Cacao Latte Tonic
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Have you been wanting to kick that coffee habit? As the Chinese proverb goes, “Coffee borrows tomorrow’s energy, to fuel today.” Coffee alternatives usually include tea, and although I do love a good matcha or chai tea, sometimes I really want that robust coffee experience that they just don’t have. Cue the cacao latte. Cacao lattes have been sweeping the health scene as a coffee alternative, and for good reason. You can customize it to your liking just like coffee, enjoy the robust and complex flavor profile, without the jitters and crash that coffee has.
Cacao, known as the “food of the Gods” by the Mayan Kings, is known for energizing and uplifting power. It has a myriad of benefits, which makes for a great morning tonic! Not to be confused with cocoa, which is highly processed and looses all the benefits, cacao comes straight from the seed of the cacao plant. Some benefits of cacao:
Cacao is high in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals and is very high in antioxidants.
It is rich in phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and iron which support bone strength. It also contains vitamins B and E.
Cacao also contains high amounts of magnesium which aids in calming and relaxation.
Cacao is considered blood cleansing- it can regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, reduce blood clotting, and detoxify the liver.
Cacao contains phenethylamine which is related to the chemical that makes us fall in love, and also helps increase focus and alertness.
Cacao also contains anandamide, which is the feel good chemical that is released after exercise.
Cacao is considered a “prebiotic”, which means it acts as a fertilizer for the good bacteria in the gut, and feeds it to help it flourish.
Imlak’esh ceremonial cacao wafers
When shopping for cacao, always look for one that is less processed, no added fillers, and organic if possible. Always check the sourcing.
Since beginning to drink cacao lattes, I’ve since discovered cacao wafers. Cacao wafers are even less processed than powder, and gives a creamier texture. These wafers by Imlak’esh are ceremonial grade cacao, ensuring highest quality.
Cacao Latte Tonic Recipe
My basic cacao tonic!
1 C boiling water
4 Cacao wafers (or a heaping tablespoon of cacao powder)
1 T maple syrup
1/2 C milk of choice
Place hot water, cacao, and maple syrup in a cup, blend with a frother. Add milk slightly warmed, and give a quick stir. Enjoy!
I like to add 1/2 teaspoon of mushroom powder to my tonic everyday. My favorite mushroom powder brand currently is Wild Foods Co. Their mushrooms are of high quality, no added fillers or starches, and only made with the fruiting body. Check them out!
My favorite milks to use are oat and coconut. Oat gives a very creamy, thick chocolate milk-like texture, while coconut adds complexity and bit of tropicalness. I like to use canned coconut milk because of its thick coconut cream.
You can always switch sweeteners to your preference! Have fun with it and find what you like best!
Click here for my favorite cacao wafers
Click here for my favorite canned coconut cream
Click here for my favorite mushroom products
My favorite products (not sponsored, just love them!)
Cacao Wafers- www.imlakeshorganics.com
Mushroom powder- www.wildfoods.co
