cacao & wellbeing
The science
of cacao.
Ceremonial cacao has been used for centuries within ritual and community as a way to energise the body, calm the mind and bring people together.
But beyond the ritual, cacao is also one of nature's most nutrient-rich plants, naturally high in minerals, antioxidants and active compounds that support both body and mind.
At I AM BEING, we believe where cacao comes from matters just as much as what it does.
Because not all cacao is created equally.
what's inside
Four reasons cacao
supports how you feel.
A Gentler Energy
Unlike coffee, ceremonial cacao contains theobromine rather than high levels of caffeine. Theobromine works more slowly within the body, creating a steadier and more sustained kind of energy without the sharp spikes or crashes often associated with coffee.
- Calm but energised
- More focused and present
- Grounded rather than overstimulated
- Emotionally softer and more balanced
A quieter kind of energy. One that lasts.
Rich In Magnesium
Cacao is one of the highest natural plant sources of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in hundreds of functions throughout the body. Modern life can deplete magnesium levels quickly, which is one reason many people instinctively crave chocolate during periods of stress or exhaustion.
- Nervous system regulation
- Muscle relaxation and recovery
- Sleep and restoration
- Hormonal balance
- Focus and mental clarity
Naturally Mood Supporting
Together, these naturally occurring compounds are thought to contribute to the gentle sense of warmth, clarity and emotional openness many people experience when drinking ceremonial cacao. Not in an overwhelming way. In a grounded one.
- Anandamide, often referred to as the "bliss molecule"
- Phenethylamine (PEA), associated with mood and focus
- Tryptophan, which supports serotonin production
High In Antioxidants
Cacao is naturally rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, compounds linked to circulation, heart health, cognitive function and cellular protection. The less processed the cacao, the more of these beneficial compounds remain intact.
Which is why how cacao is grown and produced matters so much.
flores island, indonesia
Why Origin
Matters
I AM BEING ceremonial cacao is handmade on Flores Island, Indonesia, a remote volcanic island where large-scale monoculture never took over.
Cacao is an incredibly delicate plant and can only grow within a narrow belt roughly 20 degrees north and south of the equator, where warmth, humidity, rainfall and soil conditions are in perfect balance.
The cacao grows within biodiverse forest systems amongst vanilla, banana, clove, nutmeg and native jungle canopy, rooted within mineral-rich volcanic soil without the use of chemicals or synthetic fertilisers.
The farms we work with still grow some of the island's oldest cacao trees and legacy clones, varieties that were never replaced by industrial high-yield hybrids.
Complete traceability right back to the farm, supporting regenerative growing practices, stable income and long-term quality development.
how it's made
Tree To Cup
Most cacao brands buy dried beans and process them elsewhere.
We begin with the tree.
Every stage from harvesting and fermentation through to drying, roasting and refinement is carefully overseen directly at origin.
Harvest
Only ripe pods are hand-selected at origin, a careful process that protects the quality and flavour of every batch from the very beginning.
Fermentation
Carefully monitored using traditional banana leaf methods and calibrated turning cycles to create balance, depth and clarity within the cacao.
Drying
The beans are slowly dried within custom-built drying houses, preserving the structure and integrity of the cacao before roasting.
Roasting
Hand roasted to preserve softer fruit notes and natural complexity, a slow process that honours the character of each harvest.
Refinement
Finally refined to an exceptionally smooth texture, creating a cup that feels silky, rich and deeply comforting.
the experience
What You Feel
A cup of ceremonial cacao is something you feel before you even taste it.
Warm in your hands with a soft grounding aroma, it naturally invites the body to slow down. Rich, smooth and deeply comforting with soft notes of vanilla, gentle spice and earthy warmth.
A quiet kind of energy. One that unfolds slowly and lingers long after the final sip.
Not rushed. Not overwhelming.
Just a simple daily ritual designed to support presence, connection and being together.