How were cacao beans used in Mesoamerican trade?

In Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples, cacao beans were highly valued and served as a form of currency in trade.12

Beyond their use as a medium of exchange, these beans were central to the cultural and social life of these societies. They were primarily used to prepare a beverage, often consumed during ceremonies. For the Aztec people, this drink was considered a luxury reserved for the emperor and the aristocracy. The beans were also held in high regard, with the Maya viewing the cacao tree as sacred and chocolate as the food of the gods.12