Ceremonial cacao contains a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine, but it is not a stimulant in the way coffee is.

Cacao’s primary active compound is theobromine, which supports circulation, mood, and steady energy. Theobromine works more slowly and gently than caffeine, which is why many people experience cacao as grounding, heart-opening, and smooth, rather than jittery or sharp.

Because our cacao comes from wild-strain trees grown in remote communities, the levels of caffeine, theobromine, and polyphenols naturally vary by origin, harvest season, and batch. For this reason, we can’t provide an exact milligram value.

That said, based on published lab tests from ceremonial cacao makers and reference data, we can share a well-supported estimate for WANA HEY rose recipe ceremonial cacao.

Estimated amounts (approximately / on average):

• One rose (~6.6 g): ~3–7 mg caffeine, ~30–45 mg theobromine

• Five roses (~33 g, suggested serving): ~15–35 mg caffeine, ~150–225 mg theobromine

• ½ spiral bar (~25 g): ~11–26 mg caffeine, ~115–170 mg theobromine

This places a ceremonial serving of cacao at roughly:

• ⅓–½ a cup of coffee in caffeine

• With significantly higher theobromine, which explains cacao’s smoother, longer-lasting energy and heart-opening feel

Unlike coffee, cacao:

• Does not typically spike the nervous system

• Does not usually cause crashes or anxiety

• Offers a more embodied, sustained form of alertness

Many people enjoy cacao in the afternoon or early evening without sleep disruption. As always, sensitivity varies - if you’re highly caffeine-sensitive, we recommend starting with a smaller serving and listening to your body.

Cacao is best understood not as a coffee replacement, but as a different relationship to energy - one that nourishes rather than pushes.

Ceremonial cacao can be prepared simply or ritualistically - there is no single “right” way. The most important ingredient is presence.

Serving size guidance:

• ~25 grams: a lighter, everyday ritual - grounding, nourishing, and gentle

• 30–33 grams: a fuller ceremonial serving

• Up to ~40 grams: a deeper, ceremonial-strength experience, best enjoyed once you’re familiar with how cacao feels in your body

We always recommend starting on the lower end and allowing your relationship with cacao to build over time.

A basic preparation:

1. Gently heat water (do not boil - around 185°F is ideal to preserve the integrity of cacao)

2. Add your cacao

3. Whisk or blend until fully melted and smooth

4. Sip slowly and intentionally

Optionally, garnish with rose petals or spices for a heart-opening experience.

You can enjoy cacao in silence, with music, journaling, movement, or conversation. Some people drink cacao as a morning ritual, others as an afternoon or evening grounding practice.

Cacao meets you where you are.

WANA HEY ceremonial cacao is not raw.

Our cacao is gently roasted at low temperatures, a traditional step that enhances flavor, aroma, and digestibility while preserving cacao’s beneficial compounds.

The term “raw cacao” is often used in marketing, but in practice, cacao beans must be fermented and heated to some degree after harvest. Low-temperature roasting is an intentional part of the process and does not diminish the quality or integrity of ceremonial cacao.

We choose this method because it creates a smoother, richer, and more balanced experience, both physically and energetically.

Ceremonial cacao is defined not by being raw, but by how it’s grown, processed, and honored.

WANA HEY cacao is sourced through direct and values-aligned relationships that prioritize fair compensation, ethical labor practices, and long-term sustainability.

While it may not carry a formal Fair Trade certification, we work with partners who pay farmers above commodity prices and support small-scale cacao producers in a way that honors their labor, land, and livelihoods.

Fair trade, to us, is not a logo - it’s an ongoing commitment to transparency, respect, and reciprocity throughout the supply chain.

In moderation, ceremonial cacao is generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Cacao has been traditionally used for nourishment and emotional support, and its primary active compound, theobromine, is gentler than caffeine. Many people enjoy cacao during pregnancy as a way to slow down, ground, and connect with their body and baby.

That said, every pregnancy and every body is different.

