Cacao
How often can I enjoy cacao?
This is entirely up to you and your individual constitution. Some people are more sensitive to cacao than others.
We suggest that you start with once per day and if you’ve never had ceremonial cacao before, start with a micro dose. From there, work your way up gradually to your desired dose, checking in with how you feel with each increase and settling on the dose that suits you best.
Once you’ve done that, you can slowly introduce another serving to your day if you feel called to it, however we suggest keeping it to a smaller dose and a least 4 hours from your last serve. We also advise that you gradually work your way up to anything beyond 44 grams of cacao over a few days and that you do not exceed more than 85 g in total per day. Allow the innate wisdom of your body to guide you.
How much cacao should I have per dose?
We advise that if you haven’t had ceremonial cacao before, or if you have a sensitive constitution, it’s best to start with a micro dose.
If you wish to enjoy ceremonial cacao as a daily practice at home, anything up to a creative dose is suitable. If you are partaking in ceremonial dosing, no more than 2-3 times per week is best.
We also advise that you gradually work your way up to anything beyond 44 grams of cacao over a few days and that you do not exceed more than 85 g in total per day. Only those with an established practice and who respond well to cacao should partake in ceremonial dosing.
Micro Dose – 1 Tableya (Approximately 11 grams):
Starting dose for those new to ceremonial cacao or those with sensitive constitutions.
Daily Dose – 2 Tableya (Approximately 22 grams):
The recommended dose for daily enjoyment.
Creative Dose – 3 Tableya (Approximately 33 grams):
For enhancing your creative & artistic processes.
Ceremonial dose – 4 Tableya (Approximately 44 grams):
The recommended dose for use in cacao ceremonies, shamanic work & deep meditation.
How do I prepare Tsokolate?
For detailed instructions on how to prepare Tsokolate, choose you product on our shop page here.
How should I store Tsokolate?
Tsokolate should be stored in a cool dry place below 21 degrees Celsius.
What happens if I have too much cacao?
Consuming cacao in moderation is generally safe and even offers many potential health benefits due to its antioxidant content. However, excessive consumption of cacao or cocoa products can lead to various potential effects, including:
• Caffeine and Theobromine Intake: Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants. Excessive consumption can result in symptoms such as increased heart rate, restlessness, anxiety, jitteriness, and difficulty sleeping. The severity of these effects can vary depending on an individual’s sensitivity to these compounds.
• Digestive Discomfort: Cacao is naturally high in fibre, and consuming it in excess can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
• Potential Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may be allergic to cacao. Over consumption increases the risk of allergic reactions.
Does Tsokolate contain sugar?
Tsokolate does not contain any added sugar, or sugar alcohols. It is lightly sweetened naturally with a certified organic, pure monk fruit juice powder. Monk fruit’s delightful sweetness is a gift from nature, thanks to its natural antioxidants called ‘mogrosides.’ Hailing from the mystical mountains of China, where monks treasured it for centuries, Monk Fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, was not just a fruit but a revered traditional Chinese medicine. These days it’s valued as an ingredient in many products because it provides sweetness without the calories and potential blood sugar spikes associated with sugar. If you prefer you cacao to be sweeter, add your sweetener of choice to taste. We love pure monk fruit juice, coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Does cacao contain caffeine?
Yes, in very small amounts. The caffeine content of cacao ranges from 0.1% to 0.5%, depending on which type of beans are being used. Unprocessed raw cacao has much less caffeine than processed cacao powder and significantly less caffeine than coffee making it an ideal coffee alternative.
30 g of pure raw cacao contains about 40 mg of caffeine. To provide some context, 1 shot of espresso contains between 75 and 100 mg of caffeine whereas a cup of black tea contains between 49 and 90 mg of caffeine.
Theobromine is the stimulant that is predominantly found in raw cacao. It is in the same alkaloid family as caffeine but is non-addictive, more gentle on the adrenal glands and nervous system and is more alkalizing. It works on the cardiovascular system, increasing your blood flow throughout the body and brain, providing a longer, more sustained focus and energy. Caffeine on the other hand, works on the nervous system and this can result in a more jittery and sudden energy hit.
