The oldest traces of the use of cocoa seeds as food were found in Ecuador, in the upper reaches of the Amazon tributaries, at an archaeological site dating back to 5450-5300 years BP (before the present, which is assumed to be 1950).

In Central America, archaeological finds indicate the use of cocoa since 3900 years BP, and in the southwestern part of the modern United States since 1000 years BP.

The cocoa tree comes from the Amazon rainforest. From these areas, it was introduced to Central America by the Olmecs (Mexico). It was used by pre-Hispanic cultures along the Yucatan Peninsula in religious ceremonies.

The cocoa bean was a common currency throughout Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquest.