Ceremonial Grade Cacao Coins: Benefits, Dosage, How to Make Cacao & Why I AM BEING Is Different

There is something quite extraordinary about taking a moment for yourself. A moment away from the noise, the demands and the endless movement of everyday life. A moment to simply be. I’m writing this just having finished the perfect sesssion at Tooting Bec Lido, doing a morning Cacao Ceremoy. How lucky am I to do that as a job - drinking cacao with you and being well together.

At I AM BEING, we believe that some of life’s most meaningful experiences begin with the simplest rituals. A warm cup held between your hands. A few conscious breaths. A moment of stillness before the day begins.

And at the heart of many of our rituals is ceremonial grade cacao.

We are delighted to introduce our I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins, a beautiful new way to enjoy the richness, flavour and natural qualities of pure cacao.

Sourced from the lush landscapes of Flores Island, Indonesia, our ceremonial cacao is carefully produced to preserve its distinctive character. Now, instead of cutting or shaving cacao from a traditional block, you can enjoy the same beautiful cacao in convenient, individually portioned coins.

Whether you are discovering ceremonial cacao for the first time, creating a nourishing morning ritual, or deepening an existing practice, our cacao coins make preparation wonderfully simple.

But what exactly is ceremonial cacao? What makes our cacao coins special? How much should you drink, how do you prepare them, and what benefits can cacao offer?

Let’s explore.

What Is Ceremonial Grade Cacao?

Ceremonial grade cacao is a term used to describe cacao that has been thoughtfully sourced and prepared for drinking, often as part of a mindful or ceremonial practice.

Unlike conventional hot chocolate, which frequently contains refined sugar, milk powder and other ingredients, 100% ceremonial cacao is made from the cacao bean itself.

Pure cacao contains both cocoa solids and naturally occurring cocoa butter, giving it a wonderfully rich texture and a distinctive depth of flavour.

At I AM BEING, our cacao contains one ingredient: 100% pure cacao.

Nothing added. Nothing unnecessary. Just cacao.

Ceremonial cacao has become increasingly popular in the UK among people interested in meditation, yoga, mindfulness, breathwork and more intentional ways of living.

However, cacao is far from a modern discovery.

Its story reaches back thousands of years, with cacao holding significant cultural, agricultural and ceremonial importance in parts of Mesoamerica. Different communities have cultivated, consumed and valued cacao in different ways, and these histories deserve to be approached with respect.

Today, many people incorporate cacao into contemporary wellbeing practices, using the simple act of preparing and drinking it as an invitation to slow down.

Importantly, ceremonial grade is not a legally standardised certification. The quality of cacao is better understood through its ingredients, origin, processing, traceability and the care taken throughout its journey.

For us, exceptional cacao begins long before it reaches your cup.

Introducing I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins

We wanted to create a cacao experience that felt as beautiful and intentional as the rituals surrounding it, while making pure ceremonial cacao easier to prepare and enjoy.

The result is our I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins.

Each coin contains approximately 9.5g of pure ceremonial cacao, making it easier to portion your cacao without chopping a block or weighing out every serving.

Our coins are available in two formats:

I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins – 500g

Our larger pouch is perfect for regular cacao drinkers, practitioners, yoga teachers, ceremony facilitators and anyone wishing to make cacao part of their everyday routine.

Shop our 500g Ceremonial Cacao Coins

I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins – 28.5g (3 Coins)

Our smaller pouch contains three cacao coins, offering a beautiful introduction to ceremonial cacao. Perfect for gifting, travelling or experiencing the flavour and quality of I AM BEING cacao before choosing a larger pouch.

Discover our 3-Coin Ceremonial Cacao Pouch

Both formats contain the same pure cacao, sourced from Flores Island, Indonesia.

The only difference is how you choose to enjoy it.

What Makes I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Special?

Not all cacao is created equal.

The variety of cacao, where it is grown, the farming practices, fermentation, roasting and processing all influence the flavour and final experience.

Our cacao has been selected for its quality, distinctive taste and the care behind its production.

