What is ceremonial grade cacao?+
Ceremonial grade cacao is pure, whole-bean cacao that has been minimally processed to preserve its natural nutrients, fats, and energetic properties. Unlike cocoa powder or regular chocolate, nothing is added and nothing removed. It has been used for thousands of years in sacred rituals across Mesoamerica, and today is embraced by spiritual practitioners worldwide for meditation, healing, and heart-opening work.
What makes cacao 'ceremonial grade'?+
Ceremonial grade refers to the quality, intention, and process behind the cacao — from bean selection and sourcing, to the minimal processing that keeps the whole bean intact. It is 100% pure cacao paste with no fillers, sugar, or additives. At Spirit of Cacao, we go a step further by infusing every batch with Reiki energy, amplifying its natural healing properties.
Is 'ceremonial grade' a certified or regulated term?+
'Ceremonial grade' is not a legally regulated term, which means not all products that use it are created equally. We believe in full transparency: our cacao is single-origin Criollo from Peru, organic, non-GMO, and 100% pure cacao paste — so you always know exactly what you're getting.
What is the difference between ceremonial cacao and cocoa powder?+
Cocoa powder is heavily processed — the cacao butter (natural fat) is separated out under high pressure, leaving a defatted powder with a much milder effect. Ceremonial cacao retains all of its cacao butter, which is what supports its heart-opening and mood-elevating qualities. If you want the full benefits of the cacao plant, whole-bean paste is the way to go.
What is Criollo cacao?+
Criollo is widely considered the finest and most rare variety of cacao bean. It contains the highest density of theobromine and beneficial compounds, making it the most sought-after variety for ceremonial use. Our single-origin Criollo comes from Peru, sourced from farmers who tend the land with care and intention.
What makes Spirit of Cacao different from other cacao brands?+
Every batch of our Peruvian Criollo cacao is infused with Reiki energy by Georgia and Elyse — two Master Reiki Practitioners with nearly two decades of healing practice between them. Our cacao isn't just sourced with care; it's held with intention from the moment it arrives to the moment it reaches you. This is the energetic difference you can feel.
What is Reiki-infused cacao?+
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that channels universal life force energy to promote balance and wellbeing in the body, mind, and spirit. As Master Reiki Practitioners, Georgia and Elyse infuse each batch of cacao with this healing energy before it is packaged, elevating its natural frequency and amplifying its effects for a truly transformational experience.
Is your cacao organic, vegan and GMO-free?+
Yes. Certified organic, 100% vegan, GMO-free, and free from any additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. Just pure, whole-bean Peruvian Criollo the way nature intended.
Who are Georgia and Elyse?+
Georgia and Elyse are the founders of Spirit of Cacao and have been friends since 2005. Georgia is a Shamanic Cacao Ceremonialist and Pellowah Healer. Elyse is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Cacao Ceremonialist. Both are Master Reiki Practitioners. Cacao first entered their lives in 2011, and after encountering ceremonial-grade cacao in 2018 — something cracked open. Spirit of Cacao was born from that knowing.
What nutrients does ceremonial cacao contain?+
Ceremonial cacao is naturally rich in theobromine, magnesium, iron, and cocoa flavanols — a family of plant antioxidants. In traditional Mesoamerican use, cacao has been consumed as a heart-centring ritual for thousands of years, and modern drinkers often describe feeling warm, open, and emotionally present after a cup. For a plain-English summary of what the peer-reviewed research on cocoa flavanols, theobromine and mood has actually looked at — with links to the studies themselves — see our journal article
What the research says about ceremonial cacao. As with any food, individual experiences vary, and cacao is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition.
Does ceremonial cacao contain caffeine?+
Ceremonial cacao contains very small amounts of caffeine. Its primary active compound is theobromine — a gentle cardiac stimulant from the same family as caffeine but much softer on the nervous system and adrenal glands. Theobromine produces a sustained, warm energy without the spike and crash associated with coffee.
What is theobromine?+
Theobromine is the primary active alkaloid in cacao — chemically related to caffeine, but studied for a milder and longer-lasting effect on the body. It has been researched for its influence on blood flow and cardiovascular function (see the sources compiled in our journal article
What the research says about ceremonial cacao). Ceremonial drinkers commonly describe cacao as a warm, sustained energy without the sharp edge of a coffee spike — which is one reason it is so beloved in meditative and ritual practice.
Is ceremonial cacao safe to drink?+
Ceremonial cacao is a food — pure whole-bean cacao paste with nothing added or removed. It has been consumed daily in Mesoamerica for thousands of years and is well tolerated by most adults when enjoyed at everyday amounts. As with any concentrated food, we recommend starting with a lower dose (see our dose guide in "How to Drink") to see how your body responds, and consulting your healthcare provider if you have specific health considerations.
Can I drink ceremonial cacao if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?+
We recommend keeping your intake to no more than 15–20g if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the theobromine content at higher doses may not be suitable during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing ceremonial cacao into your routine during pregnancy.
Can I drink cacao if I take antidepressants (SSRIs)?+
If you are currently taking SSRI antidepressants, please keep your intake to a low meditation dose (15–20g) rather than a full ceremonial dose. Cacao naturally raises serotonin levels, and combining high doses with SSRIs may cause serotonin syndrome. We always recommend consulting your healthcare provider if you are unsure.
