April 17, 2025

Coffee vs. Ceremonial Cacao in the Morning: A Scientific Look at Caffeine and Theobromine

The Morning Ritual

For many of us, the morning doesn’t begin until that first sip of coffee hits our lips. The ritual is almost sacred — the aroma, the warmth, the jolt of energy. Coffee has become a staple of modern life, woven into our routines, productivity, and even our social culture.

But what if there’s another way to energize your morning — one that offers a more heart-opening, grounding, and sustained experience? Enter ceremonial-grade cacao, a gentle yet powerful plant medicine rich in theobromine.

To kick start this – I am not saying or telling anyone ‘off’ for drinking coffee (I sometimes treat myself) but instead I will break down the science behind caffeine and theobromine, explore their effects on the body and mind, and weigh the pros and cons of each. We’ll also introduce you to the transformative potential of cacao ceremonies with Keith’s Cacao and I AM BEING, offering an alternative that might just change your mornings — and your life.

Caffeine: The Powerhouse in Your Coffee Cup

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even chocolate, caffeine works primarily by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain — the receptors responsible for making you feel tired.

How Caffeine Works

When caffeine blocks adenosine, it leads to increased activity in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost alertness, mood, and concentration. This is why you feel more awake after a cup of coffee.

However, there’s a flip side. Because caffeine interferes with your natural sleep-wake cycle, it can lead to:

Jitters and anxiety (especially in higher doses)
Afternoon crashes
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
Disrupted sleep when consumed too late in the day

There are Benefits of Coffee also

Increased alertness and cognitive performance
Rich in antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid
May support fat metabolism during workouts
Associated with lower risk of certain diseases, like Parkinson’s and type 2 diabetes (when consumed moderately)

Drawbacks of Coffee

Can raise cortisol (your stress hormone) when consumed first thing in the morning
Can cause gastrointestinal upset for some
May dehydrate the body
Overconsumption leads to tolerance, requiring more for the same effect

Theobromine: The Gentle Wake-Up Call in Cacao

Ceremonial-grade cacao, like the kind offered by Keith’s Cacao, is a whole-food, unprocessed form of cacao that retains its natural theobromine content. Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound — similar to caffeine — but with a much gentler and longer-lasting effect.

How Theobromine Works

Unlike caffeine, theobromine doesn’t directly stimulate the central nervous system. Instead, it acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and promoting blood flow. It also acts as a mild diuretic and heart stimulant, but without the sharp peaks and crashes.

This makes it ideal for sustained energy, enhanced mood, and emotional balance.

Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

Increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain
Contains anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” promoting feelings of joy and connection
Supports cardiovascular health
High in magnesium, iron, and flavonoids
Non-addictive, with a much lower risk of tolerance
Enhances meditation, creativity, and inner work, especially in cacao ceremonies

Cacao vs. Chocolate

It’s important to note that ceremonial cacao is not the same as commercial chocolate (I will at some point do a post and reel on this). The latter is often heavily processed, mixed with sugar, and stripped of most of its medicinal properties. Keith’s Cacao is 100% pure, ceremonial-grade cacao — ideal for both spiritual and physiological nourishment.

Feature	Caffeine (Coffee)	Theobromine (Cacao)
Energy Profile	Sharp spike, short-lived	Slow rise, sustained energy
Effect on Mood	Variable, can induce anxiety	Mood-enhancing, calming
Addiction Potential	High (tolerance builds quickly)	Low (non-habit forming)
Body Impact	Can increase cortisol, dehydrate	Hydrating, cardiovascular support
Brain Function	Sharp focus, but crash risk	Enhances flow state, oxygenation
Use in Ritual	Rare	Deeply ritualistic (cacao ceremonies)

Cacao Ceremonies: The Spiritual & Emotional Upgrade

Beyond just being a healthy alternative to coffee, ceremonial cacao is a portal to deeper connection — with yourself, others, and the natural world. At I AM BEING, cacao ceremonies are designed to integrate mind, body, and spirit through the sacred use of cacao in a safe and intentional setting.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

A cacao ceremony is a guided experience where participants consume ceremonial-grade cacao, like Keith’s Cacao, in a communal or solo setting, often accompanied by meditation, music, movement, and intention-setting. The goal is to open the heart, heighten awareness, and foster inner clarity.

These ceremonies:

Promote emotional healing
Facilitate deep introspection
Strengthen community bonds
Inspire creative flow

It’s a vastly different experience from the buzz of a coffee shop. Think: sacred over stimulated.

Why Keith’s Cacao?

Not all cacao is created equal. Keith’s Cacao is regarded as one of the highest-quality ceremonial-grade cacaos available. Hand-prepared in Guatemala, it retains its full nutritional and energetic profile, making it ideal for personal practice or group cacao ceremonies.

Key Qualities of Keith’s Cacao:

100% pure ceremonial-grade cacao
Sourced ethically and sustainably
Processed minimally to preserve active compounds
Used globally in transformational spaces, from yoga classes to healing retreats

When paired with the heart-centered work offered by I AM BEING, Keith’s Cacao becomes more than just a beverage — it becomes a teacher, guide, and medicine.

Transitioning from Coffee to Cacao

Let’s be honest — if you’ve been drinking coffee for years, it’s not easy to break the habit. And I’m not saying you should completely ditch your daily espresso. What I’m suggesting is: try adding ceremonial cacao to your life and feel the difference for yourself.

Start with:

One morning a week dedicated to cacao instead of coffee
Pair it with meditation, journaling, or gentle movement
Use Keith’s Cacao for purity and potency
Consider attending a cacao ceremony with I AM BEING to fully experience its potential

My Little Thoughts in a Nutshell

Both coffee and ceremonial cacao have their place in our lives. Coffee gives us that immediate, go-get-it push — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But cacao invites us into a slower, more mindful rhythm, connecting us not only to our energy but to our inner essence.

Scientifically, theobromine offers a more sustainable and nourishing form of stimulation than caffeine. Spiritually, cacao opens the door to transformation, healing, and heart connection.

I’m not saying you should stop drinking coffee. I’m saying: give cacao a go.

Try it. Feel it. Let it become part of your being — with Keith’s Cacao, with I AM BEING, and with the sacred intention to live a more aligned life.

Bye for now.

Being,

Gizelle Renee Xx