M+LIFE : Why Cacao Is the New Wellness Essential

Somewhere between the lukewarm coffee on the worktop and the cocoa dusted babyccino at the café, a quiet ritual is rising: cacao.

Not to be confused with hot chocolate, ceremonial cacao is the raw, pure form of the cacao bean; it is unprocessed, unrefined, and deeply nourishing. Think less sugar rush, more slow exhale.

Cacao, often called the original superfood, has been used in sacred rituals for centuries. Today, it’s being embraced by the UK wellness movement not just for its nutritional profile packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds, but for its ability to support calm, clarity, and emotional wellbeing.

Daily cacao drinking is also on the rise, and it’s quietly becoming a staple for health conscious women looking to swap caffeine for something more intentional.

So much so, Keith’s Cacao, the world’s first ceremonial grade brand, has expanded its UK operations to meet growing demand.

So what exactly is it and how do you drink it?

Ceremonial cacao comes in solid form. You shave or chop a little off (around 28g), whisk it into hot water, and you can sweeten it with maple syrup or warm it with spices like cinnamon or vanilla.

The taste is rich and earthy, quite different from the sweetness of instant hot chocolate. But that’s the point. It’s not designed to be gulped on the go, it’s more of a slow pause in a cup.

What are the benefits of it?

Cacao is a seriously nourishing superfood, loaded with more antioxidants than blueberries or green teaand packed with minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and zinc.

It’s full of plant compounds that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and support your heart.

But cacao isn’t just good for the body—it’s a mood and brain booster too. With natural chemicals like the “bliss molecule” anandamide, plus tryptophan and PEA, it helps lift your spirits and calm your mind.

Theobromine gives you a gentle energy boost without the jitters you get from caffeine, so you can stay sharp and focused.

Loved since ancient times as “food of the gods,” cacao is still used in ceremonies to open the heart and bring a sense of calm.

On top of all that, it’s great for digestion, skin health, hormone balance, and overall energy, basically a little daily boost for your whole body.

What Is a Cacao Ceremony?

Ceremonial cacao is growing in popularity from yoga studios and meditation retreats to corporate wellness sessions. At its heart, it’s a simple, personal ritual that invites stillness, softness, and presence.

Gizelle Renee-Thorpe, Head of UK for Keith’s Cacao, says: “Cacao ceremonies are becoming much more popular and widespread, and we’re delighted that the UK is embracing the power of cacao and this most interesting beverage. Having trained as a cacao practitioner myself, it’s amazing to see the impact it can have on wellbeing.”

Why are mums particularly embracing it?

There’s something about cacao that feels deeply nurturing and not just nutritionally. For many women, that gentle invitation to pause and reconnect is reason enough to explore cacao for themselves.

In spiritual circles, the plant is often referred to as “Mother Cacao,” a feminine, heart opening energy believed to support connection, healing, and emotional clarity.

Even if that language feels a little too esoteric, the act of preparing and sipping cacao can still be a grounding ritual in the noise of daily life.

Many women are replacing their morning coffee with it, especially on days when anxiety feels close to the surface. Others carve out five minutes in their day, using it as a quiet moment to reset.

With no caffeine jitters thanks to the gentler theobromine, it offers sustained energy, improved focus, and a subtle lift in mood without the crash.

Can children have it?

Ceremonial cacao is safe in small amounts but the taste which is rich, bitter, unsweetened might not appeal to little palates. That said, some parents adapt it with more water or milk, offering it as an occasional, pared back version of a treat.

Whether you’re spiritually curious or simply caffeine weary, there’s something deeply comforting about letting a warm mug of cacao become a small act of self care.

So next time you find yourself reaching for your usual cup, consider swapping it for cacao and see the benefits for yourself.

Keith’s Cacao is available to buy in the UK via www.keithscacao.com