Questions
Here you will find answers to the most common questions we receive at Moruga Cacao.
Here you will find answers to the most common questions we receive at Moruga Cacao.
Preparation
The most common questions about preparing Moruga Cacao.
We recommend 5-10 drops per 200 ml cup.
5 drops make a milder cacao, similar to a latte. 10 drops make it stronger, similar to a flat white (10 drops are about 15 g). You can start gently with less and then add more until it feels perfect for you.
Here is how to prepare it:
1. Choose your liquid: water, milk, or a mix of both (for example 2/3 hot water and 1/3 oat milk for a creamier texture).
2. Heat it: warm the liquid, ideally without using it while it is still boiling.
3. Mix: add the cacao drops and stir well. A milk frother, shaker, or blender gives the creamiest result.
4. Enjoy. If you like, add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla, or sweeten it lightly.
Have fun trying it out.
You can prepare our cacao with water, milk, or a mixture of both. We usually recommend 1/3 milk or plant-based milk and 2/3 hot water. Some studies suggest that cow's milk can slightly reduce the absorption of certain cacao nutrients because milk proteins may react with cacao compounds, so we prefer a plant-based alternative. In the end, of course, what matters most is what tastes best to you.
The water should be around 70°C so your Moruga Cacao melts perfectly and can develop its full character.
In principle, you can drink cacao as hot as you like. It will not become harmful or undrinkable.
However, above around 70-75°C, some heat-sensitive nutrients such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and certain enzymes slowly begin to break down.
That is why we recommend not heating the cacao above 70°C if you want to preserve as many valuable compounds as possible.
In short: drink it as hot as you enjoy it, but for maximum nutrients, below 70°C is ideal.
A simple trick:
If you do not have a temperature display, mix 2 parts boiling water with 1 part cold water. That gives you roughly 70°C.
Of course.
Tonkabohne, nutmeg, pepper, chili, cardamom, orange peel oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and anise all work beautifully with cacao.
For sweetening, we recommend coconut blossom sugar, raw cane sugar, honey, agave syrup, panela, stevia, or xylitol.
Essential oils are especially good for flavoring cacao because they do not create a scratchy drinking sensation.
Yes, you can enjoy Moruga Cacao warm or cold. The important thing is to prepare it warm first, otherwise the drops will not dissolve. Once the cacao is prepared, you can let it cool and even enjoy it with ice cubes. If it cools for a while, the cacao butter may separate a little and the drink can split into a more watery and a fattier part. Usually, a good stir makes it creamy again. Then all that is left is to enjoy it.
Here you can also find a short guide to making iced cacao.
All About Our Cacao
The most common questions about our cacao.
Our cacao naturally contains about 55% cacao butter, the natural fat of the cacao bean. This high-quality plant fat gives the cacao its especially creamy texture and full-bodied taste.
Yes, Moruga Cacao is tested for heavy metals to make sure it meets high quality and safety standards. These tests are part of our quality control process. Heavy metals naturally occur in almost all soils and enter most plants through their roots. Organic growing conditions help us prevent additional heavy metals from entering the soil through external influences. The values measured in our cacao are fully safe and within legal limits. You can also read more on our blog, for example here: Heavy metals in cacao: what you should know.
Similar to wine, our cacao varieties differ mainly through their origin, climate, and therefore their taste and aroma.
Moruga Cacao is not classified as raw cacao because it is gently processed during production, meaning it is fermented and carefully roasted to develop its full flavor while preserving nutrients as much as possible. We place great value on high quality and natural ingredients. If you would like to learn more, take a look at our many blog posts: https://morugacacao.com/en/blogs/news
Ceremonial cacao is a particularly natural cacao traditionally used in cacao ceremonies and mindful moments of enjoyment. Unlike heavily processed cacao products, ceremonial cacao is made gently so that its original aroma and natural components are preserved as much as possible.
Moruga Cacao works very well as ceremonial cacao because it:
Many people use ceremonial cacao for rituals, meditation, or mindful moments in everyday life. Often, a larger amount is used than for a classic daily cup of drinking cacao.
Thanks to its pure recipe and high-quality processing, Moruga Cacao is a fitting choice for anyone who wants to buy ceremonial cacao and enjoy it consciously.
