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Explore Cacao Lab
Discover the range and current options on the partner’s website.
Our cacao shortlist
Compare the options at a glance, then explore the details below.
Most popular
Cacao Lab’s Ceremonial-Grade Cacao
On the partner’s website
Traditional preparation
Origen Cacao
On Amazon
Everyday rituals
Koracao – Organic Ceremonial Cacao
On Amazon
Unsweetened cacao
Boundless Belize Cacao
On Amazon
A closer look at our picks
Most popular
Portioning by hand
Cacao Lab’s Ceremonial-Grade Cacao
A bar-format cacao for those who like to portion and prepare each cup by hand.
Pros
- Portionable bar format
- No sugar or emulsifiers
Cons
- Chopping required
- Intense cacao flavour
Read more about this pick
Cacao Lab’s cacao comes in a bar that you portion before melting into a drink. This format gives you control over the amount used in each cup. Visit the partner for the current range, sourcing information and preparation instructions.
On the partner’s website
Traditional preparation
Origen Cacao
A pure cacao option for a traditional preparation ritual. Consider the strong flavour and the time needed to melt it.
Pros
- 100% cacao
- No added sugar
Cons
- Naturally bitter
- Needs careful melting
Read more about this pick
Origen is a pure, unsweetened cacao with a strong flavour. Careful melting helps when preparing a drink. Check the seller’s current pack size, ingredients and delivery terms before ordering.
On Amazon
Everyday rituals
Koracao – Organic Ceremonial Cacao
An organic cacao option for a regular cacao ritual, with an unsweetened flavour you can adjust to taste.
Pros
- Organic cacao
- No added ingredients
Cons
- An acquired taste
- Check current pack size and delivery
Read more about this pick
Koracao can be prepared as an unsweetened drink or adjusted to your preferred flavour. Compare the current ingredients, serving guidance and shipping options on the seller’s website.
On Amazon
Unsweetened cacao
Boundless Belize Cacao
An unsweetened option for readers who enjoy a rich cacao flavour. Check the pack size before ordering.
Pros
- No added sugar
- Rich cacao flavour
Cons
- Check the package quantity
- Compare current delivery costs
Read more about this pick
An unsweetened cacao option for those who prefer to adjust the flavour themselves. Compare the current package size and seller’s listing details carefully, especially when assessing value between brands.
On Amazon
Buying Guide
When we consider purchasing ceremonial cacao, several vital factors need our attention. We must make informed decisions to ensure we get a high-quality product.
Origin and Ethical Sourcing
Our first focus is the cacao's origin. We look for cacao that is ethically sourced. This means the cacao farmers receive fair wages and work under good conditions. The country and region where the cacao is grown can significantly influence its flavor profile due to differences in soil, climate, and cultivation practices.
Pureness and Ingredients
We must examine the ingredients. Pure ceremonial cacao should ideally contain only one ingredient: 100% pure cacao paste. It should be completely free from additives, preservatives, refined sugars, or artificial flavors, ensuring we experience the cacao’s authentic taste and spirit. Always check if the company offers independent, third-party lab test results verifying that their batches are low in heavy metals like cadmium and lead.
Processing Method
The method used to process the cacao beans is also crucial. Traditional methods with minimal processing are preferred, as they preserve the cacao’s natural properties.
| Criteria | Why It’s Important |
| Origin |
Influences flavor and quality
|
| Ethical Sourcing |
Promotes sustainability
|
| Pureness |
Delivers authentic experience
|
| Processing Method |
Preserves natural properties
|
Packaging and Freshness
We should also assess the packaging and shelf life. Proper packaging ensures the cacao's freshness and quality over time. We prefer packaging that protects the cacao from light and moisture. Remembering these guidelines will help us select the best ceremonial cacao. As consumers, it is our responsibility to seek quality and support ethical and sustainable practices in the cacao industry.
Ceremonial Cacao Recipe
1. Regular option
To prepare a ceremonial cacao drink, you can follow this simple recipe:
- Start with 20-50g of chopped or grated ceremonial cacao, depending on your preference for strength.
- Heat 100-200ml of spring water or plant-based milk. The amount of liquid will determine the thickness of the drink.
- Combine the heated liquid with the cacao in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Optionally, you can add sweeteners like honey or agave to taste, and enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or other spices according to your preference.
2. My everyday recipe
This is not a recipe for preparing ceremonial cacao. I use it daily instead of coffee. I am also on a keto diet, so I make it more keto-friendly and add some extra fats. I guess extra fats make it more foamy at the end, especially if you use a blender to mix it. 
- Start with 20-50g of chopped or grated ceremonial cacao, depending on your preference for strength.
- Heat 100-200ml of spring water or plant-based milk (I like homemade almond milk). The amount of liquid will determine the thickness of the drink.
- Combine the heated liquid with the cacao, 1 Tbsp. of MCT Oil (I use "Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil"), and optionally Organic Cocoa Butter (I use "Yupik Organic Cocoa Butter Wafers" and add 4-5 wafers) in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy (I use "Nutribullet Personal Blender" but you can use regular mixer as well)
- Optionally, you can add spices or sweeteners like honey or agave to taste and enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or other spices, according to your preference.
Enjoy your ceremonial cacao drink as part of a mindful ritual or meditation practice.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in ceremonial cacao?
Compare the ingredients, product format, origin information and preparation instructions. Check the current package size and delivery terms when comparing sellers.
How do I prepare ceremonial cacao?
Follow the preparation instructions on your chosen product. Blocks and bars generally need portioning before being melted and blended with warm water or your preferred milk.
How is ceremonial cacao different from cocoa powder?
Cacao paste or liquor retains the cacao butter, while cocoa powder has much of that fat removed. Check the ingredient list and product description, as the term ceremonial cacao is used differently by different brands.