Can I drink cacao if I have a heart condition?+
Theobromine has been studied for its influence on heart rate and blood flow. If you have a diagnosed heart condition or cardiovascular concern, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before drinking ceremonial cacao, particularly at full ceremonial doses.
Is ceremonial cacao a psychedelic or drug?+
No — ceremonial cacao is not a psychedelic and is not a drug. It is a pure, whole food that has been used ceremonially for thousands of years. Its effects are gentle and heart-centred: most people feel warmth, emotional openness, and clarity. You remain fully present and in your ordinary consciousness throughout.
Will ceremonial cacao keep me awake at night?+
Cacao is a mild stimulant, and individual responses vary. Some people enjoy an evening cup with no effect on their sleep; others find they prefer to drink it in the morning or afternoon. If you are sensitive to stimulants, we suggest drinking your cacao before 3pm to start.
What happens if I drink too much cacao?+
Consuming too much ceremonial cacao can lead to mild discomfort including nausea, headaches, or an upset stomach. This is usually a sign that your body is processing more than it needs. We recommend sticking to the suggested dose guidelines, especially when you are new to cacao.
Can children drink ceremonial cacao?+
We recommend ceremonial cacao for adults only due to its theobromine content. If you would like to share cacao with children, please consult a healthcare professional and keep any serving very small.
How do I prepare ceremonial cacao?+
Finely chop or grate your desired amount of cacao paste. Heat water or plant-based milk until hot but not boiling. Combine and blend or whisk vigorously until smooth and frothy. Optional: add a pinch of cayenne, cinnamon, a touch of raw honey, or a splash of coconut milk. Most importantly — pause, set an intention, and drink with presence.
What is the recommended dose of ceremonial cacao?+
For a daily meditation or ritual: 20–25g. For a full ceremonial dose: 40–50g. If you are new to cacao, start at 20g and listen to your body. We recommend not exceeding 50g in a single sitting.
How often can I drink ceremonial cacao?+
You can enjoy a daily meditation dose (20–25g) as part of your everyday ritual. Full ceremonial doses (40–50g) are best enjoyed no more than three times per week, particularly when you are first beginning your relationship with cacao.
Can I use ceremonial cacao as a coffee alternative?+
Many of our customers have replaced their morning coffee with ceremonial cacao. Theobromine provides a gentle, sustained energy that supports focus and clarity without the jitteriness or adrenal stress of caffeine. It's a heart-centred way to begin your day.
Can I add milk to my ceremonial cacao?+
You can — though traditionally ceremonial cacao is prepared with water to allow its full, natural flavour and medicine to come through. If you prefer a creamier cup, plant-based milks such as oat, almond, or coconut milk work beautifully. Cow's milk is not recommended as the dairy can reduce the absorption of cacao's beneficial compounds.
What can I add to my ceremonial cacao?+
Ceremonial cacao is wonderful on its own, but common additions include a pinch of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, a touch of raw honey or maple syrup, or a splash of coconut milk. Keep additions minimal so the natural medicine of the cacao can take centre stage.
What is a cacao ceremony?+
A cacao ceremony is a sacred ritual in which cacao is prepared and consumed with intention, often accompanied by meditation, breathwork, journaling, or movement. Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican traditions, cacao ceremonies create a heart-centred space for healing, self-reflection, and connection — to yourself, to others, and to spirit.
Do I need to hold a formal ceremony to benefit from ceremonial cacao?+
Not at all. While a full ceremony can be a profound experience, simply bringing intention and presence to your daily cup is enough. Many of our customers enjoy ceremonial cacao as part of their morning ritual — lighting a candle, sitting quietly, and drinking with awareness. The medicine meets you where you are.
How do I set an intention with cacao?+
Before you drink, hold your cup in both hands, close your eyes, and bring your awareness inward. Ask cacao what you need — guidance, clarity, healing, or simply presence. You might whisper your intention aloud or hold it silently in your heart. The act of pausing to set an intention transforms your cup from a drink into a practice.
Can I host my own cacao ceremony at home?+
Absolutely. You don't need to be a trained ceremonialist to create a meaningful cacao experience at home. Prepare your cacao with care, create a quiet and sacred space, set a clear intention, and allow yourself to be present with whatever arises. Georgia and Elyse also offer guided cacao ceremonies in Melbourne and on the Sunshine Coast —
follow us on Eventbrite to keep up to date with upcoming events.
Do you ship across Australia?+
Yes — we ship our ceremonial cacao to all states and territories across Australia. We despatch daily from Victoria and Queensland, and most orders arrive within 2–5 business days. Free shipping on orders over $150 AUD.
Do you ship internationally?+
Please visit our website or contact us directly at hello@spiritofcacao.com.au to enquire about international shipping options.
Do you offer wholesale?+
Yes, we offer wholesale options for practitioners, studios, and businesses who wish to share Spirit of Cacao with their communities. Please reach out to us at hello@spiritofcacao.com.au to discuss your needs.
How should I store ceremonial cacao?+
Store your cacao in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Once opened, keep it in an airtight container. Cacao does not need to be refrigerated — in fact, refrigeration can cause condensation that affects its quality.
How long does ceremonial cacao last?+
Unopened, our ceremonial cacao has a shelf life of 2–3 years. Once opened and stored correctly in a cool, dry, airtight container, it will keep for up to 12 months. You may notice the surface of the paste changing colour slightly over time — this is simply the natural fats (cocoa butter) moving and does not affect quality.
