Cacao is having a major moment — and for good reason. It’s rich, earthy, and feels like a ritual in a cup. But if you’ve been using ceremonial cacao or sipping Moksha’s drinking cacao to start your day, you might be wondering: Does cacao have caffeine? And if so, how does it compare to coffee or tea?
The short answer? Yes — a little. But the story is way more interesting than that.
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: What Is Cacao, Really?
Before we dive into caffeine content, it’s important to understand what we’re talking about when we say cacao.
- Cacao refers to the raw or minimally processed form of the Theobroma cacao bean — often stone-ground or shaved into paste.
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Cocoa is a misspelling that stuck and is generally used to describe processed cacao like cocoa powder.
- Chocolate is what you get when cacao (or cocoa) is blended with sugar, milk, or other ingredients.
Ceremonial cacao, like what we use at Moksha, is as close to the whole bean as you can get — lovingly prepared to preserve its natural compounds.
So... Does Cacao Contain Caffeine?
Yes — but it’s a small amount.
A 1-ounce serving (about 28 grams) of ceremonial cacao paste contains roughly 10 to 25 mg of caffeine depending on origin and processing method¹. For comparison:
- 8 oz cup of coffee: ~95–120 mg caffeine
- 8 oz cup of black tea: ~40–70 mg caffeine
- 8 oz serving of cacao: ~10–25 mg caffeine
That’s about one-quarter the caffeine of coffee, or less — making it a gentler option for people who are sensitive to caffeine or trying to cut back.
Theobromine: Cacao’s Primary Energizer
While cacao contains some caffeine, the real star of the show is theobromine — a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the same family as caffeine.
Theobromine is found in much higher quantities in cacao than caffeine, typically 200–400 mg per ounce of cacao paste². It has a mild stimulating effect, but works differently than caffeine:
- It acts more slowly and lasts longer.
- It stimulates the cardiovascular system rather than the central nervous system³.
- Many people describe it as a “calm focus” — without the jittery spike or crash.
Unlike caffeine, theobromine isn’t usually associated with anxiety or interrupted sleep. That’s why some people choose cacao as a more sustainable daily ritual.
Does Cacao Give You Energy?
Many people feel more awake, clear-headed, or grounded after drinking ceremonial cacao — but that’s not just the caffeine. Cacao contains a unique combination of naturally occurring compounds:
- Magnesium, an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes⁴
- Flavanols, plant-based antioxidants that support blood flow⁵
- Anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule” (found in small amounts in cacao)⁶
- Theobromine, of course — a smooth, mood-supportive stimulant
These compounds may work together to create a feeling of alert calmness. However, it's important to note that while people often report emotional or physical effects, these haven’t been evaluated by the FDA and individual experiences vary.
Why Cacao Feels Different Than Coffee
If you’ve ever had coffee on an empty stomach (and regretted it), you’re not alone. Coffee works fast, but often comes with a crash — or the shakes.
Cacao, on the other hand:
- Releases more gradually
- Feels less “edgy”
- Doesn’t spike your cortisol in the same way caffeine can⁷
This makes it a beautiful option for a morning ritual, midday creative session, or evening wind-down — depending on your body and your goals.
Cacao and Ritual: More Than Just a Buzz
One of the most powerful things about drinking cacao isn’t just what it does chemically — it’s how you consume it.
Making a cup of ceremonial cacao is an intentional, slow process. That alone can create space for reflection, journaling, meditation, or creativity. For many people, the routine of preparing cacao is just as important as what’s in the cup.
And while we’re not making any medical claims here, we do believe in the beauty of slowing down and connecting with yourself through plants, tradition, and sensory experience.
So, Is Cacao Right for You?
If you're looking to transition away from coffee, reduce caffeine, or add something nourishing to your daily routine, cacao could be the perfect fit.
You’ll still get a gentle lift from a small amount of caffeine and theobromine — but without the crash. And if you're craving a ritual that supports mindfulness, focus, and presence, ceremonial cacao offers so much more than just an energy boost.
Try It for Yourself
At Moksha Chocolate, we source our ceremonial cacao with intention — from ethical, small-batch farms to your cup. It’s stone-ground, minimally processed, and made to support your ritual however you define it.
Want to explore ceremonial cacao?
Shop our drinking cacao →
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database
- Drennan, D. et al., "Theobromine and caffeine content in chocolate products", Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
- Mitchell, E. S. et al., "Theobromine: A Vascular Effect?", Nutrition & Metabolism, 2011
- NIH Magnesium Fact Sheet
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Cocoa Flavanols
- Di Marzo V., et al., "Endocannabinoids and the regulation of their levels in health and disease", Current Opinion in Lipidology
- Lovallo, W.R., "Caffeine and stress: a review of effects on mood, performance and cardiovascular activity in human studies", Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
