What is ceremonial-grade cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is cacao in its purest form.
Made from high-quality whole cacao beans that are carefully sourced and kept as close to their natural state as possible. At Cacaoii, our cacao is unroasted and gently prepared after harvest through natural fermentation and drying. This minimal approach respects the cacao as it is, preserving its full character, depth, and natural composition.
Pure cacao can increase blood circulation, reduces inflammation, is a natural anti-depressent, is high in antioxidants and the best coffee alternative.
What's the difference between ceremonial-grade cacao and cacao powder?
Many people confuse ceremonial cacao with regular cacao powder. They’re not.
Both come from the same cacao bean. The difference lies in how the cacao is processed and how it is sourced. This is also why ceremonial cacao is priced differently from standard cacao powder.
Ceremonial cacao vs Cacao powder
Ceremonial Cacao
Unroasted cacao
Gently prepared in small pieces
Cocoa butter included
Retaining naturally occurring fats and antioxidants
Steady energy
Gradual, long-lasting effect
Rich full-body taste
Deep, smooth and creamy
Cacao Powder
Processed cacao
Often roasted at high temperatures
Cocoa butter removed
Lower natural fat content and antioxidants
Quick energy
Short-lived effect
Light, bitter taste
Less rich and less full-bodied
Ethically Sourced
At its core, ceremonial cacao is also about origin and respect. Traditionally, it is ethically sourced, with care for the land and the communities who cultivate it. Quality is not only defined by how the cacao is processed, but by how it is grown and traded.
Our ceremonial cacao comes from a small cooperative near Lago de Yojoa in Honduras, including many female-owned farms. These families work together to maintain fair living standards while protecting the region’s lush, volcanic soil. The beans are carefully fermented at origin and gently processed by Heart of Cacao in Amsterdam to preserve their rich, natural quality.