Meet the Founder: Dan Koch of Sacred Taste

From DJ Booths to Cacao Ceremonies: A Conversation with Dan Koch, Founder of Sacred Taste

Dan Koch’s journey is nothing short of transformative. From his high-energy days as a DJ, performing alongside legends like Above & Beyond, to finding his true calling in the sacred power of cacao, Dan has traded the decks for a more soulful connection to people and the planet. In this interview, he opens up about his spiritual awakening, the pivotal moment that led him to sobriety, and how cacao became the heart-opening ritual that reshaped his life.

From deep in the Peruvian Amazon to creating a global movement with Sacred Taste, Dan shares his insights on sustainability, ethical practices, and the profound ability of cacao to connect us to ourselves, each other, and the natural world. Let’s dive into his inspiring journey and discover the passion behind Sacred Taste.

W&CF: Thank you for catching up with me Dan. Let’s rewind back to your DJ days, pre-Sacred Taste, and the time of your spiritual awakening if you will. What inspired you to ditch the decks and switch to a more holistic way of living?

Dan Koch: In my DJ days, I thrived on the energy of music and the connection with people. I had the incredible opportunity to play alongside some of the top 100 DJs in the world, and in March 2013, I achieved my childhood dream by opening the stage for my idols, Above & Beyond. However, while I was living that dream, I couldn’t ignore the toxic side of the scene—the drug and alcohol culture that seemed to dominate. It left me searching for something more meaningful, something that connected people on a deeper level.

I came to realise that while music was powerful, it could only take me so far in terms of personal fulfilment, especially in a scene so riddled with drugs and alcohol. At the height of my career, I made the difficult decision to step away from DJing. I sold everything I owned, including my decks, and moved to Bondi to begin a new chapter of sobriety and self-discovery.

I had always been drawn to ancient wisdom, spirituality, and a closer connection to nature. As I began to explore these interests further, I discovered cacao, and that experience changed everything. Cacao sparked an inner transformation, offering a sense of clarity and purpose that I hadn’t found before.

My first experience with cacao was transformative. It offered a sense of clarity and connection to purpose that I hadn’t found before. The uplifting energy, the way it opened my heart, and its natural ability to connect people deeply resonated with me. This experience sparked an inner transformation, and I realised that cacao wasn’t just a drink—it was a way to build authentic connections, both with ourselves and with others and I found a new way to celebrate life.

That’s when Sacred was born, it was a way to share the power of cacao with the world. Cacao became the bridge between the connection I had once found in music and a new, holistic way of living that centred on mindfulness, nature, and heart-opening experiences. The transition wasn’t just about me—it was about creating something that could impact others, helping them find the same deeper sense of connection I had found.

Soon, we found ourselves creating Full Moon Cacao Parties where there were no drugs, no alcohol—just pure connection. The music elevated the spirit, and the cacao opened the heart. We had created something extraordinary—a high that we didn’t have to come down from, an experience where people left feeling more connected, more alive, and more present than ever before. That’s when Sacred truly found its soul.

 

W&CF: You did three years of sobriety with cacao as your only substitute prior to launching Sacred Taste. Can you share your first experience with cacao and what inspired you to launch your cacao collection?

DK: My first experience with cacao was profound—it felt like I had reconnected with something ancient and powerful. I wasn’t looking for a substitute when I stopped drinking; I was looking for something that could nourish me on a deeper level. Cacao became more than just a beverage; it became a daily ritual that centred me, opened my heart, and helped me to connect with myself and those around me in a deeper, more intentional way. It was through this personal transformation that the inspiration to launch Sacred Taste was born. I wanted to offer others the chance to experience the same sense of connection and healing that I had found in cacao.

W&CF: In 2019 you travelled to the depths of Peru to discover the origins of Cacao and the impact it has on the local people and the environment. This level of commitment prior to launching Sacred Taste is a real credit to your moral values and brand integrity. Why was this research trip so important to you and what was your biggest learning or takeaway?

DK: The journey to Peru was crucial for me because I wanted to understand cacao at its roots—its spiritual, environmental, and cultural significance. It wasn’t enough to just offer a product; I wanted to ensure that Sacred Taste was aligned with ethical practices and respect for the land and people who cultivate it. Meeting with the Ashaninka tribe, who grow wild-crafted cacao in the rainforest, reinforced for me how sacred this plant truly is. The biggest takeaway was understanding the symbiotic relationship between the environment and the people who steward it—cacao is not just a commodity; it’s a lifeblood for many communities. That’s why sustainability and regenerative practices are at the core of Sacred Taste. 

W&CF: You often hear about the negative impacts cacao harvesting can have on the planet, such as slave labour and deforestation. How do you work with the local Ashaninka tribes to ensure your cacao is ethically sourced and how might other brands be cutting corners and contributing to unethical cacao harvesting and practices?

DK: At Sacred Taste, we work directly with the Ashaninka tribes, who are revered as the guardians of the rainforest and practise sustainable, wild-harvesting methods that respect both the land and their heritage. We pay a premium for their cacao to ensure they are compensated fairly and can continue their work in preserving their land and culture. Unfortunately, many brands cut corners by sourcing mass-produced cacao from deforested lands or from suppliers who exploit labour. This often comes down to a lack of transparency and prioritising profit over ethics. For us, protecting indigenous communities and ecosystems is non-negotiable.

 

W&CF: I am a huge fan of your ‘Ceremony’ Ceremonial Cacao and the euphoric experience I have as it enhances my connection to nature and self. With so many blends on the market claiming to be ceremonial grade, what should consumers look for to ensure they are buying a quality ceremonial grade cacao?

