Our cacao is sourced directly from the vibrant, sustainable farms of Guatemala. We work closely with smallholder farmers who nurture their cacao trees using regenerative agricultural practices, which help restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and ensure long-term sustainability. Each of our partner farms—from Finca Kampura to Finca Polochic—operates with a deep respect for both the land and the communities that depend on it. By prioritizing fair wages and sustainable farming, we’re not only delivering high-quality cacao but also supporting the livelihoods of those who cultivate it.

Learn more about our farming origins here for all ingredients we utilize.

While not all of our products are certified organic, our cacao and other ingredients are grown using organic and regenerative farming practices. This means our farmers avoid harmful pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), focusing instead on natural methods that enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and protect local ecosystems. We work closely with our partner farms to ensure their practices align with our high environmental and ethical standards, even if they don’t carry formal certifications.

For many smallholder farmers, especially those in developing countries, achieving USDA Organic certification can be challenging. The certification process is often costly and complex, with fees, inspections, and documentation requirements that can be overwhelming for smaller farms. While these farmers are already adhering to organic practices, the cost of certification can create a barrier for those who need it most—particularly in rural regions like Guatemala, where resources are limited.

At Tierra Fresca, we prioritize working directly with farmers who are committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture, even if they are not officially certified. Our direct trade model allows us to verify these practices firsthand, develop relationships with our farming partners, and ensure that our cacao and other ingredients are produced in harmony with the environment, while also supporting fair wages and community well-being.

In short, while our products may not always carry the USDA Organic label, you can trust that they are grown with the same dedication to environmental stewardship and natural farming methods, providing you with high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients.

Great question! Cacao refers to the minimally processed form of the cacao bean, preserving more of its natural nutrients like antioxidants, flavonoids, magnesium, and iron. However, at Tierra Fresca, we use lightly processed cacao, which means we take extra care to maintain the integrity of its rich nutrients while ensuring a smooth and delicious flavor profile.

Cocoa, by contrast, is typically processed at much higher temperatures, which can strip away some of the beneficial compounds. In addition, cocoa products can sometimes have chemical agents like alkalizing agents (used in Dutch-processed cocoa) or preservatives added to improve texture, taste, or shelf life, which further reduces its natural nutritional value. These additives can alter the flavor and reduce the purity of the final product

By choosing lightly processed cacao, you get a robust, authentic flavor and all the natural health benefits without the over-processing common in most cocoa products. This makes our cacao ideal for everything from wellness rituals to indulgent daily use.

Our Superfood Cacao Mix earns its title because it’s a carefully crafted blend of nutrient-dense ingredients that provide significant health benefits, making it more than just a tasty treat—it’s a wellness powerhouse! Here’s why we call it a superfood:

• Cacao: Known as the "food of the gods," cacao is a true superfood, rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and magnesium. These powerful compounds help support heart health, boost mood, and fight inflammation. Unlike processed cocoa, our lightly processed cacao retains much of its natural nutrient content, ensuring you get the full spectrum of its health benefits. It’s also a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health.
• Ramón: AKA Maya Nut. Often referred to as a "Mayan superfood," ramón seeds are nutrient-dense and have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in Central America. They are rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants, helping to support bone health, boost energy, and improve digestion. Its nutty flavor adds depth to the mix while enhancing its nutritional profile.
• Panela: Unlike refined sugar, panela is unrefined whole sugarcane juice, retaining its natural minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. This not only gives our mix a natural caramel sweetness but also adds to its health benefits, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners. Panela provides a steady energy release without the crashes associated with refined sugars.

But it’s not just about the nutrients—our Superfood Cacao Mix is incredibly versatile and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost or a way to elevate your favorite recipes, it fits seamlessly into your daily routine. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• As a beverage: Stir it into hot water, plant-based milk, or coffee for a delicious, nutrient-dense drink. You can also blend it into smoothies for an extra antioxidant kick.
• In baked goods: Add it to your favorite recipes, like brownies, cookies, or pancakes, for a rich chocolate flavor with a healthy twist.
• In breakfast bowls: Mix it into your oatmeal, chia pudding, or yogurt for a morning boost that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

We call it Superfood Cacao because it’s more than just cacao—it’s a blend that nourishes your body while indulging your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting drink or using it to elevate your favorite recipes, it’s the perfect addition to a wellness-focused lifestyle.