1. Sourced from Flores Island, Indonesia

Our cacao originates from Flores Island, an extraordinary Indonesian island known for its volcanic landscapes, tropical climate and rich agricultural heritage.

The environment provides conditions suitable for growing cacao, with the relationship between soil, climate, rainfall and farming practices contributing to the character of the beans.

Our cacao comes from an agroforestry environment where cacao is grown as part of a broader agricultural landscape.

We believe that knowing where your cacao comes from matters.

Behind every cup are the people who grow, harvest and process the beans. Choosing cacao with a traceable origin allows us to tell more of that story and celebrate the care involved.

2. Carefully Produced from Bean to Coin

The journey of our cacao begins with the cacao pods.

Once harvested, the beans undergo fermentation, an essential stage in developing the flavour compounds that ultimately make cacao so distinctive.

The beans are then dried and roasted before being processed into cacao mass.

Our cacao is hand-peeled and stone-ground, creating a beautifully smooth texture.

It is then formed into our convenient cacao coins.

This process allows us to offer pure cacao in a format that is practical without compromising the character of the original ingredient.

3. A Beautifully Smooth, Silky Flavour

One of the things we love most about our Flores cacao is its taste.

Our cacao has a wonderfully smooth and silky mouthfeel, with delicate vanilla-like notes and a long, satisfying finish.

It offers a rich chocolate flavour without needing additional sugar or flavourings.

For those accustomed to conventional hot chocolate, pure cacao may initially taste more intense. That depth is part of its appeal.

You can enjoy it exactly as it is or adapt it with natural ingredients to create your preferred cup.

4. 100% Pure Cacao

Our ceremonial cacao coins contain no added sugar, dairy or artificial flavourings.

They are naturally plant-based, making them suitable for vegan diets.

Our cacao is also made without gluten-containing ingredients, although anyone with coeliac disease or severe allergies should check the packaging for relevant allergen and cross-contact information.

The simplicity of our cacao is intentional.

We want you to experience the ingredient itself.

5. Convenient, Easy-to-Use Portions

Traditional ceremonial cacao is often sold in large blocks that need to be chopped before preparation.

While there is something lovely about working with a block of cacao, we also recognise that life can be busy.

Our cacao coins offer an easier alternative.

Simply select your preferred number of coins, add warm liquid and blend.

No chopping. Less mess. Beautiful cacao, made simple.

What Are the Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao?

One of the most common questions we receive is: What are the benefits of ceremonial cacao?

Cacao is a fascinating food containing a range of naturally occurring compounds, including flavanols, minerals, theobromine and caffeine.

Its nutritional composition is one reason people are increasingly interested in incorporating pure cacao into their diets.

However, it is important to distinguish between what cacao contains, what scientific research suggests, and what people may personally experience through a cacao ritual.

1. Cacao Contains Naturally Occurring Flavanols

Cacao contains polyphenols, including a group of compounds known as flavanols.

Cocoa flavanols have been studied for their effects on blood vessel function and circulation.

Research has shown that specific quantities of cocoa flavanols can support normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which contributes to normal blood flow.

However, flavanol levels vary considerably between cacao products depending on the beans and how they have been processed.

We do not currently claim a verified flavanol content for I AM BEING cacao, so these findings should be understood as general research into cocoa rather than a specific health claim for our coins.

2. A Natural Source of Theobromine

Theobromine is one of the characteristic compounds found in cacao.

It belongs to the same family of compounds as caffeine and has mild stimulant properties.

Many people describe drinking cacao as a different experience from drinking coffee.

Where coffee can feel sharp or intense, cacao is often experienced as a gentler part of a morning or afternoon ritual.

The experience varies between individuals, and cacao still contains stimulants.

If you are sensitive to caffeine or theobromine, start with a small amount and pay attention to how you feel.

3. Cacao Contains Minerals

Pure cacao naturally contains minerals including magnesium, iron, copper and manganese.

These nutrients play important roles in normal bodily functions.

Magnesium contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function, while iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.

