Your Questions, Answered…
New to Ritual Cacao?
You're in the right place. Below you'll find answers to our most commonly asked questions about Ritual Cacao, how to use it, its benefits, sourcing, quality testing and more.
-
Pure ceremonial-grade cacao is naturally rich in antioxidants, minerals such as magnesium and iron, and theobromine – a gentle plant compound that can support focus and sustained energy without the crash and jitters many people associate with coffee.
Many people also enjoy cacao as part of a mindful daily ritual, helping them slow down and reconnect with themselves. It can support practices such as meditation, journalling, creativity and movement, making it a nourishing addition to a balanced wellbeing routine. While cacao is not a medicine or cure, many people value it for both its nutritional qualities and the experience it offers.
-
No. Ceremonial-grade cacao is made from whole cacao beans that are ground into a cacao paste, preserving its natural cacao butter and beneficial health compounds.
Cocoa powder is produced by processing cacao beans at high temperatures and pressing out most of the cacao butter and natural fats. What remains is a dry powder, often used for baking, hot chocolate and chocolate-flavoured products.
-
No. Ceremonial-grade cacao is not psychedelic, intoxicating or mind-altering.
However, many people report feeling more focused, uplifted, present or connected after drinking cacao. This is often attributed to naturally occurring compounds in cacao, including theobromine, which provides a gentle, sustained energy effect without the crash commonly associated with coffee. Cacao also contains compounds linked to mood and wellbeing, which may contribute to the experience many people describe.
-
Ceremonial-grade cacao is naturally more bitter than conventional chocolate because it contains no sugar, flavourings or additives.
CHOOSING YOUR RITUAL CACAO
-
Our Ecuadorian cacao is smooth, light and slightly sweeter, making it ideal for daily drinking and those new to ceremonial-grade cacao.
Our Peruvian cacao is richer, deeper and more earthy, offering a fuller-bodied and more grounding experience.
Many customers enjoy both for different moods and occasions.
-
We currently offer two varieties sourced through trusted South American partners who work directly with farming communities.
Ecuadorian Cacao is made from the renowned Arriba Nacional / Fino de Aroma bean, organically grown by our local communities and farmers, and cultivated using traditional farming methods.
Peruvian Cacao is made from ancient Criollo cacao by local communities in Peru, organically grown and cultivated using traditional farming methods.
We prioritise quality, traceability, fair pricing and long-term sustainability throughout our supply chain.
-
We generally recommend:
20–25g for a daily cup
42g for a ceremonial serving
You can adjust the amount according to your own preferences and how your body responds to cacao.
-
Add your cacao to approximately 200–250ml of hot water or your preferred milk.
Simmer until melted and then stir, whisk or blend until smooth and creamy.
Enjoy as it is, or add ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, chilli, maple syrup, honey or plant milk to create your perfect cup.
-
Yes. We suggest people enjoy Ritual Cacao daily as part of their morning routine or wellbeing practice to help feel more connected, calm and ready for the day ahead.
It is also the perfect alternative to coffee and tea.
We generally recommend 25g for everyday use, but you can adjust this according to your own needs and how your body responds.
-
Absolutely. Ritual Cacao can be added to smoothies, porridge, baking, desserts, energy balls, sauces and many other recipes.
USING RITUAL CACAO
-
Our cacao is organically grown using natural farming methods without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers.
While our cacao is not currently certified organic, this is largely due to the prohibitive costs involved in obtaining and maintaining certification for small farming communities. These costs place an unnecessary financial burden on our farmers who have always grown cacao organically, using traditional and sustainable methods.
Rather than prioritising certification, we focus on building trusted relationships with our supply partners, maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain and independently testing our cacao for quality and safety.
We believe that supporting responsible farming practices and fair relationships at origin is just as important as any certification.
-
Yes. We independently test our cacao annually for heavy metals and quality standards.
Our cacao is sourced from the same trusted producers and processing partners in Peru and Ecuador each year, allowing us to maintain consistency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Our latest laboratory results show exceptionally low levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, which are well within EU safety limits.
We believe in transparency and make our testing results available so customers can make informed decisions about the cacao they consume.
You can view our latest testing results on our Quality Testing page.
-
Yes. All Ritual Cacao products are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
-
Yes. Our cacao contains no gluten ingredients.
-
Yes. Our cacao contains no dairy. You can prepare it with water, dairy milk or your preferred plant-based milk.
-
No. Our cacao contains no nuts.
If you have a severe allergy, please contact us before ordering so we can provide the latest information regarding handling and storage.
-
Cacao naturally contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine. If you are sensitive to stimulants, we recommend starting with a smaller serving and observing how your body responds.
-
Ceremonial-grade cacao contains naturally occurring compounds that can affect mood, energy, and circulation.
For this reason, we recommend consulting your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication, including antidepressants.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, start with a smaller serving (around 10g) and increase gradually as you become familiar with cacao.
Everyone responds differently to cacao, so we encourage you to listen to your body and choose a serving size that feels supportive for you.
As individual circumstances vary, professional medical guidance is always the safest approach if you have any concerns.
QUALITY AND SAFETY
-
Store your cacao in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure its longevity.
-
When stored correctly, our ceremonial-grade cacao will remain fresh for at least 18 months, but can last up to 2 years.
Please refer to the batch date on your packaging.
-
Ceremonial-grade cacao is a natural agricultural product, so slight variations in colour, appearance and texture are completely normal.
The white colouring sometimes seen on cacao is known as cacao butter bloom, where the natural fats within the cacao rise to the surface. This is completely safe and does not affect its quality.
You may also notice that one batch looks slightly different from another. Because our cacao is batch grown, harvested and processed naturally throughout the year, seasonal factors such as rainfall, temperature, soil conditions and harvest timing can influence the appearance of the finished cacao.
These natural variations are part of what makes real ceremonial-grade cacao unique and do not negatively affect its flavour, quality or benefits.
STORAGE & SHELF LIFE
-
Yes. We supply cafés, retailers, studios, retreats, practitioners and wellness businesses.
Please visit our Wholesale page or contact us to discuss becoming a stockist.
-
Yes. Our Ambassador Programme is for people who genuinely love Ritual Cacao and want to share it with their community.
It is ideal for practitioners, facilitators, wellness professionals, creators and loyal customers who align with our values.
-
Yes. We are always open to aligned collaborations with brands, retreats, practitioners, creators, wellness spaces and businesses.
If you feel there is a genuine fit, we'd love to hear from you.
-
For customer support, wholesale enquiries, collaborations or general questions, please contact us via our Contact page and the relevant member of our team will be happy to help.