September 4, 2025

Why Bringing Cacao to Work Could Change Everything

When most of us think about productivity at work, we reach for the usual suspects – a strong cup of coffee, a quick sugar hit, or maybe even an energy drink to get through the afternoon slump. For years, that was my world too. I’d start my day with caffeine, push through stress, and wonder why I still felt drained, distracted, and uninspired.

Then cacao came into my life.

Not the chocolate bar you might pick up on the way to work, but ceremonial-grade cacao – the purest form of cacao, used traditionally in ceremonies for centuries. My first cup was not just a drink; it was a moment of clarity. It opened up a sense of direction, softened the noise of stress, and gave me a grounded energy I had never felt before.

That one shift in my daily ritual didn’t just make me more focused. It gave me the courage to completely change the direction of my life. From moving away from old career paths to starting I AM BEING, to becoming the Head of UK Keith’s Cacao, cacao has been at the centre of it all. And now, I believe it’s something we should all be bringing into our workplaces – not just for productivity, but for creativity, wellbeing, and connection.

On 13th September, Keith’s Cacao is launching Bring Cacao to Work Day, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s a chance to experience first-hand what cacao can do for you and your team.

How Cacao Changed My Life

When I first discovered cacao, I wasn’t expecting it to shift so much in me. I thought it might just be another “healthy drink” that would replace my morning coffee. Instead, it became a teacher.

Cacao is rich in theobromine, a gentle stimulant that energises without the crash. Unlike coffee, it doesn’t spike cortisol levels or create dependency. Instead, it gives a longer, smoother lift, leaving you feeling more open and less anxious. But the impact goes beyond the physical.

Drinking cacao daily gave me something that’s hard to put into words: clarity and courage. I began to hear my own inner voice more clearly. Instead of constantly chasing productivity in jobs that drained me, I began to ask, What do I really want?

The answers surprised me.

I realised my work needed to be more aligned with my heart. That led me to create I AM BEING, a space for Reiki, sound healing, yoga, and cacao ceremonies in London. It gave me the confidence to step into leadership with Keith’s Cacao in the UK, a role that continues to inspire me daily.

Without cacao, I don’t think I would have had the energy or direction to make those leaps. And this is exactly why I believe it has a place in our workplaces.

Why Workplaces Need Cacao

Let’s face it – the way we work is broken. Stress, burnout, endless Zoom calls, and the “always-on” culture have left people exhausted. We’re trying to patch it with caffeine and short holidays, but that’s not solving the real issue.

Cacao offers a different approach:

1. Sustainable Energy Without the Crash

Coffee gives you a spike. Cacao gives you a wave. The slow release of theobromine keeps your energy stable for hours, meaning you stay productive without the afternoon dip.

2. Boosts Creativity and Focus

Cacao increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance concentration, problem-solving, and creative thinking. It’s the perfect companion for brainstorming sessions, strategy meetings, or even writing emails that don’t feel like a chore.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Cacao is packed with magnesium and serotonin-boosting compounds, which calm the nervous system. Instead of tense, jittery meetings, imagine starting with a cacao circle where everyone feels present and grounded.

4. Encourages Connection and Team Spirit

Sharing cacao isn’t just about drinking something warm – it’s about creating a moment of ritual. In a world where workplaces are increasingly fragmented, taking ten minutes together to pause and drink cacao can foster real connection and collaboration.

5. Supports Health and Wellbeing

Cacao is a superfood – full of antioxidants, iron, and mood-boosting compounds. Supporting your team’s wellbeing doesn’t just make them happier; it makes them more engaged and resilient.

My Journey Into Workplace Cacao

As I started drinking cacao every morning, I noticed my workdays flowed differently. Instead of forcing myself into productivity, I felt naturally focused. Instead of dreading the day, I approached it with curiosity.

Soon, I began sharing it with colleagues and friends. The response was always the same: “This feels different. Calmer. Kinder. Lighter.”

That’s when I realised that cacao wasn’t just for personal practice – it had the power to reshape the way we work together. At I AM BEING, I began incorporating cacao into workshops, sound baths, and wellness sessions. The results were extraordinary. People opened up, shared ideas, and felt more aligned with their purpose.

It’s no coincidence that Keith’s Cacao created Bring Cacao to Work Day. They saw, just as I did, that cacao has the potential to transform not just individuals, but whole teams and organisations.

Bring Cacao to Work Day – 13th September

This year, we’re inviting workplaces across the UK and beyond to join us in a global movement: Bring Cacao to Work Day.

On 13th September, teams everywhere will pause, gather, and share a cup of Keith’s ceremonial cacao. It’s not about replacing your morning coffee; it’s about creating a different kind of culture – one based on wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Whether you’re self-employed, part of a small team, or working in a big corporate office, this is your chance to experience the power of cacao together.

👉 Sign up here to take part: Bring Cacao to Work Day with Keith’s Cacao

A Vision for the Future of Work

Imagine walking into your office one morning. Instead of rushing to your desk, stressed and scattered, your team gathers in a circle. Someone pours rich, warm cacao into mugs. You take a deep breath together, sip slowly, and feel the gentle lift of energy and openness spread through the room.

The day that follows feels different. Meetings are smoother. Ideas flow. People listen to each other. There’s laughter in the breaks. And by the time the afternoon arrives, no one is reaching for another coffee – they’re still energised, still focused, still connected.

That’s the future I believe cacao can bring. And it’s not a dream – it’s already happening.

How You Can Start Bringing Cacao to Work

If you’re curious about introducing cacao into your workday, here are some simple steps:

Start Small – Bring a block of Keith’s Cacao to the office and make a morning ritual just for yourself. Notice how it changes your day.
Create a Cacao Break – Instead of a tea round, invite colleagues to share a ten-minute cacao break.
Use Cacao for Meetings – Begin team check-ins with a cup of cacao. It sets a calmer, more collaborative tone.
Join the Movement – Take part in Bring Cacao to Work Day on 13th September and connect with teams around the world.

For me, cacao has been more than just a drink. It has been a guide, a catalyst, and a companion on my journey of transformation. It gave me direction when I felt lost, helped me change careers, and supported me in creating I AM BEING. Today, as the Head of UK Keith’s Cacao, I see its potential to reshape not only individual lives but the way we work together.

This September, I invite you to join us in discovering what cacao can do for your workplace. It’s not about productivity at all costs – it’s about creating workplaces that are human, connected, and alive.

Let’s raise our mugs of cacao – to wellbeing, to creativity, and to a future of work that truly nourishes us.

Being,

Gizelle Renee Xx

cacao ceremonieshealingMeditation and mindfulness practicesWellness