We all have our morning routines, and most often that involves a hot drink to kickstart the day. From a cup of tea or morning coffee to a vibrant matcha, there’s a whole array of drinks to choose from. But what about cacao? This superfood holds a whole host of benefits, so is cacao good to drink in the morning? In this blog, we explore why it could be the perfect start to your day. 

• What is Cacao? 
• The Nutritional Benefits of Cacao
• Cacao as a Morning Energy Boost
• How to Incorporate Cacao into Your Morning Routine
• Is Cacao Good to Drink in the Morning?
• Cacao Lattes by Sweet Revolution 

What is Cacao? 

Cacao is the rawest, unprocessed form of chocolate and comes from the seeds (cacao beans) of the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The word ‘Theobroma’ translates to “food of the gods”, highlighting the value ancient civilisations have placed on this remarkable plant for centuries. The Aztecs and Mayans had a deep respect for cacao, using it in sacred rituals and ceremonies. In fact, cacao beans were so prized that they were even used as currency.

Cacao ceremonies are still practised today and are spiritual gatherings where participants consume ceremonial-grade cacao in a ritualistic context. These ceremonies are designed to open the heart, foster community, and deepen one’s connection with the natural world. The process involves mindfulness and a meditative state, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao beyond its nutritional, health and wellbeing properties.

The Nutritional Benefits of Cacao

Cacao is often thought of as a superfood, and for good reason. It is packed with essential nutrients that offer a host of health benefits, great news for chocolate lovers! 

Antioxidants

Cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation within the body, protecting cells against any damage. Scientific studies have shown that consuming cacao can lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke and have also been shown to help with viral infections.

Minerals

Cacao is a great source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese. Magnesium is important as it supports muscle and nerve function, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps maintain a steady heartbeat. The great thing about cacao is that it has one of the highest levels of magnesium of any plant food, promoting relaxation and bone health.

Mood Enhancers

Cacao contains compounds like theobromine, phenylethylamine and epicatechin which can enhance mood and energy. These compounds stimulate the production of endorphins and serotonin, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Eating cacao literally makes you feel good!

Healthy Fats

The fats in cacao are primarily healthy, monounsaturated fats that can support heart health.

Dietary Fibre

Cacao provides dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help maintain a healthy weight.

How to Drink Cacao 

Cacao can be enjoyed in lots of different ways but the traditional and most enjoyable way, in our eyes, is to consume it as a drink. Here, the cacao beans are ground down into a powder and combined with water or milk to create a creamy, delicious drink. Sweeteners can be added to enhance the taste and you could even experiment by adding other ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon. You could make your own cacao drink from scratch, or use a ready-made bend, such as our Cacao Latte SuperBlends. 

Cacao as a Morning Energy Boost

When thinking about whether cacao is good to drink in the morning, you’ll need to consider if you’re after a morning energy boost! Unlike coffee, which primarily relies on caffeine to provide a jolt of energy, cacao offers a more balanced and sustained energy boost, largely due to the presence of theobromine, which is a stimulant similar to caffeine but with a gentler effect on the central nervous system. Theobromine can increase alertness and energy without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee, making it a great alternative for those sensitive to caffeine or who don’t enjoy the taste of coffee. 

In addition, the combination of theobromine with other mood-enhancing compounds in cacao can promote a sense of wellbeing, calmness and mental clarity which makes cacao an excellent choice for those seeking a morning ritual that not only energises but also uplifts the mood and supports cognitive function.

How to Incorporate Cacao into Your Morning Routine

Incorporating cacao into your morning routine can be both simple and enjoyable. As already mentioned, you can consume cacao as your morning beverage, creating a warming and delicious start to your day, either with water or with your milk of choice to make a creamy cacao latte. You could also try an iced cacao, perfect in hotter weather or when you fancy something more refreshing. 

Other ideas include adding a cacao blend to a morning smoothie to increase its nutrient content, incorporating it into your baking or mixed into a warming bowl of porridge or overnight oats. 

Is Cacao Good to Drink in the Morning?

Considering its numerous benefits, cacao is indeed good to drink in the morning. As well as being delicious, it also offers a wealth of nutrients, a balanced energy boost, and mood-enhancing properties, all of which can contribute to a healthier and more productive day ahead. Additionally, the versatility of cacao allows it to be incorporated into various recipes, making it easy to enjoy in different forms.

Cacao Lattes by Sweet Revolution 

For those looking to elevate their morning beverage beyond the usual coffee or tea, our Sweet Revolution Cacao Latte Blends provide a delightful and nutritious alternative. Using high-quality, organic Criollo cacao from the beautiful rainforest of Peru, without the bitterness present in lower-quality cacao, the added presence of chaga mushrooms for an added antioxidant kick, and a touch of sweetness from unrefined coconut nectar, makes for the perfect upgrade to a traditional hot chocolate. 

Discover our other wellness drinks and blends by clicking here.