Is cacao a psychedelic?
No. Cacao can assist in meditative and intentional practices but is not considered a psychedelic.
Are there any contraindications to consuming cacao?
Certain antidepressant medications, like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), might interact with elements in cacao. MAOIs can impact the breakdown of amines, and if combined with foods high in tyramine (more in aged or fermented foods), it could cause a hypertensive crisis. While cacao has less tyramine than some other foods, it’s a good idea for people on MAOIs to talk to their healthcare provider about what they eat.
Is cacao safe to consume in pregnancy?
As always, we encourage you to make choices that align with your unique needs and circumstances, as we all have individual considerations and constitutions. To ensure your well-being, we strongly advise you to consult with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re considering the use of cacao during pregnancy.
That said, for healthy individuals with no underlying conditions, cacao is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Recent research has indicated that while cacao is entirely safe in small quantities, it may potentially exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as preeclampsia, in the third trimester. Therefore, we recommend a daily upper limit of 30 grams during the first two trimesters and 15 grams per day during the third trimester.
It’s worth noting that some indigenous cultures have regarded cacao as a beneficial addition to the diet during pregnancy. This remarkable plant medicine and food have been traditionally offered to expectant mothers, providing them with stamina and helping reduce depletion during labor, reflecting its long-standing role as a cherished source of support for women during this transformational journey.
Is cacao safe to consume when breastfeeding?
As always, we encourage you to make choices that align with your individual preferences and needs, as we all have unique considerations and constitutions. To ensure your well-being, we strongly recommend consulting with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re interested in incorporating cacao into your diet while breastfeeding.
That said, for both mothers and babies who are healthy with no underlying conditions, we generally consider cacao to be safe during breastfeeding. Cacao can serve as a valuable supplement to support the well-being of both the mother and her baby, offering an energy boost for those who wish to avoid caffeine. We recommend a total weekly intake of up to 90 grams, with a single dose not exceeding 30 grams.
What is ceremonial cacao?
Read our blog post about this topic here.
What is a cacao ceremony?
Read our blog post about this topic here.
Why does my tableya have white spots or marbling?
If you’ve noticed white spots or marbling in your tableya, rest assured that this is a natural occurrence. Tsokolate is 100% organic and undergoes minimal processing at low temperatures, which may cause some cacao butter to rise to the surface, resulting in the appearance of white spots or marbling. This occurrence does not affect the quality of your Tsokolate and is perfectly safe for consumption.
If, however, you have any concerns about the quality of your Tsokolate, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll do our utmost to address any issues you may have. Your satisfaction and well-being are importan to us.
Payments, Shipping & Returns
How can I purchase Tsokolate?
You can easily and securely pay for your Tsokolate using a credit of debit card on our online store.
What happens if I’m not happy with my purchase?
If you are concerned about the quality of your Tsokolate or are unhappy with your purchase, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to resolve your issue. We provide refunds and exchange if the product is not of the standard that we uphold. We do not however provide refunds or exchanges for change of mind. To view our Refund and Returns Policy, click here.
What are your order processing times?
Orders are typically processed and dispatched within 1 business day from the date of purchase. Please note that processing times may vary during peak seasons or promotional periods.
Where do you ship to?
We ship worldwide and provide both a standard and express service.
What are your estimated shipping times?
Shipping times within Australia are estimated to be:
Standard
Same state: 2-4 business days
Interstate: 3-6 business da
Express
Same state: 1-2 business days
Interstate: 1-3 business days
International shipping times are estimated to be:
NZ
Standard 2-8 business days
Express 5-8 business daysAsia:
Standard 3-6 business days
Express 5-7 business daysUK:
Standard 6-8 business days
Express 4-6 business daysEurope:
Standard 8-12 business days
Express 7-10 business daysUSA:
Standard 6-9 business days
Express 3-6 business daysUAE:
Standard 6-12 business days
Express 4-7 business days
To view our detailed shipping information including Christmas cut-offs, click here.
