FAQ about Cacao

1. Is our cacao organic and fair-trade (no pesticides used)?
None of the cacao we produce and source uses pesticides. Some origins are already certified organic, while others are still in the process, as certification can take time and resources. We chose not to pursue “organic” or “fair trade” labels ourselves, because we believe those should be the norm, not the exception. Labels can also be bought off easily. For us, the real solution is transparency: the best way to know your cacao is organic and fairly traded is to know your farmer. 🌿
You can read more in this blog post:
👉 Why is the cost of organic cacao higher?

2. Difference between ceremonial cacao and regular chocolate
We wrote a blog post about this very topic, as it’s one of the most common (and important!) questions:
👉 What is ceremonial cacao?

3. What makes Cacao Source special?
Our vision is to be a force of regeneration through cacao — supporting small farmers, empowering women’s collectives, and weaving transparent, respectful relationships at every step. More than just single-origin cacao, we are committed to regeneration, relationship, and transparency. You can find many details in our Impact Reports here:
👉 Cacao Source Impact Reports

Also: Our light roast profiles are quite unique. -We involve our ambassadors and team in our development vision, we give as many options as possible instead of standardising (packaging, sizes, roast profiles etc). -As a social enterprise the money we receive is fairly distributed (more than fairtrade). -We are a young and multicultural team of management.

4. How best to taste all the different cacaos?
There’s no single “right” way. If you taste them side by side, you’ll notice the flavor differences more clearly. If you taste them one per day, you’ll sense their unique effects in your body and mood more deeply. Both ways are beautiful... We really encourage you to create your own relationship with each origin over time.

We wrote more about single origins in this blog post:

👉 Why single-origin cacao isn’t meant to taste the same every time

5. How does the cacao processing work? Is it done by the individual farmers your sourcing from or do you do it at one location and how is the cacao processed?

Cacao Source is a collaborative and inclusive project. After forming relationships with farm origins, we buy fermented and dry seeds from our sourcing origins, which we receive at our production space in San Marcos Laguna. In this space, we first do a quality control of seeds and then then we roast it in our drum oven, then the cacao is sent to our dear kaqchikel women collectives homes. In the case of fire roasting, the cacao is sent straight to the women's collective, where it will be roasted over fire in the traditional way. The collective will peel, grind and mold the cacao into blocks to be sent back to Cacao Source production space, where we receive your orders and package it accordingly. 

👉 Cacao Production as Part of the Ceremony

6. What are the white patterns under my cacao?

Untempered cacao ( tempering is a process used in the chocolate industry to recrystallize cacao molecules into the chocolate bars we know today), often results to ‘fat blooming’, which creates these uncommon patterns we find under the cacao. It makes each cacao bar unique. Your cacao is still very good for consumption.

👉 Cacao Fat Bloom

7. Can you drink cacao daily?

Yes, you can drink cacao daily, and here are some recommendations:

• Start with small amounts. A ceremonial dose is about 40g of cacao, but a daily dose can be much less. We recommend 15–20g to offer gentle benefits and be healthier for long-term consumption.

• Drink with water or plant milk. Keep it simple and avoid mixing with too much sugar or dairy, which can block cacao’s medicinal properties.

• Pair with grounding practices. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence with your cup helps deepen the connection.

• Rest days are sacred, too. Some practitioners drink cacao daily for a period of time (a “cacao dieta”) and then take a break to integrate. We highly recommend, for health factors, to take a minimum of 1 day without consuming cacao. 

Remember, every medicine, in over-consumption, can be a poison. Cacao is an incredible heart medicine and superfood. This being said, it does absorb heavy metals from the ground, which can make it toxic to you in overconsumption. 

As we are living in a world of overconsumption, it's always important when connecting with medicine to be honest with ourselves and ask why so much cacao? Is it me listening to my body, or is it a habit of consumption? What would be the most nourishing to my body right now? Every relationship is different, and you are empowered to find your own relationship with cacao in respect to yourself and the medicine. 

