Whole cacao paste
Cacao paste is made by grinding cacao nibs until the solids and naturally occurring fat become a cohesive mass. It can be sold as blocks, wafers, discs or chunks and is commonly chopped or weighed before preparation.
Full-fat ground cacao
Some products make whole cacao easier to measure by grinding it into a softer or powdered form without turning it into conventional defatted cocoa powder. The ingredient statement and manufacturer details matter because appearance alone does not establish composition.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder is produced after some cacao butter has been pressed out. It can make an excellent beverage, but it is a different ingredient with a different fat ratio and mouthfeel.
Which is right for ritual?
There is no single required format. Choose based on ingredient preference, preparation method, desired richness and how much control you want over sweeteners or spices.