Frequently asked questions
What is ceremonial cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure organic cacao paste made from whole cacao beans, with the natural cacao butter still intact. It is less processed than cocoa powder and has a richer, fuller taste and texture.
At DOSE, we use ceremonial cacao in a format designed to fit real life - perfectly portioned, and easy to enjoy every day.
What does ceremonial mean exactly?
Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao paste in its traditional drinking form. This means it's minimally processed, rich in natural cacao butter, and designed to be enjoyed as a proper cacao drink. It is less about one specific bean and more about the purity, processing, and style of the cacao.
Why is it called ceremonial cacao?
The term comes from cacao’s history of being used as a sacred and valued drink in Mesoamerican cultures, including by the Maya and Aztec. Because it was prepared and shared in important cultural and ceremonial settings, pure drinking cacao is often referred to today as ceremonial cacao which is often used in more Westernised Cacao Ceremonies and ritual settings.
Where does DOSE source its cacao from?
Sourcing is important to us. Our cacao is organic Peruvian cacao, sourced through local farming communities across the high Amazon region.
The beans are harvested, fermented, dried and stone-ground into a rich cacao paste before being made into DOSE discs.
We work with cacao that honours both quality and origin - supporting small-scale farming, ensuring fair wage, traditional processing and a more considered way of enjoying cacao.
How is DOSE different from regular cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is typically made by pressing cacao to remove much of the cacao butter. Ceremonial cacao keeps that natural fat content, which gives it more richness, body, and depth.
That is why DOSE feels more like a proper cacao drink than a light hot chocolate or standard hot cocoa. You get all the benefits, nutrients and antioxidants of cacao, without all of the additions.
What makes DOSE different?
DOSE makes ceremonial cacao easier to enjoy. Instead of chopping a block, shaving cacao or guessing your serve, each disc is perfectly portioned and ready to melt into your daily cup.
DOSE is designed to provide daily moments that everyone can enjoy, no matter how chaotic life gets.
How do I prepare DOSE?
For the drinkable range, simply add your disc to hot water or warm milk, stir or whisk until smooth, and sip.
You can keep it plain, or add a little maple or honey if you prefer a sweeter taste. Some even like to add a dash of spice.
To get creative, head to our Moments page for recipes, creation ideas and more.
Can I have DOSE every day?
Yes. DOSE was designed for daily use.
Does DOSE contain sugar?
No. DOSE is made without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
The only additions are a small amount of sea salt and cinnamon for taste. If you like your cacao sweeter, you can add your own sweetener when preparing it. Many enjoy theirs with a splash of maple or honey.
Is DOSE sweet?
Not in the way hot chocolate is.
DOSE has the rich, deep taste of pure cacao, so it is more intense, earthy, and grown-up than a sugary drinking chocolate. If you are new to ceremonial cacao, you may prefer to add a little maple or honey at first.
Can I drink DOSE at night?
Many people enjoy cacao later in the day, but it depends on your sensitivity to stimulating foods.
Because cacao naturally contains theobromine, some people find it fine in the evening, while others prefer it earlier. If you're unsure, simply start with a smaller serve in the evening to gauge how you respond.
Is ceremonial cacao the same as hot chocolate?
No.
Hot chocolate is usually sweeter and more dessert-like, often highly processed and made with cocoa powder, sugar, and other added ingredients. Ceremonial cacao is closer to pure cacao paste, with a richer texture and more depth.
Does DOSE contain allergens?
DOSE has no declared allergens.
How should I store DOSE?
Store DOSE in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
Because cacao is sensitive to temperature, keeping it out of warm conditions will help preserve texture and finish.
What is bloom, and is it normal?
Yes bloom is completely normal. It can appear as a light or slightly white or light brown finish on the surface of the cacao when temperatures shift. It is simply the natural cacao butter rising to the surface, and it does not affect the quality or safety of the product.
Can I use milk instead of water?
Yes. You can prepare DOSE with hot water, warm milk, or your preferred plant milk. Many enjoy a mix or both water and milk.
Is DOSE organic?
Yes. DOSE is made with 100% organic Peruvian Criollo cacao paste.
Can DOSE still be used in ceremony?
Yes, Absolutely!
DOSE was created to make ceremonial cacao fit real life, not only the slow mornings or more intentional moments, but also the everyday ones.
But it also works incredibly well within circles and ceremonies, where the simplicity allows you to focus less on preparation and more on presence, connection and the moment itself.
I’m new to ceremonial cacao. Where should I start?
Start with The Daily.
It is the easiest entry point into the range and the simplest way to get familiar with the taste, texture, and preparation of ceremonial cacao before trying a fuller serve like The Deep (coming soon).
Can I wholesale DOSE in my cafe or shop?
Absolutely, to get in touch and discuss wholesale, please use our contact form
Can I get some DOSE products for my event or retreat?
Of course, we love supporting incredible events that pair well with DOSE. We can look to offer wholesale rates for aligned brands, or alternatively have individual sample discs to sell at a promotional partner rate. Drop us a line via the contact form.