8. My cacao tastes very bitter or sour. Could that mean it’s gone off, or was it stored incorrectly?

Our standard roasting profile, which is light roast, the best for enhancing cacao’s medicinal properties, comes in with much more bitter, fruity and sometimes sour flavors, depending on origins and harvests. It is also the type of flavor profile that comes from criollo hybrids. Now if you prefer a flavor profile that is closer to the one of craft chocolate, we suggest to choose the fire roasting profile. Fire roasting is a darker roast and comes out less fruity, acidic our sour.

9. My cacao is crumbling, does that mean its old or spoiled, or is that normal?

It is normal, because the cacao is untempered, therefore the different types of fats (that form the structure of the block when it hardens) crystallise independently from each other. It also depends on our artisan process : the blocks made by the mama amor collective are made in a hotter climate and without a fridge used when the blocks harden after coming in ground paste. They will therefore usually come out more crumbly. It is also a consequence of fat blooming as we described in our blog post :

👉 Cacao Fat Bloom

10. Is it safe to drink cacao during pregnancy? How to dose with pregnancy? 

Yes, many mothers around the world continue to enjoy cacao during pregnancy, as it is rich in minerals like magnesium and iron, and can gently support emotional balance. However, every body and pregnancy is unique. We always recommend tuning in deeply to your body and consulting with your midwife or healthcare provider before drinking cacao regularly. Cacao can be a powerful trigger for the cardiovascular and hormonal systems and provoque unwanted consequences if ingested in large quantities.

If you choose to connect with cacao during pregnancy, start with a small amount (5–10g) more of a microdose. And observe how you feel. Cacao is a gentle ally, and during pregnancy, less is often more.
Traditionally, the Tzu’utujiles dulas use Cacao as a trigger for birthing. Also in the Suchitepequez region, Cacao is used as a marriage gift from one family to another. For thousands of years, cacao has been associated with blood, the womb, interdimensional travel (like birth) and with aliveness. Therefore it is definitely a great ally to journey with at every step of the conception path. 

11. Can I enjoy cacao on the same day as going to a sauna or doing other heat therapies?

Cacao naturally increases blood flow and gently warms the body, so pairing it with heat therapies such as a sauna, temazcal, or sweat lodge can amplify those effects.

If you wish to do both, listen to your body and hydrate well, both before and after. Many people enjoy cacao before a heat therapy in a small or medium dose (15–25g) to open the heart and enhance relaxation, while others prefer to drink it after, to replenish minerals and ground the experience.

12. Is it okay to share cacao with children, and if so, how much?

Yes, cacao can be a beautiful medicine to share with children, especially as a way to introduce them to heart-centered connection and mindful ritual. And as an amazing superfood for the brain and cell-function, that will nourish their growth and empower their learning. 

We suggest keeping the dose very light: 5-10g is often enough for a child to enjoy the taste and gentle effects without overstimulation or intoxication.
Avoid adding too much sweetener, and treat it as a sacred moment children tend to feel the magic of cacao very naturally.

13. What is the typical shelf life of ceremonial cacao, and how should it be stored to keep it fresh?

Ceremonial cacao, when pure and well-prepared, can last over 5 years if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors.

Avoid the refrigerator unless you live in a very hot or humid climate. Condensation can affect the texture and flavor. We recommend storing it in an airtight container, ideally glass or food-grade metal.

When treated with care, cacao will continue to hold its aroma, potency, and spirit beautifully over time. When stored properly, it is actually one of the fat essences that will set and gain potency over time.

14. Can ceremonial cacao ease depression or PMS symptoms?

Once again, in case of important or regular symptoms we advise to consult a health professional. However, it is good to share that many people experience that ceremonial cacao supports emotional well-being, gently uplifting mood and easing tension. Its natural compounds like theobromine, anandamine, and tryptophan can help calm the nervous system and support serotonin production, while its heart-opening nature invites emotional release and self-connection.