Our cacao differs from conventional high-percentage chocolate because we use only rare fine-flavor cacao known for its special quality and aromatic complexity. Our cacao is also processed very gently and contains no additives, making it pure and unaltered. This creates a unique taste experience and clearly sets it apart from conventional chocolate. You can find more details in our brochure or blog posts: Moruga brochure.
Moruga Cacao naturally contains a wide range of valuable compounds that have made high-quality cacao a special food for centuries. Thanks to gentle processing, many of these natural components remain in the cacao and contribute to its intense taste and distinctive character.
An important component of cacao is theobromine. This natural plant compound belongs to the methylxanthines, like caffeine, but is perceived as much gentler. Many people associate it with a clear, balanced feeling of energy without the nervousness coffee can cause for some.
Cacao is also rich in flavonoids, a group of natural antioxidants. These secondary plant compounds are known for helping protect cells from oxidative stress. High-quality natural cacao is therefore often valued for its antioxidant properties.
Moruga Cacao also provides naturally occurring magnesium, which contributes to normal muscle and nervous system function, among other things. For a mindful lifestyle, cacao is often appreciated as a nutrient-rich addition.
The natural accompanying compounds in cacao, such as anandamide and precursors of serotonin, are especially fascinating and are often associated with a pleasant sense of wellbeing. This combination of natural plant compounds, minerals, and antioxidants makes Moruga Cacao a high-quality cacao without additives and a nutrient-rich choice for conscious enjoyment.
Moruga Cacao is free from nuts and tree nuts and is produced in an environment that is strictly monitored for possible cross-contamination. However, we cannot rule out traces with 100% certainty. If you have very severe allergies, we recommend checking with your doctor first.
Moruga Cacao stands out from other cacaos in several ways:
This combination of quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship makes Moruga Cacao a special choice among cacao varieties.
No, our cacao is not alkalized. During alkalization, also known as Dutch processing, cacao is treated with alkaline substances to reduce its natural acidity and make the taste seem milder.
We deliberately avoid this step so the original character of the cacao bean is preserved. Instead, our cacao is processed in the traditional way: the beans are carefully fermented, gently roasted, and then finely ground in stone mills.
This preserves its natural aroma, authentic taste, and original quality without additional chemical treatment.
With proper storage, cacao can keep for up to at least two years without losing its effect. Here are a few tips for ideal storage:
Avoid the fridge: Because refrigerators are often humid, cacao should only be stored there during very high ambient temperatures and must be sealed well.
If these conditions are met, cacao retains its valuable nutrients and full character for a long time.
Frequently Asked
General questions about us and our cacao.
Yes, cacao contains caffeine, but much less than coffee. Lab testing found 43.5 mg caffeine per cup of our Peruvian cacao (15 g). That is about 80% less than a cup of filter coffee.
In rare cases, consuming cacao can cause side effects. For example, cacao may draw fluid from the body, which can sometimes contribute to headaches. Its natural caffeine content can also lead to restlessness or sleep problems at higher amounts. Mild stomach discomfort or nausea are also possible.
These effects can usually be avoided by drinking enough water and not consuming cacao shortly before bedtime. If you feel unwell, relaxation exercises and slow, conscious breathing may help.
Cacao can be enjoyed daily in moderate amounts, especially when it is pure and unsweetened. 1-2 cups per day are generally considered fine and may even offer benefits, as cacao is rich in antioxidants and magnesium.
The right amount is still individual and depends on you and your body. You do not always need a big ritual to enjoy our cacao, but we recommend drinking it consciously. Take a little time for the moment. That is often the best way to feel how much cacao is good for your body and how often you want to drink it. Listen to your own wellbeing, it is often the best guide.
Especially with pure, fatty cacao like ours, cacao can sometimes settle stubbornly in one spot.
Here are a few tips that can help:
Our pitcher is made from pure stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe. However, the base is not magnetic, so it is not suitable for induction stovetops.
Because our cacao still contains caffeine, we recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women be cautious. If you would like to drink cacao, it is best to speak with your doctor or midwife first to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.
If you take psychiatric medication or have heart problems, please contact your doctor. Unfortunately, we cannot give advice on medical questions that need to be assessed very individually.
Our cacao contains natural caffeine, so we do not actively recommend it for children. We see 100% cacao more as a gentle coffee alternative. In our view, a child may try it occasionally. Most children do not like the taste anyway, much like coffee, because it is not sweet and has a noticeable bitterness.