The amount provided by an individual cup depends on the cacao’s nutritional composition and the portion consumed.

For this reason, cacao is best enjoyed as part of a varied, balanced diet rather than relied upon as a supplement or treatment.

4. Cacao and Mood

There is growing scientific interest in the relationship between cocoa consumption, mood and cognitive performance.

Some studies have explored whether cocoa flavanols and other cacao compounds may influence aspects of mental performance and subjective wellbeing.

The findings are interesting, but they are not conclusive enough to suggest that ceremonial cacao treats anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.

At I AM BEING, we also recognise something simpler.

Taking ten minutes away from a busy day, preparing a warm drink and giving yourself permission to slow down can be a meaningful act of self-care.

Sometimes the ritual is as valuable as the drink itself.

5. An Invitation to Mindfulness

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of ceremonial cacao is the way people choose to experience it.

Unlike a drink consumed quickly while rushing out of the door, cacao can become a deliberate moment of pause.

You might choose to sit quietly, set an intention, write in a journal or practise a short meditation.

These activities can support relaxation and self-awareness independently of the cacao.

By bringing them together, you create a ritual that feels personal, grounding and meaningful.

And that is something we care deeply about at I AM BEING.

How Much Ceremonial Cacao Should You Drink?

Understanding ceremonial cacao dosage is important, particularly if you are new to drinking pure cacao.

Because our cacao coins weigh approximately 9.5g each, they make it easy to adjust your serving.

At I AM BEING, we use the following amounts as practical serving guides.

Experience	Suggested Amount	Approximate Coins
Gentle introduction	9.5–19g	1–2 coins
Everyday cacao ritual	25–28.5g	Around 3 coins
Fuller cacao experience	38g	4 coins
Traditional-style ceremonial serving	Around 40–42g	Just over 4 coins

These are serving suggestions, not medically established doses. There is no universally agreed safe or optimal ceremonial cacao dosage for everyone.

If you are new to cacao, we recommend beginning with one coin and gradually finding the amount that feels comfortable for you.

Our cacao has been tested for caffeine, with a result of approximately 112mg per 100g of cacao.

This means a 9.5g coin contains approximately 10.7mg of caffeine, while a 38g serving contains approximately 42.6mg.

Cacao also contains theobromine, which contributes to its stimulant properties.

Larger servings are not necessarily better. Your sensitivity, other sources of caffeine and personal circumstances all matter.

A beautiful cacao experience is about intention, not quantity.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, have cardiovascular concerns or are particularly sensitive to stimulants, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before consuming larger quantities of ceremonial cacao.

How to Make Ceremonial Cacao at Home

One of the greatest advantages of our cacao coins is how easy they are to prepare.

You do not need specialist equipment, elaborate ingredients or a complicated recipe.

All you need is pure cacao, warm liquid and a few minutes.

The I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Recipe

Ingredients

• 1–3 I AM BEING Cacao Coins (approximately 9.5–28.5g)
• 150–200ml warm water or your favourite plant-based milk
• A pinch of cinnamon, if desired
• A little vanilla, if desired
• A small amount of maple syrup or honey, if you prefer sweetness
• Optional: a pinch of cardamom or chilli

Method

Step 1: Warm your liquid

Heat your water or plant-based milk until hot but not boiling.

We recommend using comfortably hot liquid rather than boiling cacao directly.

Step 2: Add your cacao coins

Place your chosen number of cacao coins into a mug, small saucepan or heatproof blending vessel.

Step 3: Add a little warm liquid

Pour a small amount of warm liquid over the coins and allow them to soften.

Stir gently until the cacao begins to melt.

Step 4: Blend until smooth

Gradually add the remaining liquid and whisk or blend until your cacao is smooth and silky.

A handheld milk frother works beautifully.

Step 5: Add your favourite flavours

Our cacao is delicious on its own, but you may wish to add cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom or a little sweetness.

Step 6: Take a moment before drinking

Hold your cup between your hands.

Notice the warmth.

Take a breath.

And enjoy.