Ceremonial Grade Cacao is the purest, most potent form of cacao, deeply rooted in tradition and revered for its powerful health benefits and rich cultural history. Unlike processed chocolate, this cacao undergoes minimal processing, keeping it as close as possible to its natural state.

At Tierra Fresca, our 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao is sourced from smallholder farms in Guatemala, where cacao has been used for centuries in sacred rituals by indigenous communities. This cacao is made from high-quality, carefully selected beans, and its preparation follows traditional methods that maintain its rich flavor and potent nutritional profile.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Minimal Processing: Unlike typical cocoa powder, ceremonial cacao is fermented, lightly roasted, and ground into a paste without added sugars or preservatives. This preserves more of the cacao’s natural nutrients, including antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and fiber.
• Rich Flavor: It has a deep, full-bodied chocolate taste with complex flavors and a natural bitterness that enhances the cacao experience. You can taste the earthiness of the beans and the care that went into crafting this product.
• Mindful and Spiritual Use: Traditionally, ceremonial cacao is used in spiritual and wellness rituals, helping to open the heart and connect with deeper consciousness. It’s perfect for those who want to engage in mindfulness practices or simply enjoy the ritual of drinking cacao in its purest form.

How to Enjoy It: Ceremonial cacao is versatile—you can enjoy it as a rich, decadent drink or incorporate it into recipes. Here are a few ideas:

• Cacao Rituals: Prepare a traditional drink by melting the cacao into warm water or milk, whisking it into a frothy blend. Add spices like cinnamon, chili, or a touch of natural sweetener to enhance the experience. Sip slowly and use this time for reflection or meditation.
• Smoothies: Add ceremonial cacao to your morning smoothie for a chocolatey boost with all the benefits of pure cacao.
• Baking: Use it as a rich, flavorful ingredient in desserts and baked goods, adding a deep chocolate essence to everything from brownies to cookies.

Ceremonial Grade Cacao is not just food—it’s an experience, a moment to connect with yourself and the earth. Whether you use it in spiritual practices or as part of your daily wellness routine, it brings authenticity, nutrition, and a rich history to your table.

Learn more about the origins of cacao & the Maya here ia the Mayan Wisdom Project

Is cacao good for your health?
Absolutely! Cacao is a nutritional powerhouse known for its numerous health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve circulation. Cacao is also rich in magnesium, essential for muscle function, relaxation, and energy production, and can help reduce stress and boost your mood by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels. Additionally, cacao provides a natural energy boost without the crash associated with sugary snacks.

But that’s not all! It’s a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain gut health. Plus, it contains iron and potassium, both crucial for oxygen transport and maintaining a healthy heart. Cacao’s nutrient density makes it a guilt-free indulgence that supports overall well-being—so go ahead and enjoy it in your favorite beverages or baked goods!

Absolutely! Cacao is a nutritional powerhouse known for its numerous health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve circulation. Cacao is also rich in magnesium, essential for muscle function, relaxation, and energy production, and can help reduce stress and boost your mood by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels. Additionally, cacao provides a natural energy boost without the crash associated with sugary snacks.

But that’s not all! It’s a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain gut health. Plus, it contains iron and potassium, both crucial for oxygen transport and maintaining a healthy heart. Cacao’s nutrient density makes it a guilt-free indulgence that supports overall well-being—so go ahead and enjoy it in your favorite beverages or baked goods!

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. That’s why our Superfood Cacao Mix comes in 100% compostable stand-up pouches, which naturally break down over time without harming the environment—so you can nourish your body while being kind to the planet.