If you are having trouble placing an order, here are a few steps you can try:
If you continue to have problems, please send us an email with a screenshot of the error or tell us exactly where the issue occurs so we can help you directly.
Products and Availability
The most common questions about our products.
You will find a review box further down on the following product pages:
We are excited to hear which variety you like best.
Thank you for your message, and we are sorry your cacao arrived slightly melted. But do not worry, this does not affect the quality or effect of the cacao. Cacao can deform slightly at warmer temperatures, but all important nutrients and the full flavor remain intact. The white spots, also known from classic chocolate, appear when cacao butter separates due to temperature fluctuations. There is absolutely no reason to worry, even if it may not always look perfect. It is a natural product.
You can simply let the cacao firm up again at room temperature and enjoy it as usual. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your interest. If one of our cacaos is sold out, the restock date depends a lot on the variety. Usually it takes around 2-4 months until a variety is back, but this can vary from cacao to cacao.
The best thing to do is sign up for our newsletter so you do not miss anything.
You are welcome to try it, but without a sample pack.
We completely understand that people like to test new products in smaller amounts first. At the same time, cacao is a little like tea or wine: every variety has its own profile, which you often only really notice and appreciate after a few cups. A single sip usually does not reflect the full taste experience. We currently choose not to offer small sample packs for sustainability reasons. Smaller packaging usually means more waste and higher production effort, and neither fits our idea of environmentally conscious production. Thank you for helping us take care of the environment. Try our product in the regular size. We are sure you will love it.
At the moment, our products are available exclusively through our online shop, and we do not currently plan to sell our cacao in permanent retail stores. However, we are considering occasional pop-up store events where you can discover our cacao in person. As soon as we plan something, we will of course let our community know in good time.
We offer several payment options so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, invoice, Maestro, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Amazon Pay. When paying by credit card, your account is only charged once the goods have been shipped.
Sustainability and Organic
The most common questions about the sustainability of Moruga Cacao.
Yes, we use biodegradable packaging. To keep packaging waste as low as possible, we consciously offer larger packs. This lets you enjoy your favorite cacao while also being kinder to the environment.
Moruga Cacao comes from carefully selected regions known for high-quality and rare cacao. Our main growing regions include Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Tanzania, where traditional and sustainable farming methods are used. These regions offer ideal climatic conditions for varieties such as Chuncho and Tabasqueño, which are valued for their unique aromatic complexity.
On our origin pages, you can get a closer look at the different varieties:
The higher price of Moruga Cacao compared to other similarly high-quality cacaos comes down to several important factors:
In short: Moruga Cacao costs a little more because it comes from rare, high-quality cacao beans, is grown under sustainable conditions, and is gently processed in small batches to ensure high quality and purity. The focus is on fair working conditions, organic farming, and a unique taste experience.
Yes, our cacao is certified organic. We place great value on sustainability and make sure our cacao is grown under fair and environmentally conscious conditions. Our goal is to offer high quality that is good for you and for the planet. On our blog, you will find detailed articles on topics such as organic certification and fair trade: Moruga Cacao Blog. There you can learn more about our sustainable practices and the origin of our cacao.
Shipping and Returns
The most common questions about shipping our cacao.
As soon as your parcel leaves our warehouse, you will receive a confirmation email from our fulfillment partner. It contains a tracking link that lets you check the status at any time. Alternatively, you can check directly on the DHL website.
Shipping varies depending on quantity and destination country. We have listed the current shipping conditions on this page.
We want you to be happy with your purchase. You can return your products within 30 days of receiving them, easily and free of shipping costs. Please note that opened, damaged, or soiled cacao bags, as well as used shakers, are excluded from returns. To start a return, simply contact our customer support at hello@morugacacao.com.
Your refund is usually processed within 5-10 business days after we have received and checked your return. Of course, we will let you know as soon as the refund has been processed.
Yes, we also offer international shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the destination. You can find all details in the overview on our website or directly here.
Shipping costs to Switzerland include customs clearance. There are no additional fees.
For orders from €199, we offer free shipping to Switzerland.
For orders from €99, we offer discounted shipping to Switzerland for €12.50.
Below an order value of €99, shipping to Switzerland costs €24.99.
Free shipping to Austria for orders from €99; otherwise €5.90.
Within Austria, your order usually arrives within 2-3 business days.