The Cacao Myth Files: Is Cacao a Psychedelic?

Let’s get straight to it. No. Cacao is not a psychedelic.

I know that might disappoint a few people. Or perhaps relieve a few others. Either way, it’s important that we separate fact from folklore. 

So… what is a psychedelic? 
A psychedelic is a substance that significantly alters perception, consciousness and the way we experience reality.

Compounds such as psilocybin and LSD work primarily by activating specific serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to profound changes in perception, thought and sensory experience.

Cacao doesn’t do that.

If you’ve ever drunk a beautiful mug of cacao and suddenly found yourself hallucinating, I’d suggest something else found its way into your cup. 

So why do people talk about cacao like it’s psychedelic? 
Because people often have deeply meaningful experiences with it. They feel more present. More connected. More emotional. More creative. More open-hearted.

Those experiences are real. But they don’t mean cacao is a psychedelic. The two aren’t the same thing. 

So what is happening? 
Cacao is a remarkably complex food. It naturally contains hundreds of different compounds, including minerals, healthy fats, fibre and a range of naturally occurring plant compounds.

It also contains compounds such as theobromine, small amounts of caffeine, phenylethylamine (PEA) and tiny amounts of tryptamine. These compounds are biologically active, which simply means they interact with the body in different ways.

For example, some research suggests compounds in cacao may slow the breakdown of anandamide, one of the body’s own endocannabinoids. Anandamide is sometimes nicknamed the “bliss molecule” because it’s involved in mood, motivation and reward. That sounds exciting.

But it’s worth keeping some perspective. The amounts are small, the science is still evolving, and many of cacao’s effects are likely the result of lots of different compounds working together rather than one magical ingredient doing all the heavy lifting.

That’s often the beauty of whole foods. They’re greater than the sum of their parts. 

Here’s what I’ve noticed. 
After drinking cacao for more than twenty years, I can honestly say it’s one of the most remarkable foods I’ve ever encountered.

Not because it makes me hallucinate. Not because it transports me to another dimension. But because it consistently helps me slow down. Become present. Feel more connected to myself.

Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I feel incredibly creative. Sometimes I simply enjoy a delicious mug of cacao. And sometimes… absolutely nothing happens. And that’s okay too.

I’ve also noticed that my dreams can become more vivid after drinking cacao in the evening. Is that because of cacao? Possibly. Is it scientifically proven? Not yet. And I’m completely comfortable saying, “We don’t know.”

Maybe the real magic is attention. 
When we make cacao, we naturally slow down. Some people boil the kettle.

Here at Mamamuti, we’re firmly Team Saucepan. 
We gently warm the milk. Whisk. Watch the bubbles appear. Breathe in that unmistakable chocolate aroma. Take the first sip. And, for just a few minutes, the world seems to quieten down.

Perhaps part of what we’re calling “the cacao experience” is simply what happens when we give ourselves permission to pause.

In a world that’s constantly asking us to do more, maybe cacao gently reminds us to do less.

To savour.
To breathe.
To notice.
To be present.

Maybe that’s why so many people feel different after drinking it. Not because it’s a psychedelic. But because it creates a beautiful opportunity to come home to ourselves. 

Trust your own experience. 
One of the things I care most about at Mamamuti is helping people reclaim their own experience. You don’t need me to tell you what cacao should feel like. You don’t need someone on Instagram telling you you’ll open your third eye, release seven generations of trauma or have a mystical awakening.

Maybe you’ll have a profound experience. Maybe you’ll simply enjoy a beautiful mug of cacao before heading out for dinner. Both are valid. T

hink for yourself. Stay curious. Use a little common sense. Trust your own experience. Because no influencer, wellness trend or cacao brand knows your body better than you do. 

A final thought 
Cacao doesn’t need to be a psychedelic to be extraordinary. It doesn’t need grand promises. It doesn’t need exaggerated marketing.

Its story is already remarkable. A fruit that grows on a tree. Fermented by nature. Crafted by caring humans.

Shared by cultures for thousands of years. And capable of bringing people together over one beautiful mug of cacao.

For me, that’s more than enough. Less fear. More curiosity. 

That’s the Mamamuti way.

With all my heart
Irma Schutte
Founder Mamamuti