Why Cacao is a Better Choice Than Coffee

My love affair with ceremonial cacao began in a spiritual community in Nicaragua. We gathered weekly for cacao ceremonies, and I was blown away by how cacao made me feel—alive, open, free, and joyful. Later, in Mexico, I drank cacao daily and eventually phased out coffee altogether with surprising ease. As a former hardcore coffee drinker (3–4 cups per day of my usual ‘strong three-quarter-full extra-hot soy latte with half a teaspoon of honey if you please’), this was an unexpected shift.

It wasn’t a strategic decision—just a preference. Cacao made me feel good, whereas coffee, in hindsight, was more of an addiction, a quick fix that left me wired and a little off-kilter, exacerbating my already mild-to-moderate anxiety.

Cacao provides a more pleasant, gentle, long-lasting energy compared to coffee’s intense, fast-acting, short-lived buzz. As meditation and yoga became integral to my life, it became clear that coffee was a hindrance, while cacao remained a comforting and supportive companion.

Now, after delving into the science, I see that my instinct to swap cacao instead of coffee is backed by a growing body of research. Here are my top five reasons to consider replacing at least one daily coffee with cacao.

1. Cacao Reduces Stress, While Caffeine Increases It

Coffee increases epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the blood, activating the fight-or-flight response. This contrasts with practices like yoga and meditation, which stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation, digestion, and overall well-being. Many people live in a chronic state of stress, and coffee only fuels this imbalance.

Caffeine, especially in black coffee, also increases cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can:

• Raise blood sugar and increase insulin resistance

• Cause anxiety, cognitive impairment, and emotional dysregulation

• Lead to extreme agitation, insomnia, and teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Weaken the immune system over time

By contrast, cacao’s active compound, theobromine, helps reduce cortisol. It provides a gentle, sustained energy boost rather than the jittery spike of caffeine. Cacao is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that aids relaxation and reduces anxiety.

💡 Does cacao have caffeine? Yes, but in much smaller amounts than coffee (see table below for a full breakdown, or visit this blog post). Caffeine in cocoa vs coffee is vastly different.

2. Cacao Supports Heart Health, While Caffeine May Harm It

Cacao is rich in antioxidant flavonoids and theobromine, both of which promote cardiovascular health. Flavonoids have been shown to:

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve blood flow to the brain and heart

• Prevent blood clots

• Reduce cell damage

Meanwhile, theobromine opens blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow and potentially creating that “heart-opening” feeling cacao is known for.

Regular ceremonial cacao consumption has been linked to reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A notable example is the Kuna Indians of Panama, who consume large amounts of cacao daily and exhibit remarkably low rates of cardiovascular disease.

By contrast, caffeine in coffee has been linked to elevated blood pressure, stronger heart contractions, and calcium buildup in heart cells, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat.

3. Coffee Has Well-Documented Side Effects, While Cacao Does Not

The effects of coffee vary from person to person, but research highlights some concerning trends:

• Restlessness, jitteriness, and irregular heartbeat

• Reduced sleep quality and increased daytime fatigue

• Increased anxiety and stomach irritation at higher doses

Caffeine has also been linked to fertility issues, including:

• Suppressed fertility and ovulation disruptions

• Increased risk of early pregnancy loss

• Depletion of vital vitamins and minerals needed for conception

4. Cacao is Nutrient-Dense, While Coffee is Nutrient-Free

Cacao is one of the most mineral-rich foods on the planet. Compared to coffee, cacao contains:

• 80–100% more iron

• 2700% more calcium

• 1040.8% more potassium

• 4766.7% more magnesium

• 51300% more copper

• 9950% more zinc

• 6766.7% more phosphorus

For a deeper dive into cacao benefits, check out our cacao benefits page.

5. Cacao Contains Vitamins, While Coffee Does Not

Cacao is also packed with essential vitamins:

• +5300% more Vitamin E than coffee

• +78.6% more Vitamin B1

• +279.6% more Vitamin B3

• +16.9% more Vitamin B5

• +4100% more Vitamin B6

• +∞% more Vitamin B12

• +8000% more Vitamin K

Coffee does have 52% more Vitamin B2 than cacao, but that’s the only area where it wins out.

Caffeine vs Theobromine: How Different Drinks Compare

Unlike coffee, the alertness and improved mood we feel from cacao primarily come from theobromine, not caffeine. While cacao does contain some caffeine, theobromine plays a much bigger role in its energising effects. Here’s how different Soma Cacao varieties compare to common caffeinated drinks:

Soma Cacao serving size based on 25g per cup of cacao.

Our Stance

When comparing cacao vs coffee, cacao is a gentler, longer-lasting, and more pleasant energy source. It helps us relax and provides a highly nutritious (and delicious) boost of goodness. In contrast, coffee increases anxiety levels, activates the fight-or-flight response, and lacks any real nutritional value.

That said, coffee isn’t all bad. Studies suggest it may lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. It all comes down to individual genetics and moderation. We’re not saying you should give up coffee entirely—but swapping out one or two cups for Soma Cacao could be a game-changer for your health and well-being.

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