Ceremonial-grade cacao is 100% pure cacao, minimally processed and free of additives — different from cocoa powder or chocolate, which are typically processed with heat, sugar, and other ingredients that strip out much of cacao's natural nutrient and flavor profile. Ceremonial cacao is not a certification, but a commitment to four principles:

1. Source the finest old-growth cacao from Latin America.
2. Directly trade with growers, paying far above fair-trade pricing.
3. Only source sustainable cacao grown in traditional agroforestry systems – no monocrop cacao farms.
4. Ensure that everyone in the supply chain is compensated and treated fairly.
   

• Theobromine, not caffeine — a gentle, long-lasting cardiovascular lift without jitters or crash.
• 40x the antioxidants of blueberries — among the most antioxidant-dense foods on earth
• Top vegan source of magnesium and iron
• Rich in vitamins A, C, D, and B1/B2/B3
• L-tryptophan and l-tyrosine — precursors to serotonin and dopamine
• Phenylethylamine ("the love drug") — A compound naturally present in cacao, sometimes nicknamed "the love drug" for its association with feelings of connection.
• Anandamide ("the bliss molecule") — A rare food source of this naturally occurring compound, nicknamed "the bliss molecule".
• Neurodynamic — psychoactive (not psychedelic), supporting mental clarity

Because of how it's processed, and what it's made from. Nearly all cocoa powder comes from low-grade commodity cacao, then has the healthy fats (cacao butter) removed and gets processed at high heat, which strips out most of what made the cacao healthy in the first place, like theobromine, antioxidants, and mood-supporting compounds. Ceremonial-grade cacao starts from higher-quality beans and is lightly roasted and kept whole, so you're getting the bean much closer to its natural state, with the actual nutrition and effects intact.

For those who enjoy the original ritual experience of chopping their cacao in preparation for their cup, the cacao block is a traditional and economical way to go. Those who prefer a quick and easy preparation to include as part of a daily ritual may prefer the granulated cacao. Both maintain the full spectrum of cacao solids and fats – the granulated cacao is just pre-chopped down for easier preparation.

Yes! Every harvest is tested for heavy metals by Eurofins, one of the world's most trusted labs. Our cacao consistently tests at less than half the EU recommended limits for both cadmium and mercury. You can find the lastest results here.