What Is Ceremonial Cacao? Benefits, Ritual & Why I Use It in My Immersive Events

If you've been to one of my events, followed Breathe In Bliss Out, or spent any time in the wellbeing world recently, you may have heard people talking about ceremonial cacao.

But what actually is it? Is it just fancy hot chocolate? Why do people drink it before meditation, movement or other wellbeing practices? And what does it actually do?

Let's talk cacao.

What Is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is cacao in a much purer, less processed form than the cocoa powder or chocolate you might normally have at home.

It's made from cacao beans which are fermented, dried, roasted and ground into a paste, retaining the naturally occurring cacao butter alongside the cacao solids.

When prepared as a drink, it has a rich, earthy, slightly bitter chocolate taste. You can drink it simply with hot water or plant-based milk, or add ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla or a little natural sweetness.

And no — it doesn't taste quite like a mug of Cadbury's!

Why Is Cacao Used in Wellbeing Practices?

Cacao has a long history of cultural and ceremonial use, particularly among Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica.

Today, you'll often find cacao incorporated into practices such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, conscious dance and other forms of mindful movement.

For me, it's less about making cacao into something mystical and more about the ritual of slowing down and arriving.

Holding a warm cup, taking a moment to stop, setting an intention and consciously transitioning out of everyday life can be a beautiful way to begin an experience.

What Are the Benefits of Cacao?

Cacao naturally contains a number of compounds and nutrients, including magnesium, flavanols and theobromine.

Theobromine is a naturally occurring stimulant that's related to caffeine, although it affects the body differently. Some people describe cacao as giving them a gentle sense of energy, alertness or warmth without feeling like they've had a strong cup of coffee.

Cacao is also associated with feelings of pleasure and wellbeing, which is one reason people often describe drinking it as comforting or uplifting.

Of course, everyone's experience is different. Cacao isn't a magic drink and I don't believe we need to make huge health claims about it to appreciate it.

Sometimes the benefit is simply taking ten minutes to stop, drink something nourishing and be present.

Why I’m Using Cacao at My Immersive Events

I’m now serving cacao at my Breathe In Bliss Out immersive events as part of the opening experience.

Before we move, dance or do anything else, I want there to be a moment where everyone can arrive.

Not just physically walk through the door — but actually arrive in themselves.

We share cacao, slow things down and create a little space between whatever has happened during your day and what's about to happen in the room.

You don't need to know anything about cacao, spirituality or ceremony. You don't need to set some profound intention.

You can simply drink it, enjoy it and allow yourself to be there.

For me, that's enough.

Do You Have to Drink Cacao at an Event?

Absolutely not.

Everything I offer at my events is about choice. If cacao isn't for you, you don't have to drink it.

There can also be circumstances where cacao may not be suitable for everyone, particularly in larger ceremonial quantities or alongside certain medications or health conditions, so it's always worth checking if you're unsure.

Can I Buy the Cacao I Use?

Yes!

I also sell the ceremonial cacao that I use within my Breathe In Bliss Out events & online, so if you enjoy it with me and would like to create your own little cacao ritual at home, you can.

And it doesn't need to involve a full ceremony.

You could make yourself a cup before journalling, meditation, stretching or dancing around your kitchen — or simply sit somewhere quiet and drink it without doing anything else at all.

Because perhaps the nicest thing about cacao isn't about adding another wellbeing practice to your to-do list.

It's having a reason to stop for a moment.

Drink. Breathe. Arrive.

If you'd like to experience cacao as part of one of my Breathe In Bliss Out immersive events, take a look at my upcoming events. And if you'd like some cacao to enjoy at home, you can also purchase it online here