One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “How much ceremonial cacao should I use?”

The answer depends on why you’re drinking it.

Some people enjoy a small cup every morning before work. Others prepare a larger serving for meditation, journalling or a cacao ceremony.

There’s no single “correct” amount. It’s more important to listen to your body and choose a serving that feels right for you.

If You’re New to Ceremonial Cacao

If this is your first experience with ceremonial cacao, I’d always recommend starting with a smaller serving.

A cup made with 10–15g of cacao is a wonderful introduction. It allows you to become familiar with the flavour and discover how your body responds before exploring larger servings. Next you could try 28g; for many people this is enough and they don’t feel the need to go higher than this. Listen to your body. There is no point making yourself feel sick by drinking what everyone tells you is the “right amount” if half as much is all you need or want.

A Simple Guide to Serving Sizes

Everyday Ritual

10–15g

Ideal if you:

• Enjoy ceremonial cacao as part of your morning routine.
• Replace a cup of coffee.
• Want a mindful start to the day.
• Simply enjoy the rich flavour of pure cacao.

Many people find this becomes their favourite way to enjoy ceremonial cacao.

Reflective Practice

28g

This is a lovely amount if you’re planning to spend a little more time with your cacao.

You might enjoy this serving before:

• Meditation.
• Journalling.
• Yoga.
• Creative work.
• Breathwork.
• Sound healing.

It offers the opportunity to slow down without necessarily becoming a full ceremonial serving.

Ceremonial Serving

Around 28g

Many practitioners use around 28g for a ceremonial serving.

This amount is often chosen for group ceremonies or longer personal practices where the cacao forms part of a more intentional experience.

Remember, the cacao itself doesn’t create the ceremony.

Keith Wilson, founder of Keith’s Cacao, often reminded people:

“Cacao opens the door. It’s up to you to walk through it.”

The quality of your experience comes far more from your intention than from the number of grams in your mug.

Bigger Isn’t Better

It’s easy to assume that more cacao must create a better experience.

In reality, that’s rarely the case.

Many experienced practitioners happily enjoy 10–15g every day, reserving larger servings for special occasions.

Rather than asking, “How much can I drink?”, it’s more helpful to ask: “How much feels right for me today?”

Factors That Can Affect Your Experience

Everyone responds differently. Some of the things that may influence your experience include:

• Your body weight.
• Whether you’ve eaten recently.
• Your sensitivity to theobromine.
• How often you drink ceremonial cacao.
• Your overall health.
• The environment you’re in.

Can You Drink Too Much?

Like anything, yes.

Drinking significantly more ceremonial cacao than your body is comfortable with may lead to unpleasant effects such as feeling overstimulated or experiencing digestive discomfort. Drinking too much will make you feel queasy, but for most people it isn’t dangerous. However if you have low blood pressure or heart conditions, you should be cautious with how much you drink in one serving, as cacao lowers the blood pressure and the heart rate.

Ceremonial cacao is best enjoyed slowly and mindfully rather than consumed in large quantities.

Is a Smaller Serving Less Effective?

Not at all. One of the biggest misconceptions about ceremonial cacao is that the experience depends on drinking more.

In my experience, the most meaningful moments rarely come from increasing the serving size. They come from slowing down. A small cup, enjoyed with presence and intention, can be every bit as valuable as a larger ceremonial serving.

During my trip to Keith’s Cacao in Guatemala, we drank cacao in ceremony every day and we never had more than 28g at a time. I rarely exceed 28g at a time now.

Is Ceremonial Cacao Suitable for Everyone?

Although ceremonial cacao is simply pure cacao, larger servings aren’t suitable for everyone.

If you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, or take MAOI or SSRI medication, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional before drinking ceremonial servings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just beginning your ceremonial cacao journey, start with 10–15g.

Take your time. Notice how your body responds.

Enjoy the process of preparing your cup.

As your relationship with ceremonial cacao develops, you’ll naturally discover the serving that feels right for you.

There is no perfect amount, only the amount that’s right for you on that particular day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink ceremonial cacao every day?

Many people do. A daily serving of 10–15g is a popular choice.

Is 28g too much for beginners?

It can be. If you’re new to ceremonial cacao, I’d recommend beginning with 10–15g and gradually exploring larger servings if you wish.

Do I need a ceremonial serving every time?

No. Plenty of people enjoy ceremonial cacao as part of their everyday routine using a much smaller serving.

Can I have more than one cup a day?

Some people do, but it’s generally better to begin with one serving and become familiar with how your body responds before increasing the amount.

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Further Reading

• What Is Ceremonial Cacao?
• How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao
• Does Ceremonial Cacao Contain Caffeine?
• Cacao Journal
• Keith’s Ceremonial Cacao