20–25 daily servings.
1kg: Approximately 40-50 daily servings.
For a ceremonial experience, you would need a larger serving of approximately 40–42g.
Choose your preferred cacao format and size from the options below. All cacao is Ecuadorian unless otherwise stated.
Support a small, ethical business in the UK and beyond
The events of this year have been hard on everyone. By choosing Ritual Cacao, you are not only supporting a small, ethical business in the UK, but also helping Amazonian communities to retain sovereignty over their indigenous land, maintain their financial independence and protect their land from harmful and illegal practices such as logging and cocaine production.
The seemingly small choices we make as consumers this Christmas really can have a big ripple effect on the wider world around us. So before reaching for the Roses or Celebrations, why not get some Ritual Cacao and create your own ethical handmade chocolates? See our simple recipe below for inspiration!
Fancy making some indulgent handmade chocolates this Christmas? Treat yourself or someone special… Best made with love and intention, our easy recipe shows you how!
Ingredients
60g Ritual Cacao (grated)
60g raw cocoa butter or coconut oil
½ teaspoon of pure vanilla powder or extract
2 tablespoons of a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
A comforting cup of cacao, two inspiring books and a little time for yourself.
The Unwind Book Bundle brings together our pure ceremonial-grade Ecuadorian cacao with both books by Rebekah Shaman, founder of Ritual Cacao, inviting you to slow down, explore new perspectives and enjoy a little space for yourself.
Through her writing, Rebekah shares her personal experiences and shamanic journey, exploring themes of self-discovery, personal growth and living more consciously.
Whether you're settling down for a quiet evening, enjoying a slower morning or looking for a thoughtful gift, this bundle is a lovely way to nourish your mind while enjoying your favourite cacao.
What's Inside
Both books by Rebekah Shaman (RRP £30)
The Shaman's Last Apprentice - Rebekah shares her personal journey into shamanism, the experiences that shaped her path and the lessons she discovered along the way.
Beyond Illusion - An exploration of consciousness, perception and questioning the beliefs and perspectives that shape how we experience the world.
Your choice of Ritual Cacao (RRP £25- £85)
Choose the cacao that best suits the way you enjoy your ritual.
Chunks - Our traditional cacao format, perfect for those who enjoy taking a little time to prepare their cup.
Bullion Bar - Pure ceremonial cacao moulded into our signature gold bar shape, ready to chop into your preferred serving.
Crumbles - Our cacao already crumbled for you, making preparation quick and easy without chopping or a saucepan.
Pods - Conveniently divided into pre-portioned petals, making it easy to have your cacao.
Save between £5 and £11 compared with purchasing the items individually.
Why You'll Love It
Enjoy both of Rebekah Shaman's books alongside your favourite ceremonial-grade cacao.
Explore personal growth, consciousness and shamanic wisdom through Rebekah's writing.
Choose the cacao format and size that suits your daily ritual.
Make space for reading, reflection and a comforting cup of cacao.
A thoughtful gift for anyone interested in wellbeing, personal discovery and conscious living.
Portion Guide
Our suggested daily serving is 20–25g of cacao.
200g: Approximately 8–10 daily servings.
250g Pods: Approximately 10–12 daily servings.
500g: Approximately 20–25 daily servings.
1kg: Approximately 40–50 daily servings.
Choose your preferred cacao format and size from the options below. All cacao is Ecuadorian unless otherwise stated.
Method
Gently melt the cocoa butter or coconut oil in a saucepan over a low heat. Stir through the grated cacao, vanilla and sweetener until the mixture has become smooth and silky. Add any optional flavourings and stir well before pouring the mixture into a chocolate mold or ice cube tray. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the chocolates have chilled and solidified. Carefully turn the chocolates out of the trays: you are now ready to decorate, gift wrap or simply start indulging!
Optional
Add chopped nuts, goji berries or raw cacao nibs to the mixture to create texture and crunch
Make finished chocolates beautiful by rolling them in cacao powder, desiccated coconut or cinnamon: remember to use a little honey or oil to help it stick!
Rather than individual chocolates, make a bar or slab of chocolate by pouring your mixture into a wide, shallow tin. Before chilling, decorate the top with edible flowers or colourful berries and nuts for that festive Christmas feeling!