Many people ask whether ceremonial cacao is the same as chocolate, or if they can be used interchangeably.
The truth is that they are not the same, even though they come from the same fruit.
One Fruit, Two Different Paths
Both ceremonial cacao and chocolate originate from the Theobroma cacao tree.
However, the process each one follows is very different.
- Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao, with no sugar, milk, or additives.
- Chocolate usually contains sugar, milk, added fats, and other ingredients.
What Is Ceremonial Cacao?
The ceremonial cacao we use at Sumay is:
- Pure: only cacao, no additives.
- Medicinal: preserves its energetic and emotional properties.
- Single-origin: grown by communities in Peru and Ecuador.
- Ethical and sustainable: fair trade and non-hybrid varieties.
- It is used for rituals, grounding practices, emotional connection, and as a healthy, energising drink.
And What About Chocolate?
Chocolate, while delicious, is a different type of product:
- It is processed and contains sugar.
- Often includes milk and additives.
- It is enjoyed as a treat, not as a medicine.
It is not “bad”; it simply serves another purpose.
And at Sumay we believe there is room for both, as long as you know what you are choosing.
So Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on what you’re seeking:
- If you want natural energy, clarity, emotional openness, and connection, choose pure ceremonial cacao.
- If you want a sweet, pleasurable bite, choose a good artisan chocolate.
Both have their place, their moment, and their intention.
Medicinal Cacao to Return to the Origin
At Sumay we offer cacao that respects its origin and power.
An ancestral, pure, vibrant food that supports your rituals and your daily life.
Because it is not only about flavour, but also presence, respect, and awareness.
