November is the month when winter begins to make itself felt. The clocks have gone back, daylight feels fleeting, and a warm cup of cacao between your hands becomes something to look forward to.
Why cacao makes such a good winter brew
There is something particularly comforting about preparing cacao on a cold morning. The rich chocolate aroma, the warmth of the brew, and those first few sips give you a reason to pause before the day gathers speed.
When we feel tired or sluggish, it can be tempting to reach for something sweet and keep pushing through. Pure ceremonial-grade cacao lets you choose how sweet you want your drink.
Enjoy its naturally rich, bitter flavour, or add a little sweetness to suit your taste. A pinch of cinnamon, ginger or chilli can bring another layer of flavour when you fancy something more warming.
During the colder months, it’s also important to pay attention to our nutrition. Your daily cup of cacao is not only nourishing, it offers a warming, satisfying way to contribute to your intake of magnesium, an essential nutrient our bodies need to function well.
Why does magnesium matter?
Magnesium helps the body release energy from food and supports normal muscle and nerve function. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones. These are everyday processes, quietly working in the background whether we are out walking, concentrating at work or resting at home.
Our bodies cannot make magnesium, so we need to get it through what we eat and drink. Nuts, seeds, beans, wholegrains and green leafy vegetables all provide it. Cacao also contains naturally occurring magnesium too, making it a delicious addition to a varied diet.
Where does your daily cacao come in?
We had our Ritual Cacao lab-tested with Eurofins, and it contains 213 mg of magnesium per 100 g.
That means a 25 g daily serving provides approximately 53 mg of naturally occurring magnesium.
To put that into perspective, the NHS recommends 270 mg a day for women and 300 mg for men aged 19–64. A 25 g serving therefore provides around one fifth of that daily amount for women and just under a fifth for men.
Your daily cup of Ritual Cacao is a simple, satisfying way to bring some magnesium into your routine.
This November, put the kettle on, make your cacao and give yourself a little warmth to return to.