You have just created your own cacao ritual.

Should You Make Ceremonial Cacao with Water or Milk?

There is no single correct way to prepare ceremonial cacao.

Traditionally, cacao drinks have been prepared in many different ways across cultures and periods of history.

For a pure cacao experience, we love using warm water.

This allows the natural flavour of our Flores cacao to shine through.

If you prefer something creamier, oat milk, almond milk or coconut milk can create a beautifully indulgent drink.

Plant-based milk works particularly well with the smooth texture of our cacao coins.

At I AM BEING, we generally recommend water or plant-based milk rather than dairy as our preferred preparation style as it breaks down the MOAIs in the drink which we don’t want!

However, this is a flavour and ritual preference, not a claim that dairy removes the nutritional benefits of cacao.

Experiment and discover what you love.

Five Beautiful Ways to Use Your Cacao Coins

Although our coins are perfect for a traditional cacao drink, they can be enjoyed in several other ways.

1. Create a Morning Cacao Ritual

Instead of reaching automatically for your morning coffee, try beginning the day with cacao.

Prepare two or three coins with warm water or oat milk.

Sit somewhere comfortable, even if only for five minutes.

Ask yourself:

How do I want to feel today?

You might write your answer in a journal, practise gentle breathing or simply enjoy the quiet.

The purpose is not to create another task on your to-do list.

It is to begin the day with greater intention.

2. Enjoy Cacao Before Meditation or Yoga

Cacao can be a lovely addition to a personal meditation or yoga practice.

Prepare a small serving before settling onto your mat.

Allow the process of making your drink to become part of your preparation.

Notice the aroma, the warmth and the taste.

You might choose to practise gentle movement, restorative yoga or meditation afterwards.

If you are sensitive to stimulants, keep your serving modest, particularly before evening practices.

3. Create a Cacao Moment with Friends

Cacao is not only something to enjoy alone.

It can also be a wonderful way to bring people together.

Invite a few friends, prepare cacao and create an evening of meaningful conversation.

You might share what you are grateful for, reflect on the month ahead or simply enjoy being together without distractions.

There is no requirement to make the experience formal.

Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen around a kitchen table.

4. Use Cacao Coins in Recipes

Pure cacao coins can also be incorporated into cooking and baking.

Try melting them into warm porridge, using them as the cacao element in homemade chocolate recipes or adding a little melted cacao to smoothies.

Because the coins contain pure cacao mass rather than sweetened chocolate, you may need to adjust other ingredients to achieve your desired taste and texture.

They are particularly useful when you want a rich chocolate flavour without added sugar already present in the cacao.

5. Gift a Moment of Stillness

Our three-coin pouch is a lovely way to introduce someone to ceremonial cacao.

Pair it with a handwritten note, a journal or a favourite mug.

You could even include a simple invitation:

Take a moment for yourself. Make something warm. Sit quietly. Remember that you deserve time simply to be.

Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are those that encourage someone to slow down.

What Is a Cacao Ceremony?

A cacao ceremony is a facilitated gathering in which cacao is prepared and shared as part of a reflective, communal experience.

The format can vary enormously depending on the practitioner, the cultural context and the intention of the gathering.

At I AM BEING, our contemporary cacao ceremonies bring together carefully prepared cacao with practices such as meditation, breathwork, journalling, gentle movement and sound.

Our ceremonies are designed to create space away from the demands of everyday life.

A space to reconnect with yourself.

A space to reflect.

A space to experience the simple pleasure of being present.

We approach cacao with respect for its history and the communities connected to its cultivation and use, while being clear that our contemporary wellness ceremonies are our own practice rather than a reproduction of any particular Indigenous tradition.

What Happens at an I AM BEING Cacao Ceremony?

Every ceremony is slightly different, but a typical experience may include an introduction to cacao, its history and how it is produced.

We then prepare and share cacao together, creating time to settle and arrive.

Depending on the session, the experience may include guided breathwork, meditation, reflective journalling, restorative yoga, sound healing or quiet contemplation.

