Yes there are! We make our pods to be as convenient as possible, so we do get the Koko much finer than normal. So it dissolves quicker in hot water without too much effort and stirring. For all the Samoans out there, yes, this is pegu.

Cacao has something similar to caffeine in it called theobromine, and the effects can be similar. Caffeine and theobromine are both alkaloids. Cacao beans usually contain about 1% theobromine. Like caffeine, theobromine blocks adenosine receptors, increasing alertness but isn’t as potent as caffeine. Theobromine has also been identified as one of the compounds contributing to chocolate's reputation as an aphrodisiac.

While you should always seek the advice of your healthcare professional, cacao is often considered to be a superfood with unique qualities including; the ability to lower insulin resistance, protect your nervous system (high in resveratrol antioxidants), shield nerve cells from damage, reduce risk of heart disease and strokes, and lowers blood pressure. Never replace professional medical treatment with cacao, and always seek guidance from your doctor.

On a more fun note, cacao can be a mood booster because it is reputed to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being. And the same brain chemical that is released when we experience deep feelings of love – phenylethylamine – is found in chocolate.

Generally, organic cacao is also rich in minerals: magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Through Future Proof Samoa's partnership with Brown Girl Woke, we get to a part of inspiring, educating and empowering young females to lead culture and policy changes for a transformative society. Initiatives include providing clean drinking water in Samoa where needed, raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual abuse. Having three daughters of our own, we stand behind this mission 100%.

In addition we also support Talofa Kids, we are helping to bring child abuse to a halt. Their vision is to see children thriving in a safe and progressive Samoa and we couldn't be happier about being a part of their mission. Their work includes training workshops and open platforms for discussion, seeking to end crimes being committed against children.

Through Future Proof Samoa's partnership with Soul Talk, proceeds will go to supporting a qualified team of qualified counsellors, as well as aid work for vulnerable children, youth, couples, families and individuals of all ages and from different religious denominations. Student and youth support includes migratino concerns, drug and alchol issues and abuse (phyiscal, emotional, sexual).

Beyond our donations to Future Proof Samoa, we strive for sustainable materials, packaging, shipping and zero-waste production. We believe that the privilege of doing business means actively investing in the livelihoods of families as they plant, harvest and sell cacao. We can't do it alone either. In addition to our own plantations, we also purchase from other villages and distributors who share the same heart as we do, and we aren't afraid of attaching a high value to the cacao we source.

Many people go with what's on the store shelves - in the form of dried cacao (technically cocoa) powder. ⁣⁣

The vast majority of people do not know that cacao powder is actually treated cacao paste, stripped of many of it’s powerful bioactive & euphoric compounds like anandamide, phenylethylamine, along with other highly nutritious vitamins, minerals, enzymes & antioxidants.

If you are buying cacao/cocoa powder, remember that cacao can be great for the body not just the tongue; other products are simple defatted, nutrient and energy void forms of this superfood.

Unfortunately, the majority of the benefits from cacao are lost during its heating and pressing process. Once you've tried cacao paste, you realise what you have been missing out on.