Why Combine Cacao with Spices and Herbs?

Cacao has never been a standalone ingredient. Traditionally, it has been prepared with spices, roots, and in modern times with medicinal fungi to deepen flavor, support digestion, and create a more embodied experience.

When paired intentionally, herbs, spices, and fungi refine the character of cacao and allow you to tailor your daily dose of cacao into a personalized health boost.

• Highlight cacao’s natural fruit and floral notes
• Create warmth or grounding in the body
• Support digestion and nutrient absorption
• Shape how cacao is felt and tasted

This is where quality matters. Clean processing and precise roasting allow cacao to integrate seamlessly with herbs—without bitterness, chalkiness, or instability.

Cacao + Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum):
Warming and Circulatory

Cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat that contrasts cacao’s richness and depth. Traditionally used to support circulation, cayenne creates a warming sensation that can feel energizing without overstimulation.

Used in small amounts, cayenne sharpens cacao’s flavor and increase absorption.

Flavor profile: warm, bold, grounding
Best timing: mornings or moments needing movement and clarity
Preparation tip: start with a pinch—less is always more

Cacao + Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Earthy, Grounding, and Balancing

Turmeric adds depth and earthiness to cacao, complementing its naturally complex profile. Long valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is best paired with black pepper to enhance absorption of curcuminoids.

This combination creates a cup that feels steady, grounding, and deeply nourishing.

Flavor profile: earthy, slightly bitter, rounded
Best timing: slow mornings or evening rituals
Nantli recommendation: always pair turmeric with black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Cacao + Black Pepper (Piper nigrum):
Enhanced Absorption and Brightness

Black pepper plays a subtle but powerful role. Its active compound, piperine, is known to increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients—making it an ideal companion for cacao and turmeric alike.

In small amounts, black pepper brightens cacao’s flavor and adds aromatic complexity.

Flavor profile: sharp, aromatic, lightly warming
Best timing: minimalist preparations or functional blends
Tip: freshly ground pepper offers the cleanest flavor

Cacao + Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
Digestive Support and Gentle Warmth

Ginger brings a fresh, warming sweetness that pairs naturally with cacao’s depth. Traditionally used to support digestion, ginger helps create a cup that feels lighter and more dynamic on the palate.

This pairing is especially supportive after meals or during cooler seasons.

Flavor profile: warm, bright, gently sweet
Best timing: midday or post-meal
Preparation tip: fresh ginger offers brightness; dried ginger adds warmth

Cacao + Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum):
Calm and Grounded Focus

Reishi mushroom has a long history of use as an adaptogenic tonic. When paired with cacao, it softens cacao’s stimulating edge, creating a more grounded and steady experience.

This combination is ideal for those seeking presence without intensity.

Flavor profile: earthy, slightly bitter, balanced
Best timing: evening or reflective moments
Note: high-quality reishi powder integrates best with refined cacao paste

How to Craft Intentional Cacao Blends

Intentional cacao preparation is about creativity and experience. Start with high-quality cacao, add a complementary spice or herb, and allow the flavors to unfold naturally.

Key principles:

• Let cacao remain the foundation
• Get creative and experiment to find combinations you love
• Prioritize clean, well-processed ingredients
• Taste as you go

Well-processed cacao—precisely roasted, cleanly winnowed, and carefully refined—creates a smooth base where spices enhance the power of cacao.

Why Processing Quality Matters

At Nantli, cacao is processed using industry-grade roasting, winnowing, and refining equipment. This level of control preserves cacao’s natural flavor expression while producing a stable, consistent base for blending.

The result:

• Smoother mouthfeel
• Cleaner flavor integration
• Greater consistency from cup to cup
• A more embodied cacao experience

When cacao is processed with integrity, it becomes a true partner to herbs and spices and can enhance your cacao bringing creativity and depth of flavor to your cup.

Explore Single-Origin Cacao Crafted for Blending

Nantli Cacao offers premium, ethically sourced, single-origin cacao designed for intentional preparation. Explore our cacao offerings and recipe inspiration to begin crafting blends that honor flavor, function, and tradition.