Wao - Where Health meets Happiness in a mug

Wão’s journey begins with Charlotte. She was on a journey looking for purpose in her life. In early 2018 she travelled with her boyfriend, Mark, to the lush highlands of El Salvador; a magical place that captured their hearts. Here they stumbled upon a family-run finca dedicated to cultivating indigenous cacao. This serendipitous encounter laid the foundation for their love affair with an extraordinary beverage: ceremonial cacao.

What is ceremonial cacao you might ask? And what distinguishes it from chocolate? Well, firstly, it hails from an indigenous strain of cacao, criollo. This represents a departure from the commercial strain, forastero, commonly used in conventional chocolate production. Secondly, it preserves the entire cacao bean, rather the splitting off cocoa butter, in what is known as Dutch processing. And finally, it uses a gentle processing approach that minimizes heat exposure. This meticulous care allows the cacao bean to retain all its natural goodness.

 

The value of cacao has been cherished for centuries, long before the European conquests of the sixteenth century reshaped the world map. Civilizations like the Mayans, Aztecs and Olmecs held cacao in the highest esteem, cherishing it as a medicine, as a valuable currency and as a typical wedding gift. In a remarkable testament to its power to brighten up someone’s day, the Aztecs even used it to uplift the spirits of sacrifice victims who did not want to join the dance before their fateful end!

 

Ceremonial Cacao: The Heart of Wão

Discovering the incredible health benefits of ceremonial cacao, and its ability to bring calm confidence to everyday life, Charlotte and Mark were determined to introduce it to their daily routine. So they decided to bring some home to Amsterdam with them.

Ceremonial cacao is often referred to as the “ultimate superfood”. It boasts more antioxidants than any other tested food, promotes liver detoxification, and people believe it has ability to unlock emotions. What’s more, ceremonial cacao is full of vital minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, chromium, copper, manganese and phosphorus. It improves healthy blood circulation and facilitates the absorption of all these minerals within.

Beyond its nutritional value, ceremonial cacao is packed with feel-good compounds such as norepinephrine (otherwise known as the joy molecule), serotonin, dopamine, and anandamide (otherwise known as the bliss molecule).

 

The Birth of Wão

Mark started to drink ceremonial cacao regularly, and quickly discovered that it brought him increased clarity, focus and calm. This had a large impact on his ability to navigate the corporate environment that he worked in. He found his confidence boosted in meetings and presentations, whilst being better able to respond rather than react to life’s daily challenges. He also found that it improved his interpersonal skills, and that he was more empathetic towards others.

 

Ceremonial cacao is an ancient non-hallucinogenic plant medicine that consumers report uplifting their mood, clearing their mind, and fostering a deeper connection with the world around them. The secret behind its energizing properties is Theobromine (literally meaning food of the gods), which as a cardiovascular stimulant that doesn’t disrupt your central nervous system. It contributes towards healthy blood pressure and relaxation, making it a great choice for those seeking an energy boost without the drawbacks of caffeine.

Drawing on his own experience with ceremonial cacao in the workplace, Mark began to realise that the benefits of improved collaboration, focus, confidence and empathy, could have a very positive impact on the overall work environment, as well as more broadly in society.

To share the huge potential of this superfood Charlotte and Mark partnered with a holistic health coach, a doctor and a professional food taster, on a mission to create a convenient, accessible and delicious drink. They envisage an alternative to the morning ritual of coffee that offers so much more than just a pick-me-up. A holistic mind and body boost for before a meeting, a presentation, a catch-up with friends or any other social interaction to bring out the best in people.

Since then, they’ve embarked on a voyage of discovery, adding other natural (superfood) ingredients and testing their new product at markets and festivals in the Netherlands, France and Belgium. Inspired by the warm enthusiasm displayed by their growing community, they decided to take the plunge and officially launch their brand. This led to the birth of Wão.

 

Wão – a healthy hug in a mug

Wão doesn't stop at cacao. It’s crafted from 19 all-natural ingredients that are all either organic or ethically sourced. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible to a wide range of health-conscious consumers. More than just a warm and delicious drink, Wão has the vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens that we all need as part of a healthy and revitalising daily routine.

Wão is enriched with vitamin-packed ingredients like beetroot, Bulgarian rose and rose hip. These not only lend it its distinctive pinkish-purple colour but also offer a bunch of vitamins (A, Bs, C, E and K) to complement the mineral-rich goodness within.

Wão's blend also includes six adaptogens: Lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, ashwagandha, maca and rosemary. Such adaptogens help our bodies relieve stress and provide a sense of calm and grounding.

Wão's 19 ingredients also work in harmony to cultivate your gut microbiome, promoting overall well-being. In fact, drinking Wão provides 17 of the 30 weekly recommended plants for optimal gut health by Tim Spector in his book Food for Life. Cacao, in particular, stands out as a fermented plant, adding an extra layer of vitality to your gut healing journey.

 

Create, Connect, Be Well

Wão's founders have thoughtfully categorized the benefits of their “wonder drink” into three bold themes: Create, Connect, Be well (see matrix below).

 

Under "Create," you'll find ingredients that studies suggest boost Focus, Memory and Energy, to enhance our productivity and creativity. "Connect" features elements that enhance Mood, Calm and Libido, to improve our interpersonal interactions. And "Be well" is all about promoting Brain, Heart and Gut health while also rejuvenating skin, boosting immunity, and supporting bones and joints. It's a holistic approach to well-being that aims to help us thrive in every aspect of life.

 

The ethos behind Wão

Charlotte, Mark and the team behind Wão believe in building a fun and inclusive community, whilst following ethical and sustainable practices when it comes to their partners. But that's not all — they’re on a mission to reintroduce the ancient power of indigenous cacao, along with its impressive health benefits, to a wider audience. By placing a strong emphasis on creating a drink that is tasty, healthy, accessible and convenient.

Their vision is simple but profound. By introducing Wão to the daily routine, they aim to bring calm confidence & empathy to the home and office. Could a drink hold the key to a more productive and compassionate social and work environment? Team Wão thinks so.

So, as you sip this pinkish-purple elixir, remember that Wão may be more than just a drink. Could it be a vibrant blend of ancient wisdom and modern wellness, ready to revolutionize your daily routine? It could well be.