About Cacao

Cacao is more than an ingredient — it’s nature’s most complete superfood and the soul of every blend we craft. Grown in the rich volcanic soils of Vanuatu, our cacao carries centuries of tradition, nourishment, and connection in every sip.

More Than Chocolate: What Is Cacao?

Cacao comes from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree — a name that literally means "food of the gods."

Revered for thousands of years, cacao was first cultivated by ancient Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. It was consumed as a sacred drink, often mixed with spices and chilli, and used in rituals, celebrations, and spiritual ceremonies. For the Aztecs, cacao beans were so valued they were even used as currency.

Unlike today’s sweetened chocolate, traditional cacao was bitter, rich, and deeply nourishing — prized not only for its taste, but for its energising and heart-opening effects.

Cacao first arrived in Europe in the 16th century, introduced by Spanish explorers who returned from the Americas. It quickly became popular among European elites, who sweetened it with sugar and milk. This marked the beginning of cacao’s transformation into modern chocolate — but also the loss of many of its original health benefits.

At Better Bean, we’re returning to cacao’s roots — celebrating it as a pure, powerful plant with deep cultural heritage and natural therapeutic value. Our blends honour the traditional use while adding modern, evidence-backed botanicals to support your everyday wellbeing.

“Nothing added. Nothing taken away.
Just cacao, as nature intended.”

Nature’s Original Superfood

Cacao isn’t just a treat — it’s one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods. when consumed in its purest, least-processed form.

It delivers a powerful combination of essential minerals, healthy fats, plant compounds, and natural stimulants that work together to nourish and support the body.

Packed with magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and zinc, cacao helps replenish the minerals many of us are lacking. It’s also rich in theobromine and flavonoids, which have been shown to support heart health, cognitive performance, and emotional wellbeing.

Because we use the whole bean — including the cacao butter — our blends also contain beneficial fats that help your body absorb key nutrients and provide longer-lasting energy. Unlike many processed cacao powders that strip away much of cacao’s natural goodness, our cacao is stone-ground and minimally handled to retain its full spectrum of health-boosting compounds.

In every cup, you’ll find more than just flavour, you’ll find fuel for your mind, nourishment for your body, and a ritual that supports you from the inside out.

Heart Health & Blood Pressure

Rich in flavonoids, cacao supports cardiovascular health by helping to relax blood vessels, improve circulation and assist in regulating blood pressure. Studies show that the bioactive compounds found in minimally processed cacao can promote endothelial function and reduce the risk of high blood pressure. When you choose whole‑bean cacao, you’re choosing nature’s way of supporting your heart.

Lower Cholesterol

Cacao contains polyphenols and healthy fats that may help balance cholesterol levels—reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supporting HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Research into cacao flavanols has found positive effects on lipid metabolism, making cacao a smart addition for long‑term heart and circulation support.

Improved Cognitive Function

The flavonoids in cacao have been shown to enhance blood flow to the brain, which supports memory, focus and overall mental clarity. With natural stimulants like theobromine and the gentle caffeine present in cacao, benefits are achieved without the crash typical of coffee. Whole‑bean cacao retains these compounds in their optimal form.

Mood Enhancement

Cacao naturally supports mood through compounds like anandamide, phenylethylamine and tryptophan, which promote serotonin and dopamine production. These combined with magnesium and flavonoids make cacao a plant‑based way to help ease stress and enhance emotional wellbeing — without refined sugar or artificial mood boosters.

Antioxidant & Cancer‑Protective Qualities

With a rich profile of flavonoids and polyphenols, cacao stands among the most antioxidant‑dense foods. These compounds help neutralise metabolic waste and oxidative stress that can damage cells over time. Emerging research suggests this may contribute to reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and cancer pathways.

Improved Stem Cell Function

Preliminary studies indicate that flavonoids in cacao may enhance the function and circulation of stem cells—key to tissue repair and regeneration. While research is still evolving, the potential for cacao to support the body’s natural renewal systems adds a promising dimension to its wellness value.

Physical & Mental Energy Boost

Cacao delivers energy differently than coffee. High‑quality, minimally processed cacao contains theobromine and natural fats that provide sustained physical and mental energy—clear and calm focus without jitters or crash—making it ideal for active minds and bodies.

Gut Health

Cacao acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestion, nutrient absorption and immune resilience. Its fibre and polyphenol content encourage a healthy microbiome, contributing to both digestive health and overall systemic wellbeing.

Why Cacao Is Good for You

More than just chocolate — cacao is a natural powerhouse of nutrients and mood-enhancing compounds. Here’s what makes it so special.

Heart & Blood Pressure Support

Cacao is rich in flavonoids that help relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This supports healthy blood pressure and promotes overall cardiovascular health. Choosing whole-bean cacao is a heart-smart decision backed by science.

Cholesterol Balance

Cacao’s natural polyphenols and fats may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. These effects support healthy lipid levels and long-term heart wellness. It's a small habit with big impact.

Natural Mood Support

Cacao contains compounds that encourage the release of serotonin and dopamine. It’s a natural, plant-based mood booster that helps ease stress and uplift your day. Tastes good and feels even better.

Brain Boost

Flavonoids in cacao promote blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus, memory, and clarity. It also contains theobromine for calm energy and mild stimulation—without the coffee crash. A gentle way to sharpen your mind.