There is no pressure to share personal experiences, and participation in individual elements is always optional.

You do not need previous experience with cacao, meditation or yoga.

You simply need to arrive as you are.

Why Attend a Cacao Ceremony?

You may wish to attend because you are curious about ceremonial cacao and want to learn more about its origins, preparation and traditional and contemporary uses.

Perhaps you are looking for a different way to spend an afternoon, a meaningful experience with friends or a little time for yourself.

Or perhaps you simply love cacao and would like to explore it beyond your usual cup.

Whatever brings you, you are welcome.

Explore our upcoming ceremonies and experiences at I AM BEING.

Ceremonial Cacao vs Hot Chocolate: What Is the Difference?

Although ceremonial cacao and hot chocolate both come from the cacao bean, they are often quite different products.

Hot chocolate powders may contain sugar, milk powder, flavourings and varying proportions of cocoa powder.

Ceremonial cacao is typically made from pure cacao mass, retaining its naturally occurring cocoa butter.

This gives it a fuller texture and a richer flavour.

Pure cacao also allows you to decide whether to add sweeteners, spices or milk.

It is worth remembering that conventional hot chocolate and pure cacao can both be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. One is not automatically better for every person or purpose.

The difference is primarily in the ingredients, preparation and the experience you are seeking.

For us, ceremonial cacao is about enjoying the ingredient in its pure form and making space for a more intentional relationship with it.

Why Choose Cacao Coins Instead of a Traditional Cacao Block?

We love traditional cacao blocks.

They offer a beautiful, tactile way to work with cacao, particularly during longer ceremonies.

But we also know that not everyone wants to spend time chopping cacao before preparing a drink.

Our cacao coins offer several practical advantages.

Convenience: Simply select your coins and add warm liquid.

Portioning: Each coin weighs approximately 9.5g, making it easier to measure your serving.

Consistency: You can recreate your favourite recipe using a similar quantity each time.

Versatility: Use your coins for drinks, cooking, gifting or ceremonies.

Accessibility: An easy introduction for people discovering pure cacao for the first time.

Most importantly, our cacao coins contain the same beautiful Flores cacao as our traditional cacao format.

You are not sacrificing quality for convenience.

You are simply making cacao easier to enjoy.

Is Ceremonial Cacao Suitable for Everyday Drinking?

For many healthy adults, moderate quantities of pure cacao can be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

However, the amount that suits one person may not suit another.

Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, and larger servings can cause unwanted effects such as restlessness, digestive discomfort or difficulty sleeping in sensitive individuals.

A modest serving may be a more suitable starting point than a larger ceremonial portion.

It is also worth considering the rest of your daily caffeine intake, particularly if you drink coffee, tea or energy drinks.

There is no need to consume cacao every day to enjoy it.

Your ritual might happen every morning, once a week or whenever you feel drawn to creating a moment of stillness.

At I AM BEING, we believe rituals should support your life rather than become another obligation.

How to Store Your Ceremonial Cacao Coins

To keep your cacao coins in beautiful condition, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours.

Keep the pouch securely closed between uses.

Cacao naturally contains cocoa butter, which can respond to changes in temperature.

If your cacao develops a pale or slightly mottled appearance after temperature fluctuations, this may be cocoa butter bloom rather than spoilage.

Always follow the storage instructions and best-before date on your packaging.

Proper storage helps preserve the flavour and texture of your cacao.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ceremonial Cacao Coins

Are cacao coins the same as ceremonial cacao?

Our I AM BEING cacao coins are made from 100% pure ceremonial cacao. The coin shape simply makes the cacao easier to portion and prepare.

How many cacao coins should I use?

Each coin weighs approximately 9.5g. One coin makes a gentle introductory serving, while around three coins provide approximately 28.5g. Four coins provide 38g, which is close to the larger servings used in some contemporary cacao ceremonies.

Can I drink ceremonial cacao every day?

Many adults can enjoy moderate servings of cacao regularly, although individual tolerance varies. Be mindful of caffeine, theobromine, medications and personal health considerations.

