Most cacao products on the market: drinking chocolates, cacao powders, even products labelled "ceremonial", have been Dutch-processed, alkali-treated, or roasted at temperatures that destroy the very compounds that make cacao worth consuming.

SPIRIT OF CACAO IS DIFFERENT. OUR CACAO IS:

🜃 Single origin Peruvian Criollo the rarest and most prized cacao variety on earth, grown in nutrient-dense volcanic soil

🜃 Stone-ground at low temperature preserving the full spectrum of heat-sensitive flavanols, polyphenols, and bioactive compounds

🜃 100% pure, whole-bean cacao no fillers, no sugar, no milk solids, no alkali processing, no lecithin

🜃 Certified organic free from pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers

🜃 Ethically sourced direct trade with farming communities, not commodity markets

The result is cacao in its most intact, bioavailable form. What's in the cup is what the plant made, nothing added, nothing stripped.

Within 15–30 minutes: Blood flow increases

Epicatechin flavanols trigger your body's production of nitric oxide, relaxing and widening blood vessels. You may feel warmth in your chest, hands, and face. Oxygen delivery to your brain and extremities measurably improves.

Within 30–60 minutes: Calm, sustained energy arrives

Theobromine, a gentle cardiovascular stimulant with a half-life of ~7 hours, lifts energy without triggering a cortisol spike. Unlike caffeine, it doesn't activate your adrenal stress response. The result is steady, grounded alertness that fades gently, not cliff-edge.

Throughout the day: Cellular support continues

Polyphenols support your body's natural antioxidant defence systems, helping to manage oxidative stress at the cellular level. Magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, nervous system function, and muscle recovery.

Mood & emotional tone

Anandamide and PEA, two naturally occurring compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier, contribute to the signature feeling of ceremonial cacao: emotionally open, present, and calm. This is the "heart-opening" quality that indigenous traditions have described for thousands of years, now understood through a neurochemical lens.

Ceremonial grade cacao is one of the most nutrient-dense whole foods on the planet.

A single serve delivers:

Essential minerals

Magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, chromium, and selenium — in their whole-food, bioavailable form. Cacao is one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium on earth.

Flavanols & polyphenols

Rich in epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins — antioxidant compounds studied for their role in supporting healthy blood flow, vascular function, and the body's natural cellular defence systems.

Bioactive compounds

Contains theobromine (a gentle, long-acting plant stimulant), anandamide (the "bliss molecule"), and phenylethylamine (PEA) — alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that support the sustained release of these feel-good compounds.

Low in caffeine

Approximately 1.9mg per gram. A standard 20g serve contains roughly the same caffeine as a cup of tea, enough to support alertness without the jitters, spike, or crash of coffee.

Trace vitamins

Naturally occurring vitamins A, E, K1, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9.

Note: Nutrient density varies by origin, soil, and processing method. Ceremonial grade, minimally processed cacao retains significantly higher levels of these compounds than commercial cacao or cocoa products.

Gentle Daily Ritual Dose

Chop or break 20–25g of cacao. Add 150–200ml of hot water (not boiling — 70–80°C is ideal to preserve flavanols). Whisk or blend until smooth and frothy. Drink slowly, with intention.

Daily wellness serve (half dose)

10–15g of cacao prepared the same way. Perfect as a morning ritual or afternoon alternative to coffee.

Customise it

Add a pinch of cayenne, cinnamon, or vanilla for warmth. A dash of honey, maple, or coconut sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness. A splash of your favourite plant milk for a creamier texture. Blend with hot water and a teaspoon of coconut oil for a richer, more traditional preparation.

Important: Use hot water, not boiling. Temperatures above 80°C begin to degrade the heat-sensitive flavanols that make ceremonial cacao so potent. A kettle left to cool for 2–3 minutes is perfect.

100% Organic Ceremonial Grade Cacao (Criollo)

That's it. Nothing else. No sugar, no milk solids, no soy lecithin, no natural flavours, no bulking agents.

Single origin: Peru
Variety: Criollo
Certification: Certified Organic
Processing: Cold-Pressed Machine, low temperature

Allergen status: Gluten free. Dairy free. Vegan. Soy free. Certified organic.

May contain traces of: Produced in a facility that may also process tree nuts.

Contraindications:
Cacao contains theobromine, a mild stimulant. If you are currently taking SSRIs (antidepressant medication), blood-thinning medication, or MAO inhibitors, please consult your healthcare provider before consuming ceremonial doses (20g+).

Cacao is not recommended in high doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical guidance.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with a half serve (10g) to assess your tolerance.

Shipping
All orders are dispatched from Melbourne or Sunshine Coast, Australia within 1–2 business days of placed order. Standard shipping typically arrives within 3–7 business days depending on your location. Express shipping is available at checkout and generally arrives within 1-2 business days.

Free shipping on orders over $150 [Cacao has a long shelf life, so stocking up means it won't go to waste!]

We ship Australia-wide. For international orders, please contact us at hello@spiritofcacao.com.au.

Storage
Cacao has a melting point of 31°C. During warmer months, melting may occur in transit. This does not affect quality, flavour, or nutrient profile. Allow it to reset in the packet before re-chopping and consuming.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sealed properly, ceremonial cacao keeps for 18+ months.