Cacao: the drink that just gets you. Whether you're looking for a gentle morning pick-me-up or the perfect way to wind down in the evening, cacao is there. But when you drink it can make all the difference.

So, should cacao be your morning motivator or your nighttime ritual? Let’s break it down.

Your new morning ritual

If coffee makes you jittery, anxious, or leaves you crashing by midday, it might be time for a new morning ritual. Enter cacao.

Why it works in the AM:

1. A smoother, steadier energy boost – Unlike coffee, cacao contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that provides a slow-release energy lift without the crash or jitters.

2. Less caffeine than tea – While cacao does have a small amount of caffeine, it’s significantly lower than coffee, meaning you get alertness without feeling overstimulated.

3. Supports focus & productivity – Theobromine works alongside flavonoids to increase blood flow to the brain, helping with mental clarity and concentration.

4. Mood-boosting benefits – Cacao is packed with anandamide (the ‘bliss molecule’) and tryptophan, which supports serotonin production—aka, a natural mood booster.

5. Great for digestion – Cacao is high in fibre, which can support gut health and keep things moving.

Who should drink cacao in the morning?

• If coffee makes you jittery, anxious, or disrupts your stomach
• If you want a more sustained energy boost without an afternoon slump
• If you like having a morning ritual that feels grounding and indulgent

How to make your AM cacao:

• Blend with hot water or coconut milk for a creamy morning pick-me-up
• Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the bitterness (trust us)
• Froth it up for extra texture—foam makes everything better

Try swapping your coffee for cacao for a week and see how you feel. The results might surprise you.

Your wind down routine

If winding down at the end of the day feels like a struggle, cacao might be the ritual your evenings are missing.

Why it works in the PM:

1. Rich in magnesium – One of cacao’s biggest benefits is its high magnesium content, which helps relax your muscles, calm your nervous system, and support deep sleep.

2. A cosy, grounding ritual – Drinking a warm cup of cacao before bed feels indulgent and soothing, helping you shift into wind-down mode.

3. No sugar spikes – Unlike traditional hot chocolate, pure cacao is sugar-free, meaning no blood sugar rollercoaster before bed.

4. Supports mood & stress relief – Cacao is naturally high in GABA and tryptophan, which help regulate stress and support a sense of calm.

Who should drink cacao at night?

• If you struggle to wind down and relax before bed
• If you need a ritual to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep
• If you’re looking for a sugar-free, natural alternative to hot chocolate
  
  

How to make your PM cacao:

• Blend with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra cosiness
• Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup if you like a little sweetness
• Drink it at least 1-2 hours before bed for the best results

But What If Cacao Keeps Me Awake?

Here’s where things get personal. While cacao has far less caffeine than coffee, it still contains theobromine, which can have a stimulating effect on some people.

So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, drinking cacao at night might be too energising for you. The theobromine can still increase alertness and focus, which is great for the morning—but not so much when you’re trying to sleep.

How to know if cacao is too stimulating for nighttime:

• If you struggle to fall asleep after drinking it
• If you feel restless or more alert than usual after your evening cacao
• If you tend to be sensitive to coffee, tea, or chocolate at night

What to do instead? Stick to your AM cacao ritual and choose something like a chamomile or valerian root tea in the evening.

So… Should You Drink Cacao in the Morning or at Night?

Here’s the simple way to decide:

• If you’re sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, drink cacao in the morning.
• If you struggle to unwind and need a magnesium boost, drink cacao at night.
• If you’re somewhere in between, experiment and see what works for you!
  
  

Either way, cacao is your daily dose of calm energy, focus, and feel-good vibes. It’s just about figuring out your moment.

Ready to Find Your Cacao Ritual?

Shop our pure cacao and start your new AM or PM ritual today.

Shop Cacao →

P.S. AM, PM… both? We’re not judging.