We recommend:

• Enjoying cacao in moderate servings

• Starting on the lower end (around 20–25 grams)

• Listening closely to your body’s response

• Consulting your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns or medical conditions

Refer to our more in-depth reflection on this topic, including considerations around caffeine, theobromine, safety, and moderation, here:

Is Ceremonial Cacao Safe During Pregnancy?

Cacao is not meant to push or overstimulate - it’s meant to support presence, nourishment, and connection.

For many people, yes - ceremonial cacao can replace coffee, or become a gentler, more nourishing alternative.

Unlike coffee, which relies primarily on caffeine for stimulation, ceremonial cacao contains very small amounts of caffeine and higher levels of theobromine, a compound that supports circulation, focus, and mood without overstimulating the nervous system.

This is why many people experience cacao as:

• More grounding than coffee

• Supportive for focus and creativity without jitters

• Easier on anxiety and the nervous system

• Energizing in a way that feels steady, embodied, and calm

When comparing ceremonial cacao vs coffee, the difference is less about intensity and more about quality of energy. Coffee tends to push. Cacao tends to nourish.

That said, cacao doesn’t have to fully replace coffee to be supportive.

As WANA HEY’s founder, I actually love combining the two. One of my favorite rituals is making a ceremonial mocha by blending my morning coffee with 1–2 roses or a portion of a spiral bar. It feels noticeably more grounding, nourishing, and heart-opening than coffee alone.

Some people drink cacao instead of coffee. Others enjoy it alongside coffee, or blended together like this. There’s no single right way.

Cacao isn’t here to override your system. It’s here to support presence.

Your body will tell you what it wants.

For many people, yes. Ceremonial cacao can be enjoyed daily, especially in smaller servings.

Many people incorporate cacao as a morning or afternoon ritual because it feels nourishing, grounding, and supportive rather than stimulating or depleting.

As with anything, moderation and listening to your body matter. If you’re drinking cacao daily, lighter servings (around 25 grams) are often ideal. Some days may call for more, others for less.

Your relationship with cacao can be fluid.

WANA HEY ceremonial cacao has a soft, floral, and aromatic profile, with a naturally smooth, rounded mouthfeel.

Depending on how it’s prepared and the amount you enjoy, you may notice:

• Delicate floral notes

• Gentle warmth and depth

• A natural, understated sweetness

• A velvety, lingering finish that feels full rather than sharp

Because our cacao comes from wild-strain trees, its flavor can subtly evolve with origin and harvest - much like wine or coffee. These variations are part of cacao’s living character and reflect the land it comes from.

We invite you to sip slowly and allow the flavor to unfold. Many people notice that cacao tastes different depending on where their body and nervous system are that day. Drinking cacao is less about predictability and more about alchemy.

Because WANA HEY is a food product, all sales are final.

If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or there’s an issue with fulfillment, please reach out to us and we’ll make it right. We care deeply about your experience and will always do our best to support you.

We don’t run frequent discount codes, as WANA HEY is crafted with intention and priced to reflect the quality and care that goes into each offering.

That said, the best ways to receive value are:

• Subscribing to your favorite offerings for ongoing ritual support

• Purchasing bundles, which are designed to support deeper practice and offer better value per serving

• Joining our email list, where we share occasional special offerings, early access, and seasonal releases

When stored properly, ceremonial cacao has a shelf life of at least 2 years, whether it has been opened or not.

Cacao is naturally shelf-stable due to its high fat content and low moisture when handled with care.

To store your cacao:

• Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place

• Seal it well after opening

• Avoid heat, direct sunlight, and moisture

There is no need to refrigerate or freeze cacao, and doing so can introduce moisture that affects texture and flavor.

Properly stored cacao will retain its richness, aroma, and energetic integrity over time.

Ceremonial cacao refers to cacao that is crafted and used with intention, integrity, and respect for the plant - not just as a food, but as a relational experience.

