Hey, beautiful souls! If you’ve ever been to one of my ceremonies or have been following Full Power Cacao, you know that cacao is not just a delicious drink but also a spiritual practice.
I often get asked, “Liam, what’s the difference between your ceremonial cacao and the stuff I can buy at the store?
Is it really that different from regular cacao or cocoa powder?”
So, I’ve decided to write this blog to clear up the confusion once and for all.
I’m going to explain exactly why our sur de lago Venezuelan cacao is ceremonial, what that means, and how it differs from regular cacao and cocoa powder.
Whether you’re using cacao for a ceremony, self-care, or just as a daily ritual, knowing the difference is important so you can make the most empowered choice for your mind, body, and soul.
What’s Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is not just about the product—it’s about the entire journey from bean to cup. When we talk about ceremonial cacao, we’re referring to cacao that has been sourced and processed in a way that honours the spirit of the plant.
Our sur de lago Venezuelan Full Power Cacao, for example, is made from carefully selected heirloom cacao beans. These are grown traditionally, with respect for both the environment and the wisdom of ancient cacao cultures.
The beans are fermented naturally, sun-dried, and gently processed at low temperatures to keep all the nutrients, fats, and compounds intact. Nothing is removed, nothing is added. This is what makes it ceremonial—it's pure, whole, and created with reverence.
Unlike many mass-produced cacao products, ceremonial cacao retains its cacao butter, which is crucial for absorbing the rich antioxidants, minerals, and mood-enhancing compounds like theobromine and anandamide (also known as the bliss molecule). When you consume ceremonial cacao, you’re connecting to a lineage of heart-opening and soul-nourishing practices that have been around for centuries.
Ceremonial Cacao vs. Cocoa Powder - What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?
Have you ever walked into a store and wondered, "What’s the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder?"
The confusion is real, especially when manufacturers use these terms interchangeably.
Let me break it down for you.
Ceremonial cacao, like our Full Power Cacao, is minimally processed and never roasted at high temperatures. This ensures that the cacao maintains all of its powerful, naturally occurring compounds.
Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is typically made from cacao beans that have been roasted at high temperatures, stripped of their natural fats (the cacao butter), and then processed further. What you’re left with is a highly refined product that no longer holds the same nutritional or spiritual value.
When you consume ceremonial cacao, you're nourishing your body with the full spectrum of its natural components.
But with cocoa powder, most of the antioxidants, minerals, and active compounds have been lost or diminished through industrial processing. So if you're looking for that boost in mood, mental clarity, and heart connection, cocoa powder just won’t cut it. It’s like comparing a finely crafted artisanal meal to a fast-food burger—one feeds your soul, the other just fills your stomach.
Cacao vs. Cocoa: Definitions and What Are They Made With?
Let’s keep this simple. Cacao and cocoa come from the same bean, but the difference lies in how they’re processed.
- Cacao: This is the raw, unprocessed version of the bean. It's fermented and dried but not roasted at high temperatures. Cacao powder (not to be confused with cocoa powder) still contains most of the cacao butter, along with all its nutrients and health benefits.
- Cocoa: This is what you get when cacao beans are roasted at high temperatures. The beans are ground into a powder, often after the cacao butter has been removed. This process strips away much of the nutritional value, leaving a product that’s fine for baking but not ideal if you want the full benefits of the cacao bean.
Why Should You Choose Ceremonial Cacao Over Cocoa or Normal Cacao?
When it comes to choosing ceremonial cacao over regular cacao or cocoa powder, it’s not just about the nutrients—it's about the energy and intention behind it.
Ceremonial cacao, like our Full Power Cacao, is prepared with mindfulness and deep respect for the spirit of cacao.
Each batch is blessed with loving intentions before it reaches you. This is not just food for the body—it’s food for the soul.
When you drink ceremonial cacao, you're tapping into centuries of wisdom and a lineage of heart-centered practices.
On a physical level, ceremonial cacao is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and theobromine, which promotes heart health, boosts mood, and enhances focus. It contains powerful compounds like anandamide, known as the "bliss molecule," which helps create a feeling of joy and connection.
But beyond the science, there’s a spiritual aspect to it. Our cacao is blessed and honoured in a way that keeps its energy intact, making it a sacred offering rather than just a superfood.
Unlike cocoa or processed cacao, which loses much of its potency through intense heat and industrial processing, ceremonial cacao is pure. It retains all of its natural fats and minerals, which means you not only get the full nutritional benefits but also a deeply nourishing experience that connects mind, body, and spirit.
When you drink ceremonial cacao, you can feel the difference. It opens your heart, grounds your body, and lifts your spirit.
This is why it's used in ceremonies worldwide—to create a space of love, connection, and self-awareness. When you drink it, set an intention, bless the cacao, and allow yourself to be fully present. You’ll experience not just the health benefits but also the energetic alignment that comes with this sacred plant medicine
