A lot of people start their day with a warm drink. People have turned to coffee for ages as their go-to drink. But these days, more and more people want a healthy morning beverage that gives them energy without the jitters. One drink gaining attention is the cacao beverage. It’s a gentle, nutrient-rich option that feels like a treat. This article compares the healthy morning beverage made from cacao with coffee to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle better.
What’s in a Cacao Beverage?
Imagine waking up to a cozy cup that smells like chocolate, tastes rich, but isn’t overly sweet. That’s what a cacao beverage offers. Made using cocoa powder (the raw form of cocoa), this drink keeps more of the healthy nutrients found in cacao beans than regular processed chocolate drinks.
Just mix it with hot water or any plant milk you like. Some folks mix in cinnamon or nutmeg to give their cacao a warm, spiced flavor. The result is comforting and flavorful, without being too heavy.
Theobromine gives this drink a calm energy boost, without the jittery feeling caffeine often brings. Along with that, it contains iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. No wonder so many people now consider it their go-to healthy morning beverage.
Coffee: Fast Energy, but Sometimes Too Fast
Coffee is known for its strong caffeine content. It’s the reason people say, “I can’t start my day without my coffee.” It delivers energy fast, and that quick burst can be helpful when you're in a rush or trying to power through a busy morning.
Some people find coffee too strong because of its acid and caffeine. It may lead to jitters, a fast heartbeat, or even an energy crash by mid-morning. It also tends to upset some people’s stomachs.
While coffee has its own set of antioxidants, it doesn’t offer the calming and nutrient-rich profile of a cacao beverage. For anyone who feels too wired or anxious after a cup of coffee, switching to a healthy morning beverage like cacao could be a smart move.
Energy Boost: Quick Hit or Slow Burn?
Here’s where cacao and coffee really differ — how they give you energy.
Caffeine from coffee hits hard and fades quickly. It gives you a quick burst of energy, but that boost can fade just as fast, leaving you feeling drained soon after.
Cacao, with its theobromine, works differently. The energy builds slowly and lasts longer. It keeps your focus steady without making you feel too wired or too tired. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just tired of the ups and downs, cacao might be a better match.
The Good Stuff Inside Cacao
A big reason people love cacao in the morning is for its health perks. A cacao beverage is full of flavonoids, which may help your heart. It’s a natural source of magnesium—great for your muscles and nerves—and iron, which helps carry oxygen in your blood.
You can also upgrade it into a spiced cacao drink. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cayenne, and suddenly, your cup is full of extra benefits. Cinnamon might support steady blood sugar, ginger can calm your stomach, and cayenne may help your blood flow better.
So when you sip a cacao beverage, especially a spiced cacao drink, you’re not just getting something tasty—you’re starting your day with ingredients that support your wellness.
How to Make a Cacao Morning Drink at Home?
You don’t need a fancy machine or long prep time. Making your own cacao morning drink is simple and can be adjusted to your taste.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- Use 1 cup of hot water or a plant milk such as oat or almond
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon or your favorite spice
Steps:
- Warm up some milk or water in a small pan over low heat.
- Stir in the cacao powder until smooth.
- You can stir in honey or syrup if you want a little sweetness.
- Toss in a pinch of spice.
- Pour into your favorite mug and sip slowly.
Tip: Want it creamy? Try oat or almond milk. Craving bold flavor? Add more spice or a splash of vanilla. This cacao morning drink recipe is easy to make your own.
Why People Are Switching from Coffee to Cacao?
There are plenty of reasons people are switching from coffee to a cacao beverage. For starters, it has less caffeine. It also brings more nutrients to the table—magnesium, iron, flavonoids. Many people love how it provides a smoother energy that doesn’t lead to a crash.
Another bonus? It’s often easier on the stomach. If you’ve had heartburn or bloating from coffee, cacao might be a better match for your system.
And let’s be honest—it tastes like chocolate. It’s hard to beat that, especially when you know it’s part of your healthy morning beverage routine.
How A Spiced Cacao Drink Adds More to Your Day?
If you want to take it a step further, turn your morning cup into a spiced cacao drink. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about function.
Cinnamon might help keep blood sugar in check. Ginger may help settle your stomach, and cayenne could help blood flow better. These spices add warmth and comfort, especially in colder months.
By combining cacao with these ingredients, you’re getting more than just a nice drink. You’re starting your day with a feel-good wellness ritual.
Still Love Coffee? That’s Okay
Don’t worry—coffee still has its place. Many people enjoy the taste, the aroma, and the rush of energy. In moderation, it can be a fine choice with some benefits of its own.
But if you feel jittery, anxious, or experience digestive trouble after drinking coffee, it may be worth trying a different kind of energy boost.
Trying a healthy morning beverage like a cacao beverage doesn’t mean you can never drink coffee again. It just gives you options. You can change the ingredients based on how you're feeling or what you need that day.
Mixing Things Up with a Cacao Morning Drink Recipe
Who says you have to pick just one? Some people enjoy coffee some mornings and a cacao beverage on others. You can even mix a small amount of coffee into your cacao morning drink recipe to make a homemade mocha. It’s an easy mix that gives you a little bit of everything you like.
Try different versions—change up your plant-based milk, add new spices, or include superfoods like maca or ashwagandha. The possibilities are endless, and it keeps mornings fresh and interesting.
Which One Fits Your Morning Best?
There's no perfect answer — just whatever fits you best. Think about how you feel after each drink. Are you more focused or more anxious? Do you feel fueled or burnt out?
If you’re looking for a gentler start to your day, a cacao beverage might be a better fit. Follow a cacao morning drink recipe, or enjoy a warm spiced cacao drink to bring more balance and nourishment into your daily routine.
Try It for Yourself
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Explore our range of cocoa with high flavanol products selections—and turn your morning into something special.