At its core, ceremonial cacao is:

• Made from high-quality, whole, Heirloom cacao beans (not powder)

• Minimally processed, preserving cacao butter and beneficial compounds

• Sourced with care from traditional-growing regions

• Prepared and consumed in a way that supports presence, reflection, and connection

What makes cacao ceremonial is not a certification or a strict protocol. It’s a combination of quality, processing, and how it’s met.

WANA HEY ceremonial cacao is made from wild-strain, single-origin Peruvian cacao, gently roasted at low temperatures and crafted in a way that honors both the physical and energetic properties of the plant. It’s designed to support grounding, creativity, and heart-centered awareness - whether enjoyed quietly on your own or shared in ceremony.

Ceremony doesn’t require formality.

It begins with slowing down and listening.

If you’d like to explore this more deeply, we’ve written a longer reflection here:

“What Is Ceremonial Cacao?”

Our cacao is ethically sourced, single-origin, wild-strain Peruvian cacao grown in remote communities using traditional, low-intervention farming practices.

While it may not always carry formal organic certification, the cacao is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or chemicals. In many cacao-growing regions, especially small and remote communities, organic certification can be financially or logistically inaccessible - even when farming practices are deeply respectful of the land.

For us, integrity, land stewardship, and relationship with growers matter more than labels.

Yes. WANA HEY cacao is tested by accredited third-party labs to meet and exceed global safety standards — including California Prop 65.

Because cacao is a plant that naturally absorbs minerals from the soil, testing matters. Our cacao consistently shows undetectable or ultra-low levels of heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, based on independent lab results.

This is cacao you can trust — both energetically and physically.

Highlights:

• Impeccable safety: WANA HEY cacao consistently tests at undetectable or extremely low levels of heavy metals
  
• Highest purity: Results that surpass many brands on the market
  
• Microbial cleanliness: Exceptionally low microbial and coliform counts
  

We work only with trusted partners and testing protocols to ensure our cacao supports the body and nervous system without placing an unnecessary burden on either.

If you have specific questions about testing or sourcing, we’re always happy to share more.

Ceremonial cacao is generally very safe and well tolerated, but there are a few situations where extra care is advised.

If you are:

• Taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or other psychiatric medications

• Highly sensitive to caffeine or stimulants

• Managing a heart condition or blood pressure concerns

We recommend:

• Starting with a small serving

• Observing how your body feels

• Consulting your healthcare provider if you’re unsure

Cacao contains naturally occurring compounds that can gently influence mood and circulation. While it is not psychoactive and does not alter consciousness, it is still a powerful plant ally that deserves respect.

As with all plant medicines, the best guide is your own body.

No. Ceremonial cacao is not psychoactive.

While cacao is sometimes referred to as a plant medicine, it does not cause hallucinations, altered states, or loss of control. Instead, cacao works gently through the body - supporting circulation, mood, and awareness.

Most people experience cacao as grounding, heart-opening, and clarifying, not mind-altering. It tends to bring you into your body rather than take you out of it.

Cacao supports presence, not escape.

Cacao affects everyone a little differently, but many people describe feeling:

• More present and grounded

• Gently energized without jitters

• Emotionally open or softened

• Clear, calm, and focused

• More connected to their body and heart

Cacao doesn’t force a feeling or outcome. It tends to amplify what’s already present, inviting awareness rather than control.

Some days it feels subtle. Other days it feels profound. Both are valid.

Yes.

WANA HEY ceremonial cacao is:

• Vegan

• Dairy-free

• Gluten-free

• Free from soy, refined sugar, and preservatives

It’s made with intentionally sourced ingredients and crafted to be gentle on the body while rich in flavor and experience.

Yes, we ship both within the U.S. and internationally.

U.S. shipping

• Free shipping on orders over $120

• Orders under $120 ship for approximately $3–5

International shipping

• Available worldwide

• Shipping costs and any customs duties or taxes are the responsibility of the customer and are calculated at checkout

If you have questions about shipping to a specific country, feel free to reach out before ordering.

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