Mineral-Rich Nourishment

Cacao is naturally packed with essential minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium. These nutrients support everything from immune strength and bone health to muscle recovery and energy production. It’s a delicious way to top up your daily mineral intake—straight from nature.

Antioxidant Power

Packed with polyphenols, cacao fights oxidative stress and protects cells from damage. These antioxidants may play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and some cancers.

Cell Renewal

Early studies show cacao’s flavonoids may support stem cell function and tissue repair. These compounds could help the body regenerate and heal more effectively. Nature’s way of supporting your inner resilience.

Clean Energy

Cacao fuels your body with theobromine—a slow-releasing stimulant that delivers steady energy without the jitters. It’s ideal for mental clarity and physical endurance. Great for focus, movement, or just powering through your day.

Gut-Friendly

Cacao is a natural prebiotic, feeding good gut bacteria and supporting digestion. It promotes a balanced microbiome, which is key for immunity, energy, and overall health. A treat your body (and belly) will thank you for.

From Pod to Cup: How Cacao Is Made

Every cup of Better Bean cacao begins in the lush jungles of Vanuatu, where cacao trees thrive under traditional, low-impact farming methods. The journey starts when ripe cacao pods — bursting with colourful skins and sweet, tangy pulp — are hand-harvested by local farmers.

These are gently scooped out and left to ferment for several days. This natural fermentation process is essential — it reduces bitterness and develops the rich, complex flavour cacao is known for.

Once fermented, the beans are spread out under the tropical sun to dry slowly. This sun-drying method preserves their nutritional content and allows the flavour to mature even further.

Finally, at Better Bean, we keep our processing minimal. The dried beans are gently roasted, then stone-ground to retain the good fats, antioxidants, and minerals in their natural form. Unlike cocoa powder, we don’t strip anything away — so you can enjoy cacao in its purest, most nourishing form.

From jungle to kitchen, every step is crafted with care.

Growing Cacao

On Malekula, cacao is grown using traditional agroforestry methods. Trees flourish under natural shade, nurtured without synthetic chemicals. The island’s rich volcanic soil and humid climate create ideal conditions for flavour-rich beans. Smallholder farmers carefully tend each tree, preserving both biodiversity and the cultural knowledge passed down through generations.

Harvesting Cacao

Cacao pods are hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring optimal flavour and nutrient content. Farmers cut the vibrant pods from trees using bush knives, splitting them open to reveal the sweet, mucilage-covered beans inside. Harvesting is often a community effort — slow, intentional, and deeply connected to local rhythms and tradition.

Fermenting & Sun Drying

Fresh beans are fermented in wooden boxes or banana leaves for several days, activating natural enzymes that develop cacao’s signature depth of flavour. After fermentation, the beans are spread under the tropical sun to dry on raised mats. This gentle, natural process preserves their nutritional richness and ensures quality from source to sip.

Roasting & Grinding

Once dried, the cacao beans are gently roasted to enhance their natural richness without compromising nutrients. This step unlocks complex flavours while retaining healthy compounds. After roasting, the beans are stone-ground for more than 24 hours to create a smooth, velvety paste — preserving the good fats, minerals, and full-spectrum benefits of true whole-bean cacao.

Cacao vs Cocoa: What’s the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, cacao and cocoa are not the same. Cacao refers to the raw, minimally processed form of the bean, retaining its natural antioxidants, minerals, and good fats. Cocoa, on the other hand, is typically roasted at high temperatures and often combined with sugar and additives — which can strip away many of cacao’s natural health benefits. At Better Bean, we use only full-bean cacao, gently roasted and stone-ground to preserve its purity, potency, and flavour. The result? A richer taste and deeper nourishment in every cup.

Why We Choose Vanuatuan Cacao

Vanuatu’s remote islands offer more than just breathtaking beauty — they’re home to some of the world’s richest, most flavourful cacao.

We partner directly with small-scale farmers using traditional, low-impact methods like agroforestry. Their knowledge, care, and commitment to clean growing practices result in cacao that’s as ethical as it is exceptional.

By sourcing directly, we support local economies, preserve Indigenous farming traditions, and ensure the highest standards from farm to cup.

Our Cacao

Our cacao is sourced primarily from Laravat and Atchin, two communities on Malakula Island, also spelled Malekula, which is the second-largest island in the nation of Vanuatu.

The cacao variety is trinitario hybrids.

The flavour profile includes sweet flavours of tropical fruits, cherry, caramel, malt with a hint of earthiness

bring the benefits home

Now that you’ve discovered the power of whole-bean cacao, experience it for yourself — pure, nourishing, and crafted to support every mood and moment.

THE PURIST

Pure, potent, and unadulterated cacao.

$49.00

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THE DREAMER

Soothing botanicals for evening calm.

$59.00

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THE ACHIEVER

Focus and clarity, with a subtle chilli kick.

$59.00

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THE OPTIMIST

Uplifting herbs for a sunny, grounded start.

$59.00

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Pour Yourself Into Something Good

From focused mornings to relaxing evenings and everything in between, we’ll share insights and inspiration to help you savour every sip. Be the first to hear about new blends, seasonal specials, and behind-the-scenes stories from bean to cup.

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