Ceremonial cacao and cacao powder may sound similar, but they’re very different in quality, processing, and benefits:

Quality & Sourcing: Most cacao powder comes from mass-produced, low-grade beans with little traceability or fair compensation for farmers. Our ceremonial cacao is sourced ethically, with full transparency and organic, regenerative practices.

Processing & Nutrients: Cacao powder is usually processed at very high temperatures, which diminishes many of the natural antioxidants, minerals, and beneficial compounds. Some powders also undergo alkalization (dutch processing), further stripping away their value. Our ceremonial cacao is crafted at low temperatures to preserve the bean’s natural integrity.

Whole Food vs. Isolated Powder: A cacao bean is naturally rich in cacao butter, a healthy fat that helps your body absorb cacao’s nutrients. Powder is created by pressing out most of this fat and without it, many of cacao’s benefits are lost. Ceremonial cacao keeps the bean whole with nothing added, nothing removed, so you experience cacao as it was meant to be.

Cacao energizes through theobromine, a natural compound that increases oxygen flow and circulation. The result is calm focus and steady alertness with no jitters and no crash. It also contains anandamide and PEA, known as the "bliss" and "love" molecules.

Cacao contains a microdose of caffeine, and a macro does of theobromine. Caffeine directly stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors and constricting blood vessels, while Theobromine gently increases blood flow and heart function by widening blood vessels (vasodilation). The result is a smooth, steady, long lasting focus with no jitters or crash.

Yes - it can actually help take the edge off of coffee and enhance the flavor. Ever had a mocha?

We recommend creating your own version of your perfect ritual that works best for you.. Some things we like to make it with: raw milk, coconut milk, maca, lavender etc. Don't be afraid to get creative, and tag us if you do! @hybridhuman

This cacao has a beautiful, rich mouthfeel, and a deep, earthy flavor - with notes of dark chocolate, fruit and spice. It’s less bitter than coffee, but more rich and grounding. You can mix it with hot water, milk, or alternative milks to make your favorite latte, similar to coffee. If you've ever enjoyed a mocha, it's like that but on steroids.

Take a handful (20-25) of our user-friendly discs of our pure cacao and place in a mug, heat up hot water or milk, pour hot liquid over cacao until smooth, and add your favorite elements such as collagen, cinnamon, sea salt, or honey/maple syrup. Blend or whisk to perfection.

Morning is ideal if you want to replace coffee or mix with coffee and start the day grounded. Mid- afternoon is also great to restore energy without the crash and potentially replace that late caffeine that may affect sleep. Many use it before meditation, workouts, or creative work for a gentle, heart-opening lift. Some enjoy it at night as well, but test to make sure you aren't sensitive before doing this.