For PMS, cacao’s rich mineral content (especially magnesium and iron) can support the body during the menstrual cycle. It is also known for its hormonal stabilizing properties.

It’s not a medical treatment, but rather a plant ally that can complement emotional and physical self-care, inviting balance and tenderness through challenging moments.

15. What happened when the cacao is all dry and crumbly, is it ok to eat it? Did it keeps all the nutrients.

cf qu. 9 

16. What's spices and herbs blends well with cacao and why?

Cacao is a generous and intelligent plant — it loves to collaborate.
In its pure form, it carries a vast spectrum of minerals, antioxidants, and active compounds that awaken the body and open the heart. When paired with the right elements, these properties become even more vibrant and bioavailable.

-The first and most essential ingredient: water. Before adding any herb or spice, it’s important to remember that water is the true foundation of every cacao preparation.
Our bodies need sufficient hydrogen and oxygen to properly absorb cacao’s key compounds. Many of cacao’s active molecules such as theobromine are water-soluble.

-Cacao is also mildly diuretic, which means it encourages the kidneys to release more water. This can be beneficial when the body is well hydrated, helping with detoxification and circulation. But it may cause dehydration if water intake is insufficient.So: always drink plenty of water before and after your cacao. Hydration is part of the ceremony.

-Vitamin C :an ally for cacao’s nutrition. Vitamin C beautifully complements cacao’s chemistry. It enhances the absorption of iron and supports the synthesis of dopamine. And for other reasons vitamin C rich foods are great complementary ingredients to cacao. That’s why it makes sense to pair cacao with vitamin C rich ingredients such as chili, lime, mango, red berries, or camu camu.

Cacao is also often mixed with adaptogens like medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion's Mane or chaga. Their properties are enhanced when absorbed together with cacao, thanks to cacao’s fats and complex constitution that provides the body with the elements for assimilation and stimulates the cardiovascular system.

-Plant allies and spices. For centuries, cacao has been blended with plant allies that either amplify, balance, or soften its energy. Each combination tells a story: botanical, nutritional, and spiritual.Here are some of the most beloved pairings:

17. How to prepare a cup of cacao?

To prepare ceremonial cacao:

1. Measure your cacao (see dosage below).
   
   

2. Warm water (not boiling. around 80°C / 175°F).
   
   

3. Add your cacao and whisk or blend until smooth.
   
   

4. Optional: add spices or a natural sweetener.
   
   

5. Take a moment to set an intention before drinking, connecting with gratitude, presence, and the spirit of cacao.

Ceremonial cacao is not just a beverage, it’s an invitation to presence.

18. What dosage do you recommend?

-Ceremonial dose: 35–45g, for deep meditation, dance, or ceremony.
-Meditative or creative dose: 20–30g, for gentle focus and heart opening.
-Daily or microdose: 10–15g, for nourishment and emotional grounding.
Always listen to your body and the context. The right dose depends on your sensitivity, hydration, and metabolism.

19. What's the traditional way to use cacao?

Cacao has been used for thousands of years by the peoples of Mesoamerica — the Mayan, Zapotec, Mixtec, and Aztec cultures — as a sacred, ceremonial, and communal medicine.

Traditionally, cacao was prepared by hand-grinding the beans, mixing them with water, chili, and spices, and shared during rituals, offerings, and celebrations.

It was not only a drink but a bridge between worlds — between the human and the divine, the heart and the cosmos.

If you’d like to learn more about cacao history and ancestrality we invite you to our online cacao History class by Jojo here :
https://www.sourcecacao.com/slides/cacao-source-online-training-program-2

Or you can join one of the live Classes with Mariana. 

20. Is your cacao raw cacao? 

Our cacao is minimally processed, but not technically “raw.”

It is lightly fermented and sun-dried, and the beans are gently roasted by a drum oven for a light roast or by hand in traditional ways that preserve both flavor and nutrients.

This process awakens the cacao’s full potential: balancing bioavailability and nutritious value.

