The Science

The science behind every scoop.

Cocoa flavanols, led by the compound epicatechin, are what decades of research keep pointing to. Here's the chain of events your daily cup supports.

1

Real flavanols, intact

Un-Dutched, single-origin cacao delivers 500mg+ of cocoa flavanols and epicatechin per cup, not stripped out by processing.

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2

Nitric oxide support

Flavanols are studied for supporting your body's nitric oxide production, the molecule behind relaxed, open blood vessels.

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3

Healthy circulation

The result researchers point to: support for healthy blood flow and the vascular function behind focus, energy, and graceful aging.

21,442

adults studied in Harvard & Brigham's COSMOS trial, the largest study of cocoa flavanols to date.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Backed by studies on cocoa flavanols:

❤ Supports healthy blood flow & circulation

🧠 Supports healthy cognitive function

🫀 Helps maintain flexible, healthy arteries

🩸 Supports healthy blood pressure already in the normal range

⚡ Supports steady, calm energy, no crash

🛡 Supports overall cardiovascular health

See the studies →

Statements refer to published research on cocoa flavanols and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Don't Take Our Word For It

The research is public. Go read it.

We don't hide behind made-up “research institutes.” Here's the actual peer-reviewed science on cocoa flavanols, linked, so you can read every study yourself.

Harvard & Brigham · AJCN 2022

The COSMOS Trial, 21,442 adults

The largest study of cocoa flavanols to date examined cardiovascular outcomes in over 21,000 older adults across five years.

Read the study →

Cochrane Review · 2017

Cocoa flavanols & blood pressure

A systematic review of randomized trials examined cocoa flavanols and their relationship to healthy blood pressure and vascular function.

Read the study →

JACC · 2010

Flavanols & vascular repair cells

Flavanol intake was associated with improved endothelial function and an increase in the body's circulating endothelial progenitor (repair) cells.

Read the study →

Brickman et al. · PNAS 2023

Flavanols & memory in healthy aging

In older adults with lower flavanol intake, supplementation was associated with improved performance on a hippocampus-dependent memory task.

Read the study →

J. Agric. Food Chem. · 2008

Why Dutch-processing matters

Alkalizing (“Dutching”) cocoa was shown to dramatically reduce its flavanol content, the reason we never Dutch ours.

Read the study →

EFSA · Approved Claim

200mg flavanols & blood vessels

European food-safety regulators recognize that 200mg of cocoa flavanols daily helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessels for normal blood flow.

Read the study →

Links are to independent, peer-reviewed research on cocoa flavanols for educational purposes; they are not a claim about this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Honest Comparison

Why people switch to Actual.

	Actual	Regular cacao	Coffee	Supplement stack
500mg+ high-flavanol cacao	✓	✕	✕	✕
Never Dutch-processed	✓	✕	✕	✕
Adaptogens (Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha, Maca)	✓	✕	✕	✓
Smooth energy, no jitters or crash	✓	✓	✕	✕
No sugar, no fillers	✓	✕	✓	✕
Heavy-metal tested	✓	✕	✕	✕
One scoop replaces the cabinet	✓	✕	✕	✕

Flavanols 101

Your flavanol questions, answered

What makes this different from regular cacao powder?

Two things: we never Dutch-process it (so the flavanols stay intact at 500mg+ per cup), and we add four functional adaptogens, Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha, Maca, and Ceylon Cinnamon. Most cacao is alkalized, which strips out the very compounds that matter.

What exactly are flavanols, and why do they matter?

Flavanols are natural plant compounds in cacao, led by epicatechin, that research has studied for supporting healthy circulation and nitric oxide production. They're the focus of Harvard's 21,442-person COSMOS trial.

Is this the same as regular cocoa?

No. Standard cocoa is usually Dutch-processed, which can destroy up to ~78% of its flavanols. Ours is un-Dutched and single-origin to preserve them.

What are the ingredients?

Five, and only five: organic high-flavanol cacao, Lion's Mane mushroom, Ashwagandha root, Maca root, and Ceylon cinnamon. No sugar, no fillers, no proprietary blends.

How does it taste?

Rich, smooth, genuinely chocolatey, without the bitterness of raw cacao or any added sugar. Most people drink it like a hot cocoa or blend it into coffee, oats, or smoothies.

How do I use it?

Add one scoop to hot water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative and stir or froth. It also blends beautifully into coffee, smoothies, and oatmeal.

When should I take it?

Most people enjoy it in the morning for smooth, calm energy and focus, or in the afternoon as a coffee alternative without the jitters.

Can I bake with it?

Yes. It works anywhere you'd use cocoa powder, though high heat may reduce some flavanol content, so a daily cup is the best way to get the most.

Are there any side effects?

It's a food made from five recognizable ingredients. As with any supplement, if you're pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with your healthcare provider first.

Is it safe to take daily?

Yes, it's designed as a daily ritual. One scoop a day is how you get the most from the flavanols and adaptogens.

Is it organic, vegan, and allergen-friendly?

Yes, organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and made without dairy, soy, or added sugar.

Why is it more expensive than regular cacao?

Because un-Dutched, high-flavanol, single-origin cacao plus four real adaptogens costs more than alkalized commodity cocoa. At about $1.33 a cup, it replaces several separate supplements.

What's your return policy?

A 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't love it, email us for a full refund, even if the tin is empty.