DK: I’m so glad to hear that our Ceremonial Cacao has had such a positive impact! When it comes to ceremonial-grade cacao, it’s important to look for cacao that is wild-harvested, minimally processed, and sourced ethically. True ceremonial cacao is prepared with intention, often by indigenous communities who understand the spiritual significance of the plant. Consumers should look for transparency in sourcing, a focus on sustainability, and an emphasis on purity—no additives, refined sugars, or preservatives. The cacao should speak for itself in its flavour and the way it makes you feel. If you can taste the fruity flavours of the rainforest in your ceremonial cacao, you know it is wild-grown!

W&CF: You have also launched 4 powder cacao blends, with a different flavour to suit every palate. If you could only have one of your powder cacao blends for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?

DK: I’d have to go with two blends—‘Fire’ and ‘Vitality’—because they serve different purposes. The ‘Fire’ blend is perfect for physical performance and energy. With cayenne pepper and cinnamon, it naturally boosts circulation and stamina, making it ideal for powering through physically demanding days or intense workouts. It gives me the energy I need without any crash.

On the other hand, ‘Vitality’ is focused on mental clarity and cognitive health. With matcha and mint, it’s great for enhancing focus and productivity, giving me a clear, balanced energy that’s perfect for staying sharp throughout the day and is the perfect coffee replacement. Whether I need a physical boost or mental sharpness, these two blends keep me performing at my best.

W&CF: From trance music festivals to full moon cacao parties, you’ve just released your line up of Sacred European Summer Tour dates. For those of us who can’t make it, can you set the scene and take us on a visual trip inside one of your live events?

DK: Imagine a full moon night, the sky softly illuminated, and the energy is alive. We gather outdoors, under the stars, in a vibrant, open space where people are arriving, conversations are flowing, and excitement is building. At the cacao bar, we serve all four blends—'Earth,' 'Fire,' 'Love,' and 'Vitality'—each offering something unique. Whether it's the grounding richness of 'Earth,' the energising warmth of 'Fire,' the soothing calm of 'Love,' or the refreshing focus of 'Vitality,' everyone picks the blend that resonates with them, fuelling the shared experience.

The music begins with rhythmic, tribal beats, getting everyone moving, and the atmosphere quickly becomes electric. As the cacao flows, so does the energy—people are dancing, laughing, and fully immersed in the celebration. The cacao naturally uplifts the group, deepening the connection among everyone and elevating the energy as we approach the peak of the night.

At the height of the celebration, we pause, closing the energetic peak with a shift in tone. The music mellows, becoming more ambient and soothing. This signals the start of the cacao ceremony, where we serve Ceremony, our special 100% pure ceremonial cacao, created specifically for moments like this. We gather in a circle, sip the ceremonial cacao, and reflect on the experience, grounding ourselves and connecting with the deeper meaning of the evening.

To close, we guide everyone into a peaceful sound bath, where deep, soothing vibrations wash over the group, helping calm both body and mind after the high-energy celebration. By the end of the night, everyone is relaxed, grounded, and ready to head home with a sense of fulfilment, connected to the experience and each other. It’s a journey from energetic celebration to peaceful reflection, leaving you balanced and uplifted. That’s the Sacred experience.

W&CF: There are so many ways to enjoy cacao and you share some great recipes on your website. What is your favourite way to consume Cacao?

DK: For Ceremony, the only way for me is to keep it simple and traditional—just pure ceremonial cacao mixed with hot water for ceremonies. Without any additives, I can fully experience the rich, earthy taste of the cacao, which reminds me of the cacao forest where it's grown. There’s a depth to it, with fruity undertones and subtle notes of the rainforest, that’s how you can tell it’s wild, when you can taste the fruity flavours of the neighbouring rainforest and environment it comes from. It’s grounding and meditative, always bringing me back to a state of presence and connection with nature.

For the flavour blends it depends on the time of day and my needs at the time!

For the 'Fire' blend, I like to have it hot with just water, especially on an empty stomach in the morning. The cayenne pepper and cinnamon really help boost energy and support fat burning, making it a great way to kickstart the day.

For the 'Vitality' blend, I prefer it cold as a shake or smoothie with banana and plant-based milk. The matcha and mint in this blend help with mental clarity and focus, so it’s a fantastic coffee alternative or a perfect pick-me-up when I need to stay focussed and get things done.

When I need to relax and unwind, I reach for the 'Love' blend. I prepare it with warm almond milk, and the soothing properties of the rose help calm the mind and relax the nervous system, making it  ideal for winding down in the evening.

For a more grounding experience, I go with the 'Earth' blend. I mix it with plant-based milk as a shake, and it’s my go-to when I’m craving something sweet without the sugar. It’s the perfect chocolate replacement and a nourishing option to satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthier way.

FAST FIVE

1. Favourite place in the world: The Peruvian Amazon—it’s where I truly connected with the origins of cacao and nature at its purest.

2. The beauty or self care product you can't live without: Cacao. It’s not just nourishing for the body, but also for the mind and soul.

3. Song that lives rent free in your head: "Do What You Want" by JFOS. This track that always brings me to my DJ days where it all started for me.

4. A life changing event or experience: As a DJ, Warming up for my idols Above & Beyond in Melbourne. It was a sold out show with over 7,500 people and I got to play before them… was a childhood dream.
   
   Travelling to Peru and meeting the Ashaninka tribe. It completely transformed how I see cacao and the impact it can have on people and the planet and how we can live together in a sustainable way. 

5. Who or what inspires you the most in life? The indigenous tribes who live in harmony with nature—they are the true stewards of the earth and remind me of what we need to protect and respect.

W&CF: Thanks so much for chatting to us Dan, we have loved learning more Sacred Taste x