People have been turning to cacao for joy, connection, and wellbeing for thousands of years.
Even today, most of us feel more present, creative, emotionally open, and connected after a cup of ceremonial cacao. Modern research is beginning to explain why we feel such a positive impact on mood when drinking cacao.
Keep reading to discover how cacao naturally supports a positive mood.
Find Your Daily Ritual
Why Cacao Has Long Been Associated With Joy & Wellbeing
For thousands of years, cacao has been valued as more than a food. Across Central and South America, it has been shared during ceremonies, celebrations, and community gatherings. Long before modern science began studying cacao, people were already recognizing its unique ability to support connection, presence, and emotional wellbeing.
Part of cacao’s enduring relationship with humanity comes from the way it invites us to slow down. Preparing cacao requires a different pace than grabbing a quick coffee to go. There is an opportunity to breathe, set an intention, express gratitude, or simply pause long enough to notice how we’re actually feeling.
Over time, cacao has earned a reputation as a plant that supports openness, creativity, gratitude, and connection. We often notice feeling more connected to ourselves, more connected to others, or more aware of the beauty and richness already present in our lives.
While ritual itself plays an important role in mood benefits, research is also pointing to some amazing neuromodulators in cacao that support mood. As it turns out, cacao contains a remarkable collection of compounds that may help explain why it has been associated with joy and wellbeing for generations.
The Compounds Behind Cacao’s Mood Benefits
ANANDAMIDE
One of cacao’s most fascinating compounds is anandamide, often referred to as the “bliss molecule.” Anandamide interacts with receptors involved in mood, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing. Cacao also contains compounds that help slow the breakdown of anandamide, allowing its effects to remain active for longer.
PEA
Cacao also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a naturally occurring compound associated with excitement, motivation, attention, and creative inspiration. PEA is sometimes called the “love molecule” because it is produced during moments of connection, novelty, and emotional excitement. This may help explain why cacao is often enjoyed before journaling, creative work, movement practices, or meaningful conversations.
PRECURSORS TO SEROTONIN & DOPAMINE
In addition, cacao contains the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine, which help the body produce serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play important roles in mood, motivation, emotional resilience, and feelings of reward and satisfaction. Rather than relying on a single compound, cacao offers a wide range of naturally occurring compounds that work together within the whole food matrix of the cacao bean.
Together, these compounds help explain why cacao is often associated with feelings of connection, gratitude, creativity, presence, and emotional wellbeing. Rather than creating a dramatic spike followed by a crash, cacao’s effects are often described as gentle, grounding, and supportive.
Experience The Difference
Cacao & SSRIs
Ceremonial cacao contains natural MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), which slow the breakdown of serotonin and dopamine in the body. This is part of what makes cacao's mood effects noticeable, by keeping these beneficial molecules in the brain for longer, but it also means that combining cacao with SSRIs could amplify serotonin activity to a level that’s toxic, even potentially resulting in serotonin syndrome.
If you take SSRIs, SNRIs, or any MAOI-based medication, please consult your doctor before drinking ceremonial doses of cacao. At half dosages of cacao (under 0.4-0.5oz), the interaction risk is lower, but medical guidance is always recommended.
We hope that someday clinical research will establish a protocol for cacao as a complement or alternative to pharmaceuticals for depression treatment but until then, caution is warranted. We do know folks who have reduced antidepressants by working with cacao but everyone's body is substantially different so consult your healthcare provider and start with very small amounts (5 discs per serving).
Mood Support Through Ritual & Nourishment
While cacao’s compounds are certainly part of the story, the experience of cacao is about more than chemistry alone.
Just as important is the ritual itself. A consistent cacao practice creates regular opportunities to slow down, reflect, reconnect with gratitude, and listen more deeply to ourselves. These moments of presence can become a meaningful anchor amidst the busyness of daily life.
When nourishment, beneficial compounds, and intentional ritual come together, cacao becomes more than a beverage. It becomes a daily practice that supports greater connection, creativity, presence, and wellbeing from the inside out.
