What is Cacao Tea?

What is Cacao Tea?

What Is Cacao Tea? (Cacao Shell Tea Explained + How to Brew It)

Cacao tea is one of those drinks that surprises people the first time they try it because it smells like chocolate, feels like a ritual, and somehow manages to be both comforting and light.

Cacao tea (also called cacao shell tea) is an herbal infusion made by steeping the outer husks (shells) of cacao beans in hot water. And here's a beautiful detail: those shells are upcycled from the chocolate-making process. After cacao beans are roasted and cracked, the shells are separated from the nibs (the part used to make chocolate). Instead of being discarded, those aromatic shells can be steeped into a rich cacao tea so you're literally sipping a part of cacao that's often overlooked.

At Azomalli, cacao tea is the base of our blends because it's:

  • Naturally comforting (in that exhale your shoulders kind of way)
  • High in minerals like magnesium
  • A naturally antioxidant-rich botanical
  • A beautiful daily ritual that can feel calming and heart-opening 

Why cacao shells matter to me

Cacao shells are upcycled from the chocolate-making process, separated from the nibs after roasting. They're aromatic, mineral-rich, and usually treated like an afterthought. But in my world, the afterthought parts are often where the magic lives.

Using the shells feels like respect: for the plant, for the process, for the people behind it. And when you steep them, the cup you get is gentle and cacao-rich like a quiet yes in the middle of a busy day.

What does cacao tea taste like?

Cacao tea tastes like:

  • Dark chocolate (especially the toasted, slightly earthy kind)
  • Warm cacao
  • Soft roasted notes
  • Sometimes, a hint of natural sweetness (depending on the blend)

It's not sugary, and it's not bitter like a strong black tea can be. It's more rounded, especially when blended with herbs and spices.

If you want to explore different directions of flavor, this is where Azomalli blends come in:

  • Mayan Elixir: the most comforting, cozy, wrap me in a shawl vibe
  • Cacao Spice: warming spices + cacao (my go-to when I want support for my digestive and detoxifying functions)
  • Peppermint Brew: bright, fresh, and clean on the palate (especially nice after meals)

If you're curious how cacao tea compares to cocoa and hot chocolate, I wrote a full guide here: Cacao Tea vs Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate (What's the Difference?).

Cacao tea benefits (in a grounded, non-hype way)

People come to cacao tea for different reasons, but here are a few of the most common things they notice.

  • It can feel calming and heart-opening. Not in a miracle cure way, more in a way my shoulders dropped.
  • It's naturally antioxidant-rich. Cacao is known for its antioxidants, and cacao shells carry some of that plant goodness into the cup.
  • It's a source of minerals, such as magnesium. Many of us are drawn to mineral-rich foods and botanicals as part of everyday wellbeing.
  • It's a gentle ritual drink. For many people, the biggest benefit is simply having a warm, steady practice that feels supportive.

A quick note from me: I'm careful with health claims because I respect your body and I respect the plant. This is a tea ritual, not medical advice.

Does cacao tea have caffeine?

Cacao shells are not the same as coffee beans or traditional tea leaves (like black/green tea), so cacao tea is generally much gentler than coffee.

Cacao also contains theobromine, a naturally occurring compound that is considered a different kind of stimulant than caffeine. Many people experience theobromine as steadier, more calming, supportive, without the same jitters that coffee can bring.

If you're sensitive, start with a smaller cup and see how your body feels.

How to brew cacao tea (the easy way)

One of my favorite things about cacao tea is that it's forgiving.

Basic brewing method

  1. Boil water.
  2. Add your cacao tea sachet to your mug.
  3. Steep 5-10 minutes.
  4. Sip slowly.

Can you steep it longer?

Yes, and this is a big reason people fall in love with it.

You can steep cacao tea longer for a richer infusion, and it won't get bitter the way green tea can. If you like a deeper, more intense cup, let it go longer. Cacao tea is a very choose-your-own-adventure ritual.

Brew it your way (a few options)

  • Light + everyday: steep closer to 5 minutes.
  • Richer + deeper: steep 10 minutes or longer.
  • Tea latte vibe: add a splash of oat milk (or your favorite milk) after steeping.
  • Iced cacao tea: steep strong (longer is great), then pour over ice.

Optional upgrades (if you want to get fancy)

  • Add a splash of oat milk for a creamier feel
  • Add cinnamon if you want a warmer finish
  • Add orange peel for a brighter, slightly citrusy aroma

Who cacao tea is for

Cacao tea is for anyone who wants a cacao-rich cup that feels light and grounding, especially if you love ritual but don't want something heavy.

FAQs about cacao tea

Is cacao tea the same as cacao powder?

No. Cacao tea is steeped with cacao shells, while cacao powder is ground cacao used more like an ingredient (smoothies, baking, hot chocolate).

Can I drink cacao tea every day?

Many people enjoy it as a daily ritual because it's gentle and doesn't rely on heavy sweetness. If you're new, start with one cup and see how you feel.

Will cacao tea taste sweet?

It can smell naturally chocolatey, but it's not sugary. If you want sweetness, you can add sugar, honey, or a little maple syrup to taste.

What's the best steep time?

5-10 minutes is a great starting point. Steep longer for a richer brew. Cacao tea is very forgiving.

Can I steep cacao shells too long?

In most cases, cacao shells are forgiving. If you steep longer, you'll usually get a deeper, richer cup rather than the sharp bitterness you might get from over-steeping green tea.

Try cacao tea the Azomalli way.

If you're ready to explore cacao tea as a ritual (not just a drink), start with the blend that matches your moment:

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