Firstly, why is there so much hype around cacao?

We’ve received so much lovely feedback since we started out back in July 2021.

But why do people seem to fall so in love with our cacao?

Well! The first reason is that Soma Cacao reportedly tastes particularly divine. We have very carefully selected our cacao based on premium quality - we only sell rare, ‘fine flavoured ’ cacao that has been processed by highly experienced chocolate makers and has been officially recognised through an international award body (Cocoa of Excellence). This is where we differ from other companies selling ‘ceremonial cacao’, and why many of you can taste the difference. You can read more about our cacao and our values here.

The second reason is a little more general. Cacao makes us all feel so darn good, and science is increasingly showing us why. That combined with the premium quality of Soma Cacao = a match made in heaven.

Here are 5 of the most prominent psychoactive compounds in cacao, which you will find in our cacao paste in higher concentrations than other forms of cacao (e.g powder or chocolate). You can read more about the health benefits of cacao on our cacao benefits page.

1. Endocannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid found in cacao is called "anandamine", from the sanskrit word 'ananda' (bliss). Anandamide is responsible for the blissful state we experience from activities like yoga and meditation it is the chemical basis for what we call “runner’s high.”

When consumed in cacao, anandamide interacts with the same endocannabinoid receptors that THC does.

Cacao also contains two compounds that prolong the effects of anandamine.

2. Terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by plants, most of which contain psychoactive compounds. Widely studied in relation to the cannabis industry, a terpene by the name of pinene is what gives pine forests their aroma. Terpenes helps elevate mood, reduce inflammation, and open up respiratory pathways.Three of the most prominent terpenes in cannabis are myrcene, linalool, and ocimene. Each of these terpenes also naturally occur in cacao.

3. Theobromine.

Theobromine is a stimulant. It’s not as strong as caffeine but it lasts longer. Caffeine peaks in the blood 30–40 minutes after ingestion, and has a half-life of 2.5–5 hours, while theobromine attains peak blood concentrations 2–3 hours after ingestion, and has a half-life of 7 –12 hours.

Theobromine has a wide range of benefits, including: improving cognitive function, relaxing smooth muscle tissue, reducing blood pressure, protect tooth enamel, and cough suppressant.

4. Tryptophan.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to serotonin. It has numerous metabolic functions, influencing how we think and feel.

It improves sleep, provides relief from depression and anxiety, helps modulate pain thresholds, and generally increases emotional well-being.

5. Phenylethylamine (PEA).

PEA is a mild stimulant, chemically similar to amphetamine, which is naturally produced in our bodies. It stimulates the central nervous system to release norepinephrine and dopamine, similar to what happens during an orgasm. Our bodies produce especially high amounts of PEA during the infatuation state of a romantic relationship. For this reason, PEA has been called the “love drug.”