Why Ceremonial Cacao Is Not Just Chocolate: Discover the True Power of Cacao Ceremonies in London with I AM BEING

Cacao ceremonies are becoming more popular in London and many of us (including me still!) are looking to explore their spiritual and emotional benefits. But a common question arises: what’s the difference between ceremonial cacao and chocolate? They may come from the same bean, but they serve completely different purposes.

The difference in their quality and compounds, and why this matters, especially if you’re looking to attend a powerful and heart-opening cacao ceremony in London with I AM BEING.

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What is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is the purest form of cacao, made intentionally for spiritual and energetic practices. It comes from heirloom varieties of the cacao bean and is prepared in a way that preserves its medicinal, emotional, and energetic properties.

It is stoneground, lightly fermented, and never defatted, roasted at high heat, or mixed with additives. Ceremonial cacao is often used in ritual and healing spaces to open the heart, support emotional release, and deepen meditation and connection.

At I AM BEING, we serve this powerful plant medicine during our cacao ceremonies in London, creating space for deep self-reflection, community, and healing.

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What is Chocolate?

Chocolate, even dark chocolate, is a processed food product. It usually contains sugar, dairy, emulsifiers, and other additives. Even high-quality chocolate has undergone roasting and conching (grinding and mixing at high temperatures) which alters the chemical structure of the cacao bean and reduces its active compounds.

While chocolate can be pleasurable to eat, it lacks the subtle, heart-opening, and energetic effects of ceremonial cacao. Chocolate is made for consumption; ceremonial cacao is made for communion.

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The Difference in Production: Craft vs. Commodity

The process of creating ceremonial cacao is significantly different from that of making chocolate.

Ceremonial cacao:

• Comes from native, often wild or heirloom cacao trees
• Is hand-harvested and lightly fermented
• Is sun-dried rather than roasted at high heat
• Is stone-ground into paste rather than processed into powder
• Contains no additives—it’s 100% cacao

In contrast, chocolate production:

• Uses mass-farmed beans (often hybridised for yield, not quality)
• Is roasted at high heat, destroying many of cacao’s natural compounds
• Is mixed with refined sugar, dairy, and preservatives
• Is processed for taste and shelf life, not spiritual potency

Ceremonial cacao is medicine. Chocolate is a product.

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Active Compounds in Ceremonial Cacao

One of the most significant differences lies in the bioactive compounds retained in ceremonial cacao. Here are a few worth knowing:

• Theobromine: A gentle, long-lasting stimulant that opens blood vessels and stimulates the heart, promoting energy without the crash of caffeine.
• Anandamide: Known as the “bliss molecule”, this neurotransmitter supports feelings of joy and contentment.
• Phenylethylamine (PEA): Often called the “love chemical”, PEA supports emotional connection and is linked to feelings of euphoria.
• Magnesium: A natural muscle relaxant, magnesium supports the nervous system, reduces stress, and improves heart function.
• Antioxidants: Ceremonial cacao is packed with antioxidants that protect cells, reduce inflammation, and improve overall vitality.

These compounds are preserved in ceremonial cacao thanks to gentle processing. In industrial chocolate, they are significantly degraded or lost.

This is one reason why people often feel calm, open, and deeply connected during cacao ceremonies at I AM BEING. You’re not just drinking something warm and tasty—you’re receiving a plant with spirit and potency.

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The Energetic and Spiritual Integrity

The energetic blueprint of ceremonial cacao is another key difference. From seed to cup, this cacao is treated with reverence. The farmers, the land, the preparation—all carry intention. Many facilitators, including those at I AM BEING, even bless the cacao before it is served.

This sacred relationship is part of what makes ceremonial cacao such a heart-opening plant. The cacao is not just a drink—it becomes a co-facilitator in your healing.

This is a crucial point for anyone seeking meaningful spiritual work. If you’ve ever attended a cacao event and didn’t feel much, the cacao used may not have been ceremonial grade. Choosing authentic ceremonial cacao creates a much deeper and more powerful experience.

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Why It Matters in Ceremony

In a cacao ceremony, you are invited to slow down, turn inward, and explore your inner landscape. The cacao supports you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. But for it to do this effectively, it must be of the highest quality and integrity.

At I AM BEING, we only work with ethically sourced ceremonial cacao that has been lovingly grown and traditionally processed. Every ceremony is designed to honour the spirit of cacao and offer a grounded, nourishing space for you to connect with your truth.

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What Happens in a Cacao Ceremony with I AM BEING

Each ceremony is unique, but you can expect a beautiful, intentional journey that may include:

• A welcoming circle and intention setting
• Drinking a sacred cup of ceremonial cacao
• Meditation, breathwork, sound healing, or intuitive movement
• Group sharing, journaling, or reiki healing
• Integration and grounding

These ceremonies take place across beautiful spaces in London and are open to all. They are particularly powerful if you are seeking clarity, emotional release, connection to your heart, or simply a nourishing reset.

You can explore upcoming dates and book directly here:
👉 Book a cacao ceremony in London

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Can You Use Ceremonial Cacao at Home?

Absolutely. If you feel called to connect with cacao in your own space, you can prepare it at home for daily rituals or meditation.

Look for cacao that is:

• 100% pure paste (not powder)
• Ethically sourced and minimally processed
• From an indigenous or small-scale farm
• Free from added sugar, milk, or flavourings

We recommend purchasing directly from a trusted facilitator or source. You can also reach out to us at I AM BEING for recommendations but I use Keith’s Cacao and you can get 5% off here also.

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Ceremonial Cacao vs. Chocolate: A Quick Recap

Aspect	Ceremonial Cacao	Chocolate
Purpose	Spiritual, intentional	Pleasure/snack
Processing	Low-temperature, minimal	Industrial, high-heat
Ingredients	100% cacao	Cacao + sugar, dairy, etc.
Energetics	Sacred, high integrity	Commercial, disconnected
Use in Ceremony	Yes	No
Health Benefits	Holistic and heart-led	Minimal

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Join Us at a Cacao Ceremony in London

We hold monthly cacao ceremonies at 7 Lion Yard in South West London, and each event offers a safe, heart-led journey supported by pure ceremonial cacao.

Ready to begin your journey?

👉 Explore and book your cacao ceremony here
👉 Contact us with any questions

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Ceremonial cacao is not a trend—it’s an ancient medicine with the power to guide, heal, and awaken. It is made with care, intention, and integrity. Unlike chocolate, it is not about indulgence—it is about remembrance. Remembering your connection to the Earth. To yourself. To your heart.

If you’re curious to explore ceremonial cacao, we invite you to join us. Every ceremony is a sacred invitation to come home to yourself.

Let your journey begin with the heart. Let it begin with cacao. You will never look back!

Being,

Gizelle Renee xx