El Grano de Oro means the Golden Seed. It's the creation of Abuelo Efrén, guardian of ancient cacao wisdom from the historic cultivation region of Miahuatlán, Tabasco, Mexico. The growing region sits at approximately 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level. The cacao is planted, cultivated, and harvested with respect for the ancestry and worldview of the Yokot'an Mayan culture. The cacaotal (cacao farm) is prayed for, sung to, and cared for following Mayan traditions for more than 11 generations. It is fermented for 4-5 days in the dry season, and 5-7 days in the rainy season. PROFILE: Earthy, coarse grind. With only 30mg of caffeine but a high 420mg of theobromine per serving, this cacao also has the unique distinction of a theobromine to caffeine ratio of 14 to 1 – much higher than average.

Because of the deep history behind this cacao, we consider it a "top shelf" option. *Our labels and branding are approved by the producers, and we have their consent to share the cacao for the betterment of humanity.*

WHY IS THE PRICE DIFFERENT? 

For years, the true value of ceremonial cacao has been artificially suppressed. Black market resales and factory-made imitations flooded the market, driving down prices and undermining the indigenous communities who have carried cacao’s sacred traditions forward. In the past we tried to match those prices, but as a legal food business trying to maintain our high ethics, we barely covered our operational costs.

Soul Lift Cacao is proud to lead a historic correction by restoring ceremonial cacao to its rightful worth. This new pricing honors the true labor, lineage, and spirit behind every seed — and helps protect the future of this sacred medicine by ensuring that Soul Lift Cacao can keep serving you and the mission. Read more on our Blog.

HERE IS A COMPILATION OF CLIPS AT ABUELO EFREN'S CACAO FARM (EXPAND TO SEE ENGLISH SUBTITLES)

Cacao has been considered sacred in Mesoamerica for thousands of years, long before the chocolate industry altered the original treasure. It has numerous superfood benefits, and can also deepen introspective practices like yoga and meditation.

Every purchase of this cacao supports Mayan indigenous people through ethical direct trade, and helps them preserve their spiritual traditions and values. For more info about us and our partners, visit our Sources page.

DIRECTIONS
To make a drink of ceremonial cacao, finely chop the cacao. Measure 1/4 cup ground cacao and 6-8 oz of hot water (steaming but not boiling). Mix with a blender (with caution!), handheld frother, or other agitator to fully melt the cacao. Optional: Add a dash of cayenne pepper and natural sweetener to taste. Enjoy!

Cacao can also be added to smoothies, oatmeal, ice cream, and other foods. Experiment with making your own chocolates or bliss balls!

GLUTEN-FREE • VEGAN • SUGAR-FREE • SOY-FREE • NUT-FREE • GMO-FREE • PLANT-BASED • SLAVE-FREE

Product of Guatemala

Ingredients: Pure ceremonial cacao paste (Theobroma cacao)

Storage info: Keep in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigeration not required.

Heavy metal content: This cacao was tested for heavy metals by a third-party laboratory and found to be in a safe range for lead as advised by the FDA, and for cadmium as advised by the EU Commission, in parts per million (ppm). It was also tested for mold and yeast and none was found. Please also see our FAQ post on heavy metals in cacao and chocolate.

*NOTE: Packaging may differ slightly from the photos here. 

*Some melting of cacao paste may occur during shipping. This isn’t a problem in terms of the quality of the cacao, but the shape may be different than pictured. 

*Color and pattern variation is natural for pure artisanal cacao. Smooth white areas are most likely the natural cacao butter. Reach out if you have any questions.

*Please allow up to 7 business days from the time you place your order until you need your cacao to arrive. Thanks for understanding that we cannot process expedited orders at this time.