21. Why is it more expensive than regular cacao/chocolate?

Ceremonial cacao is not a commodity it is a living medicine prepared with reverence and fair collaboration. Industrial chocolate is the product of one of the most exploitative, extractivist, untransparent and hypocritical food industries, organised as a consequence of colonialism in a way that enriches an extreme minority and keeps impoverishing some of the most poor populations in the world. We bring a discipline that offers an alternative to this destructive legacy. 

At Cacao Source, each bar supports local farming communities, ecological regeneration, and sacred commerce practices. We distribute the income in a much more balanced way. ( As described in our reports). 

Unlike industrial chocolate, ceremonial cacao is pure, unprocessed, and ethically produced, often in small batches.

The higher price reflects respectful labor, quality of care, and the preservation of ancient wisdom values that go far beyond the market price of cacao.

22.  Can cacao be a morning coffee replacement?

Yes, and for many people, it’s the best one.
Ceremonial cacao offers a gentler, more sustainable energy than coffee.
While coffee is rich in  caffeine, cacao’s main active compounds like theobromine, or the minerals and fats make it a complete cardiovascular stimulant rather than a nervous-system one. This means it increases blood flow and oxygenation without triggering anxiety or the abrupt “crash” that often follows coffee.Cacao is much more nutritious and adapted for everyday use, when consumed in the right dosage (no more than 40g/day or less.
Energetically, cacao is much more of a stimulant that wakes you up from the heart and full body awareness, instead of the mental and nervous energy of coffee (that I believe can be very useful for intense mental work however). Cacao  enhances focus, creativity, and mood while maintaining emotional presence perfect for meditation, writing, morning movement, or beginning the day with intention.If you’re transitioning from coffee, start with a 15–20g dose of ceremonial cacao and observe how your body feels. Within a week, many notice changes on their nervous and hormonal systems:  that their energy stabilizes and their mood feels smoother and more grounded.

23. Is it ok to drink without a protocole/ceremony or will the spirit of cacao be offended? 

This is a very subjective question, our main answer is that we respect everyone’s belief systems and we choose to honor diversity as a pillar for better acceptance and understanding of spirituality (whether it’s mine or other’s).
We don’t pretend to have full conversions with Cacao’s spirit in anyways. But something that we have witnessed with many people that take the time to honor cacao or other plant medicines with reverence and gratitude, implementing simple routines and rituals. Is that they get clear insights, sometimes waves of encouraging emotions and epiphanies, and in every case, slowly developing  intimate and deep connection with the plant spirit and its energies. Between other beneficial consequences of taking the time to welcome ceremonial rituals in your routines.
Based on this kind of experience and the teachings of the wisdom keepers that always aim at letting us remember our traditions, rituals and routines of reverence towards the invisible or visible living realms and the plant medicines, we brought at the core of Cacao Source the mission of inspiring acts of reverence and gratitude towards plant medicines. Whether it is in our ceremonies, celebrations, healing processes, but also for our economies and community practices.

24. What is the best moment to drink cacao? Morning/evening, empty stomach/light meal before.

It depends on your intention, morphology, and sensitivity.

Morning or daytime :

Most people prefer to drink cacao in the morning, as it provides gentle energy and focus throughout the day. It harmonizes well with most daytime activities.
*It is important to drink a glass of water before having cacao first thing in the morning.

Evening

Some also enjoy cacao in the evening, especially for ceremonies, dance, or emotional processing. However, because of its stimulating effects, we recommend drinking it at least 3–4 hours before sleep unless you know your body handles it well.
And pair it with relaxing practices if you need to sleep early. (Cacao +screens can have a very awaking affect in the evening for example) 

Empty stomach or light meal

Cacao is best absorbed on an empty or lightly nourished stomach, as long as you are hydrated. Too much food can block the full absorption of its theobromine and magnesium. You can have a small fruit, handful of nuts, or light meal beforehand if you’re sensitive but avoid heavy, oily, or acidic foods before drinking.

Always remember: cacao is mildly diuretic it helps detoxify through the kidneys. Drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated and support integration.