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Ceremonial cacao

Ceremonial cacao is the whole cacao bean ground into cacao mass with its natural fat: not defatted, not sweetened and not alkalized. Below you will find our three cacaos and answers to the questions we hear most often.

Our ceremonial cacao

Three cacaos to choose from: pure for every day, the outdoor edition and one with functional mushrooms.

Aloha Cacao, Aloha Fungi product packaging

Aloha Kakao(Ceremonial Cacao)

100% full-fat. No sugar.

from 79 zł

Classic, pure ceremonial cacao for a daily ritual.

Aloha Kakao Ceremonialne, Aloha Fungi product packaging

Biwakowy’s Cacao

100% full-fat cacao. Delicious!

from 79 zł

The Biwakowy edition, an outdoor variant for trips and campfires.

Jasny Grzmot, Aloha Fungi product packaging

Jasny Grzmot

Cacao, coconut, 4 extracts. Mushroom UN-coffee.

from 129 zł

Ceremonial cacao with extracts of four functional mushrooms.

What is ceremonial cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is whole cacao beans ground into cacao mass, also called cacao liquor, together with their natural fat. We do not defat it, sweeten it or alkalize it, so everything the bean has stays in the cup.

The name comes from the drink the Maya and Aztecs drank during ceremonies. Today it is a thick, bitter and velvety drink that many people have instead of their morning coffee or next to it.

Unalkalized cacao: why it matters

Most cocoa in shops goes through the so-called Dutch process: the powder is treated with an alkali to soften the taste and darken the colour. Studies show that after such processing only about 40%, 25% or 10% of the flavanols remain, depending on how strong the process is (Miller et al., 2008).

Flavanols are plant compounds found in the cacao bean. Unalkalized cacao skips this processing: it is simply the ground bean. That is how Aloha Kakao is made: 100% cacao, nothing added.

Ceremonial cacao as powder or in chunks?

The composition is the same: full-fat cacao mass. The difference is in the kitchen. Chunks and blocks have to be chopped or grated and melted for a long time, and lumps can still be left over.

Aloha Kakao is finely ground into a powder. You scoop a 20 g serving, about 2 level spoons, pour over liquid and blend for 20 to 30 seconds: no knife, no board and no lumps at the bottom.

How to make ceremonial cacao

The basic method, with water or milk.

  1. 1Put 20 g of cacao (about 2 level spoons) in a cup.
  2. 2Heat 250 ml of water or milk to 70 to 80°C.
  3. 3Pour it over the cacao and blend for 20 to 30 seconds, until the drink is smooth and velvety.
  4. 4Finish with spices, for example a pinch of cinnamon, or sweeten with a teaspoon of honey if you like.

Start with 20 g. The Aloha Kakao label gives a range of 20 to 40 g; keep the bigger serving for a stronger, ceremonial cup.

Ceremonial cacao vs ordinary cocoa

Both come from the cacao bean, but on the shelf they are two different products. These are the main differences.

FeatureCeremonial cacao (Aloha Kakao)Typical shop cocoa
Raw materialWhole bean ground into cacao mass, with its natural fatDefatted cocoa powder
ProcessUnalkalized, no alkali treatmentOften alkalized (Dutch process), fewer flavanols
Sugar0.5 g of sugars per 100 g, no added sugarOften sugar first on the ingredients list
AdditivesOnly cacao, nothing elseMilk powder, lecithin, flavourings
TasteBitter, deep, chocolateySweet, with sugar in front
FormFinely ground powder from full-fat mass, no lumpsDefatted powder or, for ceremonial cacao, blocks and chunks to chop

Ceremonial or unrefined cacao? See the difference →

For business: wholesale ceremonial cacao (1 kg, 5 kg)

Ceremonial cacao in larger packs, 1 kg and 5 kg, for cafes, practices, shops and brands. Ask for an offer on our business platform.

Go to the business offer →

Why Aloha Fungi

  • We test every batch
  • Zero fillers
  • 6000+ customers
  • 5/5 customer reviews
  • From a TCM therapist

Frequently asked questions about ceremonial cacao

What is ceremonial cacao?

It is whole cacao beans ground into cacao mass with their natural fat, without defatting, sugar or alkalizing. It is thick, bitter and velvety.

Is ceremonial cacao sugar free?

Aloha Kakao is. It is pure bean with no added sugar, and 100 g contains only 0.5 g of naturally occurring sugars, so it tastes bitter and chocolatey. If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of honey or coconut sugar.

Ceremonial cacao or coffee?

Cacao stimulates more gently: its main alkaloid is theobromine, and it has 7 to 8 times less caffeine than theobromine. You can have it instead of one coffee, next to it, or add 10 g to coffee as a mocha.

How much ceremonial cacao per serving?

A serving of Aloha Kakao is 20 g, about 2 level spoons per 250 ml of liquid, and gives about 129 kcal. The label gives a range of 20 to 40 g, so start with the smaller serving.

Ceremonial cacao as powder or in chunks?

The composition is the same, only convenience differs. Powder dissolves after 20 to 30 seconds of blending, while chunks must be chopped first and melted for a long time.

What does unalkalized cacao mean?

That it was not treated with an alkali, as most cocoa in shops is (the Dutch process). Such processing removes a large part of the flavanols, and unalkalized cacao is simply the ground bean.

Is the cacao tested for heavy metals?

Yes. Every batch of Aloha Kakao is tested in an independent, accredited laboratory for heavy metals and pesticide residues.

Can I drink ceremonial cacao in the evening or while pregnant?

Cacao contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, so it is mildly stimulating. If you are sensitive to these compounds, drink it in the morning or at noon. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, keep to moderation and talk to your doctor.

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