Ceremonial Grade Cacao (Grated)

Please note: This product is now sourced from Hacienda Victoria and supplied in a kraft pouch. Some images may show the previous Hacienda Limón glass jar while photography is updated.

Pure cacao. No processing shortcuts. No compromise.

Heirloom Arriba Nacional cacao, carefully processed and prepared for daily use.

Made from whole cacao beans, this ceremonial-grade cacao retains its naturally occurring cocoa butter, flavour and distinctive character.

Sourced from Hacienda Victoria in Ecuador and finely grated for convenient preparation. A rich, traditional cacao drink without the need for added ingredients.

288g | Approx. 12 Servings

• Single-estate Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao

• Sourced from Hacienda Victoria, Cerecita, Guayas

• Naturally occurring cacao polyphenols and theobromine

• Whole cacao paste, grated for easy preparation

• No additives or alkalisation

• Supplied from within the UK

Overview

After three years of research, sourcing, and refinement, we decided to approach cacao properly.

This product was developed alongside close partners with generational cacao knowledge rooted in Ecuador. The focus was simple. Source high-quality heirloom material and handle it with care.

The result is a true ceremonial-grade cacao. Not bulk cocoa powder. Whole cacao, selected for its origin, processing and flavour.

• Single-estate cacao from Cerecita, Guayas, Ecuador

• Crafted using heirloom Nacional Arriba cacao

• Cultivated near Ecuador's Pacific coastal hills

• Produced using carefully controlled fermentation methods

Why This Cacao

• Single-estate Arriba Nacional cacao from Hacienda Victoria

• Focus on the whole cacao composition, not isolated metrics

• Traditional processing methods retained

• Selected for origin, flavour and quality rather than yield alone

Not all cacao is the same. Bean variety, fermentation, roasting and processing all influence the finished product.

Here, those details are central to what makes the cacao distinctive.

Key Characteristics

• Naturally occurring polyphenols and flavanols

• Theobromine as the primary naturally occurring alkaloid

• Retains the cocoa butter present in whole cacao paste

• Contains naturally occurring minerals and amino acid compounds

• Finely grated for straightforward measuring and preparation

Potential Use

Ceremonial cacao is traditionally prepared as a rich cacao drink and can be enjoyed as part of a wider daily routine.

It is particularly suited to:

• Preparing a traditional ceremonial-style cacao drink

• Enjoying a full-bodied alternative to coffee

• Incorporating cacao into a morning or afternoon ritual

• Those who prefer pure cacao without added sugar or flavourings

Cacao does contain naturally occurring caffeine, so it should not be regarded as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee.

Composition / Structure

Cacao is a naturally complex material, not a single active compound.

Its profile includes:

• Polyphenols and flavanols

• Methylxanthines, primarily theobromine

• Naturally occurring cocoa butter

• Minerals and amino acid compounds naturally present in cacao

Unlike cocoa powder, which is produced after much of the cocoa butter has been pressed out, grated whole cacao retains the natural fat content of the cacao paste.

That contributes to its rich texture, mouthfeel and character when prepared as a drink.

Processing / Production

This cacao is produced using traditional methods, with minimal intervention.

• Beans are hand sorted to remove defective material

• Gently roasted to develop flavour

• Husk removed and nibs cracked

• Stone ground into a paste

• Set into blocks and finely grated

No alkalisation. No unnecessary additives. No processing shortcuts.

Quality & Sourcing

• Hacienda Victoria, Cerecita, Guayas, Ecuador

• Single-estate Arriba Nacional cacao

• Estate focused on preserving the Nacional Arriba variety

• Carefully managed fermentation to develop a distinctive flavour profile

Hacienda Victoria is situated near Ecuador's Pacific coast, where the estate has developed its cultivation and fermentation methods around the character of Nacional Arriba cacao.

Environmental conditions, bean selection and fermentation all contribute to the finished flavour.

Arriba Nacional is recognised for its fine-flavour character, particularly its floral and aromatic qualities.

Cacao vs Cocoa

Ceremonial cacao and cocoa powder are not the same product.

• Grated ceremonial cacao is made from whole cacao paste, retaining its naturally occurring cocoa butter

• Cocoa powder is produced by pressing cacao paste to remove much of the cocoa butter, then grinding the remaining solids

• Cocoa powder may be natural or alkalised; not all cocoa powder undergoes alkalisation

• Whole grated cacao produces a richer, fuller-bodied drink because it retains more of the original cacao fat

Neither format is automatically better for every purpose. Cocoa powder is useful for baking and lighter drinks. Grated whole cacao is particularly suited to a rich, traditional cacao preparation.

For a combined approach, see our Cacao Adaptogen Blend, which incorporates mushroom and adaptogen extracts directly into cacao liquor.

Sensory Profile

Hacienda Victoria cacao is typically associated with:

• Floral cacao blossom

• Soft caramel sweetness

• Creamy dark chocolate

• Roasted hazelnut finish

A full-bodied cacao with a smooth, rich character when prepared in warm water or milk.

Who It’s For

• Those looking for a rich alternative to their usual coffee

• Individuals who enjoy preparing ceremonial-style cacao drinks

• People building simple morning or afternoon routines

• Anyone seeking single-estate, minimally processed whole cacao

• Those who prefer grated cacao for straightforward preparation

How to Use

• Add 20 to 25g of grated cacao to a little hot water and stir into a smooth paste

• Gradually add approximately 250–300ml of warm water or milk of choice

• Heat gently and stir until thoroughly combined

• Do not boil

• Adjust the quantity and consistency to preference

Important Information

Enjoy as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Contains naturally occurring caffeine. Not recommended for young children or those sensitive to caffeine.

If pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, consult a healthcare professional before use.