Our Pure, Organic Ingredients
At Barista Cacao, we believe that exceptional taste begins with exceptional ingredients. That’s why we craft our elevated chocolate drink using only the finest 100% organic ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully selected to create a harmonious blend that is both indulgent and naturally balanced.
Premium Organic Cacao
Experience the pure, natural taste of our ceremonial-grade cacao, crafted from the finest South American cacao varieties like Arriba Nacional from Ecuador and Criollo from Peru, renowned for their natural acidity and complexity.
Minimally Processed
We are dedicated to preserving the cacao’s authentic flavor and beneficial compounds by sourcing the best natural beans and employing minimal processing techniques. Unlike conventional methods that involve dark roasting, we utilize low-temperature fermentation and gently heat the cacao only briefly to eliminate bacteria without compromising its integrity. This careful approach ensures that the cacao retains its inherent richness, allowing you to savor it in its most natural form.
What Is Ceremonial-Grade Cacao?
Ceremonial-grade cacao refers to the highest quality cacao beans that are traditionally used in ceremonial practices, particularly in South and Central America. This grade of cacao is characterized by:
- Purity and Quality: Sourced from premium varieties like Arriba Nacional from Ecuador and Criollo from Peru, known for their exceptional flavor profiles.
- Minimal Processing: The beans are processed gently to preserve their natural nutrients, flavors, and aromas.
- Ethical Sourcing: Often cultivated by small, organic farmers using sustainable practices that honor the land and local communities.
Our Approach to ‘Raw’ Cacao
The term “raw cacao” is commonly used but isn’t officially regulated. While some products are labeled as raw, truly raw cacao beans can contain harmful bacteria if not properly treated.
Our approach prioritizes both safety and quality:
- Low-Temperature Fermentation: We ferment our beans at controlled low temperatures to develop complex flavors without excessive heat.
- Gentle Heating: We lightly heat the cacao just enough to eliminate any harmful bacteria, ensuring the product is safe while retaining its beneficial compounds.
- Preserving Natural Integrity: This method maintains the cacao’s natural flavors and nutrients, offering you a pure and wholesome product.
Organic Mushrooms
Our Barista Cacao is thoughtfully infused with a blend of organic mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Reishi. While our primary goal is to enhance flavour with a sense of earthiness and depth, these mushrooms are known as functional mushrooms.
Functional benefits
Immune System Support: The mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that has been studied for its potential to support the body’s natural immune function.
Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants, these mushrooms may help protect the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
Overall Wellness: The presence of various polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds may contribute to general well-being and vitality.
Types Of Organic Mushrooms
Our Barista Cacao blend includes a selection of seven organic mushrooms:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
-Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
-Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
-Agaricus Blazei (Agaricus blazei)
-Cordyceps Militaris (Cordyceps militaris
Organic Coconut Flower Sugar
Barista Cacao contains approximately 75% less sugar than regular hot chocolate. To gently sweeten our cacao, we use a small amount of organic coconut flower sugar, a natural sweetener derived from the nectar of coconut palm blossoms.
- Low Glycemic Index: Coconut flower sugar has a glycemic index (GI) of approximately 35, which is lower than regular cane sugar (GI around 60–65). A lower GI means it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels, providing a more balanced energy release.
- Healthier Alternative: It’s considered a more nutritious option compared to refined sugars, retaining trace amounts of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
- Minimal Use: We use only a small amount to enhance the cacao’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Organic Coconut Milk Powder
We include organic coconut milk powder to add a creamy texture and subtle richness to our blend.
• Creamy Texture: Enhances the mouthfeel, making your drink luxuriously smooth without the need for dairy.
• Dairy-Free: Ideal for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based alternatives.
• Natural Goodness: Derived from fresh coconuts, it brings a gentle sweetness and is a source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Organic Cinnamon
A touch of organic cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note to our blend.
- Flavor Enhancement: Cinnamon’s sweet and spicy profile complements the richness of cacao, adding depth and complexity.
- Natural Spice: Sourced organically to ensure purity and full-bodied flavor without any artificial additives.
Himalaya Salt
We use a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to balance the flavors.
- Flavor Balance: A small amount enhances the sweetness and brings out the nuanced flavors of cacao and cinnamon.
- Mineral Rich: Contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, contributing to the overall nutritional profile.
Find Barista Cacao Near You
Barista Cacao is now being served at select Cafés — see our list to find a location near you.