The Philomath

What is brewed cacao?

Ever feel like coffee isn’t quite doing it for you anymore? Maybe it makes you jittery, upsets your stomach, or maybe just that you’re curious about something new. Have you heard about brewed cacao? I know what chocolate is, and I know it’s made from cacao, so when I first heard “brewed cacao,” I thought: Hot chocolate? Nope!

Brewed cacao is simple—cacao beans that have been roasted, ground, and brewed like coffee. It’s not the cocoa powder used in baking, and it’s definitely not a sugary chocolate drink. It’s made from the same beans used to make chocolate, but instead of turning them into a candy bar or sugary drink, you steep them in hot water like you would with coffee grounds or tea leaves.

The result? A warm, rich drink that has a deep, earthy chocolate flavor. It’s basically chocolate’s suburban cousin who reads nutrition labels and doesn’t crash after lunch.

How is it made?

Pretty much like coffee. First, whole cacao beans are roasted to bring out their natural flavor. Then they’re cracked and ground into coarse nibs. Those nibs are what you brew.

You can use a French press, a drip coffee maker, or even just steep the nibs in hot water and strain them out later. Steep it for around 5–10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. I use a moka pot to make mine really strong.

That’s it. No milk frothing or weird preparations—just roasted cacao, hot water, and maybe a splash of milk or sweetener if it suits your fancy.

It’s simple and surprisingly satisfying.

Is it better for me than coffee?

Well, here is what you get from brewed cacao:

It’s naturally caffeine-free (or very low in caffeine, depending on the brand). Instead of caffeine, it has theobromine—a gentler stimulant found in chocolate that gives you a mild, mood-boosting energy without the spike and crash. It’s also packed with antioxidants and things like magnesium and iron.

I can tell you from my own experience that it is easier on the stomach than coffee. I hope that means better gut health.

Where can I get it?

Brewed cacao isn’t that hard to find. A few places to start:

• Online shops – Brands like Crio Bru, Choffy, and Earth Echo are popular and ship pretty much anywhere. The evil Amazon has a decent selection too, if you want to try it fast.

• Health food stores – Whole Foods, New Seasons, or any shop that leans into wellness trends will probably have at least one brand of brewed cacao on the shelf.

Look for words like “roasted cacao,” “cacao tea,” or “brewed cacao” on the label. And if you’re not sure which one to try, Crio Bru is my go-to pick. It brews well, tastes consistent, and has slightly different flavors depending on the region where it is grown.

Final Thoughts

If you love the ritual of a warm drink in the morning but want to cut back on caffeine—or just try something less intense—brewed cacao might be your new thing. Drink a warm mug of something that’s comforting and good for you!

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Bibliography:

Crio Bru. What Is Crio Bru Brewed Cacao? Crio Inc., www.criobru.com/pages/what-is-
     crio-bru. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Choffy. About Choffy. Choffy, www.drinkchoffy.com/about. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Firebelly Tea. No Ordinary Joe – Tea That Tastes Like Coffee. Firebelly Tea, 
    www.firebellytea.com/products/no-ordinary-joe. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Creo Chocolate. Brewed Cacao – Single-Origin Cacao for Brewing. Creo Chocolate, 
    www.creochocolate.com/products/brewed-cacao. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Chocolate Alchemy. “Brewing Cocoa – Chocolate Alchemy.” Chocolate Alchemy, 
    www.chocolatealchemy.com/products/brewing-cocoa. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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A philomath is an individual who is passionate about learning and studying. The term originates from the Greek words “philos,” meaning “loving,” and “mathēs,” meaning “learning” or “knowledge.” Philomaths are typically characterized by a profound intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to acquire knowledge in a wide range of subjects.

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