Does ceremonial cacao contain caffeine?

Yes. Our tested cacao contains approximately 112mg of caffeine per 100g. One 9.5g coin therefore contains approximately 10.7mg of caffeine. Cacao also contains theobromine.

Is ceremonial cacao vegan?

Yes. I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins contain 100% pure cacao with no added dairy ingredients.

Is ceremonial cacao the same as cocoa powder?

No. Pure cacao mass retains its natural cocoa butter, while cocoa powder is produced after much of the fat has been removed. This creates differences in texture, richness and preparation.

Can I make ceremonial cacao without a blender?

Absolutely. A small whisk or handheld milk frother works beautifully. Begin with a little warm liquid to melt the coins before gradually adding the remainder.

Is ceremonial cacao bitter?

Pure cacao has a naturally intense chocolate flavour, which can include bitter notes. Our Flores cacao is particularly smooth, with delicate vanilla-like notes and a long finish. You can add natural sweeteners or spices if desired.

Where can I buy ceremonial cacao in the UK?

You can purchase I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao Coins directly from our online shop, with both 500g and three-coin formats available.

Can I use cacao coins for a cacao ceremony?

Yes. Our coins are suitable for preparing cacao for individual rituals and group ceremonies. Facilitators should consider individual preferences, stimulant sensitivity, contraindications and appropriate serving sizes.

Is I AM BEING cacao certified organic?

Our cacao is grown within an agroforestry environment, and we are working towards organic certification. It is not currently certified organic, so we do not market it as an organically certified product. There are 400 farms and we keep them as small holdings to protect the farmers and their pay. We are working our way through but I asure we we use NOTHING.

Where to Buy Ceremonial Grade Cacao in the UK

If you are looking to buy premium ceremonial grade cacao in the UK, we would love to introduce you to I AM BEING.

Our cacao is sourced from Flores Island, Indonesia, and crafted into convenient coins designed for everyday preparation, mindful rituals and shared experiences.

Whether you are a first-time cacao drinker or an experienced practitioner, we offer a beautifully simple way to enjoy pure cacao.

Choose your cacao:

Shop I AM BEING 500g Ceremonial Cacao Coins

Perfect for daily rituals, regular cacao drinkers and practitioners.

Shop I AM BEING 3-Coin Ceremonial Cacao Pouch

A beautiful introduction to ceremonial cacao, or a thoughtful gift for someone special.

Experience Cacao with I AM BEING

There is something wonderful about preparing cacao at home.

But there is also something deeply meaningful about coming together with others to share the experience.

At I AM BEING, we offer cacao ceremonies, private experiences and wellbeing gatherings that invite you to explore cacao in a welcoming and thoughtful environment.

Our sessions bring together cacao with practices such as meditation, breathwork, restorative movement and sound.

They are opportunities to learn more about the ingredient, connect with others and enjoy time away from the constant demands of everyday life.

Whether you would like to join one of our upcoming ceremonies, arrange a private cacao experience or explore cacao for your workplace or event, we would love to hear from you.

We also welcome enquiries from wellness practitioners, studios, retailers and businesses interested in stocking our ceremonial cacao coins.

Visit I AM BEING to explore ceremonies, experiences and enquiries

A Final Thought: Make Space to Simply Be

At I AM BEING, cacao is so much more than a product.

It is an invitation.

An invitation to slow down when life feels fast.

To reconnect when you feel distracted.

To create moments of togetherness when life feels busy.

And to remember that you do not always need to be doing, achieving or becoming something else.

Sometimes you can simply be.

Our ceremonial cacao coins were created with this philosophy at their heart.

Beautiful cacao, thoughtfully sourced and prepared, made easier to enjoy in the moments that matter to you.

Whether you drink cacao alone in the quiet of the morning, share it with someone you love or join us for a ceremony, we hope it becomes a small but meaningful part of your life.

Being. Being together.

Discover I AM BEING Ceremonial Cacao

Important information: Ceremonial cacao is a food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent medical conditions. Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before consuming larger servings.