For our 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao, we currently use kraft paper with kraft labels and a cellophane lining to keep the product fresh. While the kraft materials are eco-friendly, we’re working to improve the sustainability of the cellophane lining. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to reducing waste and making all our packaging as environmentally friendly as possible. As we grow, so will our efforts to use the most sustainable materials available.

Stay tuned—we’re always looking for ways to push our eco-commitment forward!

Yes! You can easily shop our Superfood Cacao Mix and 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao directly from our website. We offer fast, eco-friendly shipping options so that you can enjoy Tierra Fresca cacao from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are. Simply visit our online store, choose your products, and get ready to treat yourself to the pure, nutrient-rich goodness of sustainably sourced Guatemalan cacao.

Our products are made with simple, natural ingredients, but they may be processed in facilities that handle common allergens like nuts, dairy, or soy. To ensure your safety, we recommend checking the product packaging for specific allergen information. If you have any concerns or need clarification, feel free to contact us directly—we’re happy to help!

Yes! All of our cacao products, including the Superfood Cacao Mix and 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao, are 100% plant-based and ideal for both vegans and vegetarians. We use only natural, minimally processed ingredients, with absolutely no animal byproducts—just pure, nourishing goodness.

The whitish or grayish film you may notice on your cacao is called blooming, a natural process that occurs when the fats or sugars in cacao migrate to the surface. This often happens when cacao is exposed to temperature fluctuations or moisture. While blooming may affect the appearance, it does not impact the quality, flavor, or safety of the product.

There are two types of blooming:

• Fat Bloom: This occurs when the cacao is exposed to warm temperatures, causing the cocoa butter (the fat in cacao) to soften and rise to the surface. As it cools, the fat re-solidifies, leaving a whitish film. This is especially common in minimally processed cacao, where the natural fats are more prevalent.
• Sugar Bloom: This happens when the cacao is exposed to moisture. The moisture dissolves the sugar on the surface, which then recrystallizes when it dries, forming a grayish coating. This can occur if cacao is stored in a humid environment or if condensation forms on the surface.

Is blooming harmful?

No, blooming is purely cosmetic and does not affect the taste, safety, or nutritional value of your cacao. You can still enjoy it as intended! In fact, blooming is a natural indicator that the product hasn’t been over-processed or treated with stabilizers, which are common in mass-produced chocolate to prevent this effect.

How to prevent blooming:

To reduce the chance of blooming, store your cacao in a cool, dry place, away from temperature fluctuations and humidity. It’s best to keep it sealed in an airtight container to avoid exposure to moisture. While blooming may occur due to the minimal processing of our products, this only highlights the natural purity of our cacao.

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring the land, improving ecosystems, and promoting long-term environmental health. It involves practices like agroforestry, where trees are integrated into farming systems, composting to enrich soil, crop rotation to prevent soil depletion, and cover cropping to protect the land between growing seasons. These methods help rebuild soil health, increase biodiversity, and capture carbon, ultimately reducing the overall environmental impact of farming.

At Tierra Fresca, we partner with farms that are committed to these regenerative practices. By sourcing cacao and other ingredients from farmers who prioritize the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem, we ensure that our products contribute to a healthier planet while supporting communities that depend on the land for their livelihoods.

Learn more about the principles and benefits of regenerative agriculture here.

To maintain the freshness and flavor of our cacao products, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keep the products sealed tightly to avoid moisture and air exposure. Proper storage will help retain their rich flavor and nutritional benefits for longer.

We are committed to paying our farmers well above fair-trade rates, ensuring they receive a living wage that supports their families and communities. Our direct trade model cuts out intermediaries, allowing us to work closely with smallholder farmers and provide them with fair compensation directly.

We source our ingredients from farms that use sustainable and regenerative practices. By partnering with smallholder farmers in Guatemala, we help reduce deforestation, restore soil health, and promote biodiversity. Our commitment to paying fair wages also creates long-term economic stability, which helps reduce the pressure to exploit land for short-term gains.

We’re always here to help! Reach out to us anytime at hello@tierra-fresca.com with any questions, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.