Cacao Lab Ceremonial Cacao

From our good friends at Cacao Labs, this original 100% ceremonial-grade cacao, perfect for any mood or moment. Sourced directly from smallholder farms in the pristine highlands of Manabí, Ecuador, this cacao is made with 100% heirloom beans that have grown on the land for over a century. The beans are farmed using traditional methods and fermented exactingly to develop the exquisite floral and fruit notes that the Arriba Nacional variety is so prized for. They are then toasted at low heat to maintain their nutritional value and impart a satisfying richness. Simply the finest cacao we have ever tasted—we think you’ll agree.

The Cacao beans are raised using regenerative agricultural practices and are traditionally fermented. They are then toasted at low heat to maintain their nutritional value and bring out the delicate floral and fruit notes that the Arriba Nacional variety is so prized for.

Ideal for use as a coffee alternative, ceremonies, and rituals for medicinal health and healing.

Health Benefits

Our whole ceremonial-grade cacao is an incredibly healthy food.

Some highlights include:

• High theobromine content and very low caffeine content. Theobromine is a cousin to caffeine but works completely differently. It works primarily on your cardiovascular system rather than your brain, giving you a gentle, long-lasting lift without the jitters and caffeine crash.
• Incredible antioxidant potency. Ceremonial-grade cacao has over 40x the antioxidants of blueberries and is one of the most antioxidant-dense foods in the world.
• One of the best vegan sources of magnesium, which helps relax the body and maintain muscle health.
• The best vegan source of iron.
• Vital source of vitamins A,C,and D and B-complex vitamins B1, B2, and B3.

What is Arriba Nacional Cacao

Arriba Nacional is the heirloom variety of Ecuadorian Cacao. Known for its delicious floral flavors and pungent aromas, it is but 1% of Ecuador’s Cacao production. This exquisite variety with its complex flavor profile is being replaced by GMO Cacao varieties, which are more homogeneous and higher-yielding but less flavorful and nutritious. Our Cacao is made with what remains of the old-growth Cacao trees still present in the province of Manabí, along the banks of the Portoviejo River.