Straight answers about our ceremonial cacao, how to make it, and how orders work.
About the cacao
What is Alma Cacao?
Alma Cacao is 100% whole ceremonial cacao paste: the whole cacao bean, fermented and ground into a paste, with nothing added and nothing pressed out. We shave it into small pieces so it melts straight into your cup. What is ceremonial cacao?
Is Alma Cacao a powder?
No. It is whole cacao paste in small pieces, with the cacao butter still in it. Cacao powder is what is left after that butter has been pressed out, which is why it makes a thinner cup. Ceremonial cacao vs cacao powder
Where does your cacao come from?
Single-origin Peru. Our cacao comes from native communities of the Peruvian Amazon and is traditionally fermented before it is ground.
Is it tested for heavy metals?
Yes. Our cacao is tested by an ISO 17025 accredited lab for lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, and it is made in a GMP certified facility. Heavy metals in cacao, explained
Does it have sugar or anything else added?
No. It is 100% cacao with no sugar, milk or additives. It tastes rich and bitter on its own, so you sweeten it the way you like.
Does ceremonial cacao have caffeine?
A little. Its main stimulant is theobromine, a gentler relative of caffeine, which is why most people describe the energy as calm and steady. What is theobromine?
Making your cup
How do I make a cup?
Warm 6 to 8 oz of water or plant milk until hot but not boiling, add your cacao pieces, and whisk or blend until smooth and frothy. How to prepare ceremonial cacao
How much cacao should I use?
About 10 to 20 g for a daily cup, 20 to 25 g if it is your first time, and 40 to 42 g for a full ceremonial cup. See the dose chart
When is the best time to drink it?
Most people enjoy it in the morning or early afternoon. Theobromine stays with you for hours, so keep larger cups to earlier in the day. Best time to drink cacao
How should I store it, and how long does it keep?
Keep it airtight, cool and dark. Stored that way, whole cacao paste keeps its character for a year or longer after opening. Cacao shelf life guide
Can I hold a cacao ceremony at home?
Yes. All you need is your cacao, a warm drink and a quiet space. How to hold a cacao ceremony at home walks you through it in seven simple steps.
Orders and subscriptions
How much is shipping?
We ship across the US. Shipping is a flat $5.95, and it is free on orders of $99 or more.
How does Subscribe & Save work?
Choose Subscribe on the product page and your cacao arrives every month at the Subscribe & Save price. You can skip, pause or cancel anytime.
Where can I buy Alma Cacao in person?
We pop up at the Topanga Farmers Market from time to time, and you can find us at Wolfmoon in Naples and Bonita Springs and at Thrive IV Bar in Naples, Florida. Where to buy ceremonial cacao
Do you offer bulk or wholesale cacao?
Yes. Facilitators, studios and retreats can plan cacao per person and order larger sizes in our guide for facilitators and groups, and cafes and shops can carry Alma Cacao through wholesale.
Do you give back?
Yes. The co-op we source from gives 2% back to the producer communities who grow our cacao, and Alma Cacao donates another 2% of every sale to For the Love of Mateo.
Still have a question? Write to us and we will get back to you.
