Hey, beautiful people! I want to share a story about my journey from being a coffee devotee to embracing ceremonial cacao as my daily ritual.
For years, I relied on coffee as a pick-me-up—sometimes downing 3 to 4 cups a day, convinced it was fueling me. It gave me energy, sure, but it also left me jittery, anxious, and stuck in a loop of highs and lows.
Everything changed when I found ceremonial cacao from Venezuela. This wasn’t just any cacao; it was pure, ceremonial-grade cacao, blessed and prepared in a way that preserved its ancient, heart-opening energy. I started my mornings with a warm cup of cacao instead of coffee, and the difference was profound. Instead of feeling wired and on edge, I felt balanced, focused, and creatively inspired.
The experience was like being gently uplifted, as if floating on a cloud. I realised I was trading a quick, shaky energy burst for a gentle, lasting vitality.
So let’s dive into the key differences between ceremonial cacao and coffee, and why cacao might be the healthier, more balanced choice for your daily ritual.
Ceremonial Cacao vs Coffee and Caffeine
Both cacao and coffee provide energy, but they affect our bodies and minds in very different ways. Let’s break down why coffee’s caffeine can sometimes work against us, and how cacao’s theobromine offers a smoother alternative.
Coffee and Caffeine
Coffee’s high caffeine content is well-known, and for many of us, it’s the reason we reach for a cup first thing in the morning.
But here’s what’s really happening in your body: caffeine stimulates your sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response.
This quick jolt can feel like a surge of energy, but it often brings jitteriness, anxiety, and an eventual crash. Plus, this constant stimulation pushes your adrenals to release cortisol, a stress hormone, which, over time, can lead to adrenal fatigue.
Relying on coffee for energy can set up a cycle of dependency. Many people find themselves needing more and more coffee to feel the same level of alertness, and the short-lived boost can lead to feelings of burnout and increased stress levels.
Does Cacao contain caffeine?
Ceremonial cacao, like our Full Power Cacao, contains only trace amounts of caffeine, but it’s loaded with a compound called theobromine.
Theobromine is related to caffeine but has a very different effect on the body. Instead of triggering the “fight or flight” response, theobromine activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” system.
This provides a smoother, more grounded energy boost that allows you to stay alert, focused, and present without feeling overstimulated.
Drinking cacao is like stepping into a warm, inviting current that flows gently, keeping you lifted and steady. The energy from theobromine unfolds gradually, supporting sustained mental clarity and heart-centred focus.
The feeling is less about quick energy and more about a balanced, open state that aligns perfectly with creative work, meditation, and connection.
Check out this video where I explain the unique effects of theobromine here.
Quick Comparison: Cacao vs Coffee
Here’s a snapshot of the key differences between cacao and coffee
Cacao:
Nutrient-Dense: Contains a wealth of iron, magnesium (about 420 mg per cup), fibre, and antioxidants.
Heart-Opening: Rich in theobromine, which gently stimulates without causing anxiety or an energy crash.
Mood-Boosting: Contains anandamide (the “bliss molecule”) that naturally elevates mood.
Natural and Unprocessed: Retains all parts of the cacao bean, including the healthy fats that aid in nutrient absorption.
Coffee:
Adrenal-Stimulating: Activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases cortisol production, which can lead to adrenal fatigue over time.
High in Caffeine: Provides an immediate, sharp energy boost but can cause jitteriness and anxiety, and may disrupt sleep if consumed later in the day.
Short-Lived Energy: The quick peak of energy is followed by a crash, often leaving you craving more caffeine.
Processed: Often roasted and filtered, losing some of its original beneficial compounds and adding acidity.
The best way to find out is to try our Full Power ceremonial grade cacao.
Ceremonial Cacao vs Coffee: Main Reasons to Choose Cacao
Switching to ceremonial cacao from coffee brings a range of benefits that go beyond just energy:
A Balanced, Gentle Energy: The slow-release energy of theobromine provides a balanced boost without the nervous jitters or post-caffeine crash. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a steady, grounded focus that supports you throughout the day.
Mood and Heart-Opening Qualities: Cacao’s active compounds, like anandamide, are known to boost mood, stimulate creativity, and connect us with a sense of love and openness. It’s no wonder that cacao is central to heart-opening practices and ceremonies—it naturally encourages emotional balance and joy.
Nutritional Superfood: Ceremonial cacao is packed with iron, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense choice. Unlike coffee, which can sometimes add acidity and disrupt digestion, cacao is rich in magnesium, promoting relaxation and muscle recovery.
A Ritual of Connection: When you make a cup of ceremonial cacao, you’re engaging in a practice that’s about mindfulness, intention, and presence.
Cacao ceremonies date back centuries and were used for connecting with the heart and spirit. Unlike the rushed morning coffee, a cup of ceremonial cacao offers a moment to set intentions, practice gratitude, and connect with yourself.
Cacao is more than just an alternative to coffee—it’s an invitation to a different kind of lifestyle, one that nurtures body, mind, and soul in harmony.
If you’re looking to replace the frenetic buzz of coffee with something deeper, ceremonial cacao could be the perfect addition to your daily ritual.
Ceremonial Cacao: The Best Alternative to Decaf Coffee
For those who’ve considered switching to decaf coffee, ceremonial cacao offers an even better option—one that doesn’t sacrifice flavour, ritual, or energy.
Unlike decaf, which often lacks the depth and richness of regular coffee, ceremonial cacao provides a satisfying, flavorful experience that supports both physical and mental well-being.
Why Decaf Falls Short:
Decaf coffee removes most of the caffeine, but it often undergoes a heavy processing method to strip the caffeine content, sometimes affecting the taste and reducing the natural compounds that make coffee enjoyable.
Unfortunately, decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine, and the process often results in a drink that doesn’t fully satisfy those looking for the benefits of a warm, comforting beverage without the stimulating effects.
Cacao as a Rich, Nourishing Alternative:
Ceremonial cacao contains only trace amounts of caffeine, but it’s rich in theobromine, which provides a gentle, sustained energy boost without the crash or jitters.
For those who enjoy a comforting, grounding ritual, ceremonial cacao offers a full-bodied, chocolatey flavour that is deeply satisfying and versatile. You can drink it hot or cold, in the morning or evening, and it complements relaxation and creativity in a way that decaf coffee simply can’t.
Beyond just taste, ceremonial cacao supports mood and energy with its natural compounds. It contains anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule,” which promotes a feeling of well-being and calm focus. Instead of just removing caffeine, ceremonial cacao offers a different, nourishing experience—perfect for those who want to stay centred and uplifted without sacrificing flavour.
Switching from decaf coffee to ceremonial cacao means embracing a ritual with heart-centred energy and a nutrient profile that supports your body and mind. If you’re looking for a warm, mindful beverage that doesn’t rely on caffeine for its effects, ceremonial cacao is a beautiful, health-conscious choice.
Peace & Love ✨ Matiox Matiox Matiox
AHO! FULL POWER!
Liam Browne
