A taste of love: is chocolate an aphrodisiac?

Get cosy and embrace the romance of chocolate with our guide to cacao’s aphrodisiac properties.

Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? There’s no denying chocolate’s association with love and romance. From Valentine’s Day chocolate boxes to cacao-rich truffles, caramels, and pralines for an anniversary gift, it’s a go-to for showing your significant other just how much you care. It can even make the ideal apology gift…

But where does chocolate’s connection with romance come from? Does it really have aphrodisiac properties — and are they scientific or anecdotal? Let’s explore this food of love and what makes chocolate such an iconic aphrodisiac.

What is an aphrodisiac?

Before we delve into chocolate’s sensual properties, let’s take a moment to reflect on exactly what we mean by ‘aphrodisiac’. Taken from ‘Aphrodite’, the ancient Greek Goddess of beauty and fertility, the term describes a substance that increases feelings of desire.

From oysters to asparagus, figs to strawberries, many foods have a reputation for helping us feel ‘in the mood’. And chocolate is another popular choice for a romantic date night. As we’ll see, the supposed aphrodisiac properties of these treats tend to be down to chemical impacts on the brain. And while studies on chocolate are inconclusive, could there be truth in its aphrodisiac claims?

Why is chocolate associated with romance?

Chocolate’s reputation as a mood enhancer isn’t a new one. In fact, the intertwining of chocolate with romance dates back thousands of years to ancient Maya and Aztec civilisations. In these early beginnings, chocolate was not simply a treat to enjoy for its textures and flavours — it was intrinsically linked with love, marriage, and fertility. And this all centred around the humble cacao pod —chocolate’s central ingredient.

Both cultures revered cacao seeds as a divine gift, a belief that laid the foundation for chocolate’s romantic legacy. After creating a paste with these respected seeds, the Maya and Aztecs made a rich, bitter beverage — the very first hot chocolate. But this hot chocolate was more than just a comforting drink. It was thought to be imbued with the power to kindle passion and desire. As a result, it was a common sight at weddings and fertility ceremonies.

A courtly token of love

Fast forward to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers encountered the tantalising wonders of cacao during their expeditions to the ‘New World’. Chocolate’s luxurious taste soon found its way to the royal courts of Europe, where it underwent a metamorphosis from a bitter beverage to a sweet confection.

This evolution aligned perfectly with the concept of courtly love in Europe. As a result, chocolate became a romantic indulgence exchanged between lovers and admirers.

Present-day romantic gifts

As centuries passed, the allure of chocolate persisted, turning it into an emblem of affection and devotion. By the 1800s, chocolate boxes were a symbol of courtship, and they remain a gift of affection to this day.

In the US, a huge 92% of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate. And although the numbers aren’t quite as high here in the UK, chocolate is still the most popular physical gift on the 14th of February.

Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t the only occasion that calls for romance in the form of chocolate. From engagement and wedding gifts to anniversary presents and a way to surprise a spouse ‘just because’, chocolate is very much at the forefront of our minds when it comes to showing love.

The science: what makes chocolate an aphrodisiac?

We can see that chocolate has long since been connected with love, romance, and sensuality. But why? Did the Aztecs and Mayans know what it was about cacao that gave them that warm fuzzy feeling? Or were they simply guided by the results they noticed when they drank hot chocolate?

Over the years, there have been countless studies exploring what it is (if anything) that makes chocolate an aphrodisiac. These studies have unearthed intriguing compounds that might explain its enchanting effects on human emotions and desires.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

One of the primary suspects behind chocolate’s sensual reputation is phenylethylamine, which is often referred to as the “love molecule.” Scientists believe that this natural compound, which is abundant in cacao, releases endorphins in the brain, inducing feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

PEA’s ability to mimic the sensations of falling in love has earned it a place in the realm of chocolate’s romantic mystique. It’s important to note, however, that the quantity of Phenylethylamine in chocolate is very low — certainly not enough to act as a ‘love potion’. So what else contributes to chocolate’s reputation as an aphrodisiac?

Tryptophan

Well, cacao also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that’s crucial in the production of serotonin — a neurotransmitter known for its mood-enhancing properties.

Higher serotonin levels are linked to feelings of happiness, contentment, and even a sense of closeness with others. This tantalising connection between chocolate and the promotion of emotional well-being contributes to its reputation as an intimate indulgence.

Zinc

Zinc, a trace mineral found in chocolate, plays an essential role in maintaining reproductive health and supporting libido. Its presence in chocolate might contribute to the tradition of associating this delectable treat with increased desire and passion.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in chocolate. It has an association with improving blood circulation and promoting heart health. The heart symbolises emotions and affection across many cultures. So perhaps it’s quercetin’s potential role in enhancing cardiovascular function that’s added to chocolate’s romantic connotations.

How much of an aphrodisiac is chocolate?

As we can see, the compounds in chocolate thought to trigger positive emotions and desire are trace. There’s little evidence to say that chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac.

However, although there might not be a strong augment for a chemical effect, there are other aspects to consider.

Cultural association

Wherever you are in the world, chocolate is likely to be one of the most popular romantic gifts. In many cultures, it’s been associated with love for centuries — both for supposed aphrodisiac purposes and as a symbol of status and luxury.

Power of suggestion

Chocolate’s historical association holds a lot of power, moulding the meaning we apply to it. The mere sight or thought of chocolate can trigger associations with romance due to its long-standing cultural ties, priming our minds for romantic feelings.

In a similar way, chocolate’s reputation for romance can lead to a sense of anticipation. Perhaps this is what makes it such a wonderful addition to a date night. Stocking up on a Mini Chocolate Dipping Adventure For Two, for instance, can put you in a romantic mood.

Sensory exploration

Our Mini Chocolate Dipping Adventure also highlights chocolate’s multi-sensory potential. Bringing together a variety of flavours and textures — velvety-smooth melted chocolate, crunchy savoury nibbles and sweet, fluffy marshmallows — this collection provides a tantalising feast.

From the gentle vanilla notes of creamy white to the nuanced notes of dark, there are plenty of diverse flavours to choose from. But it’s not all about the taste — chocolate’s alluring aroma can also add to a romantic ambience.

Thoughtful gifting and a shared experience

Aside from anything else, gifting your partner with a box of chocolates shows how much you care. And is there anything more attractive than that? Taking the time to choose a present for that special person is a great way to bring you both together. Maybe your significant other adores mellow milk chocolate, so you surprise them with our signature 40% Milk Chocolate Batons at the end of a long week. Or perhaps they treat you to our Patisserie H-Box for your birthday because they know how much you love dessert-inspired recipes. Either way, chocolate offers a great way to connect.

There’s also the shared experience element — both through gifting and enjoying cacao-rich delights together. From curling up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate to baking with chocolate, cacao can enrich your relationship.

What’s the bottom line?

The chemical compounds found in cacao offer intriguing explanations for chocolate’s aphrodisiac properties but it’s important to remember that studies are inconclusive.

Love is a subjective matter, and the allure of chocolate as a romantic indulgence is down to a number of less-tangible factors. From sensory pleasure — the textures, aromas and flavours — to cultural symbolism and the power of suggestion, chocolate’s aphrodisiac power is a complex interplay of elements.

Scientific research has shed light on the potential mechanisms behind chocolate’s influence on our emotions. But the true magic of chocolate’s role in romance lies in its ability to spark passion and kindle connection, evoking sentiments that reach beyond mere chemical reactions.

Which type of chocolate holds the most romantic power?

If we look at the chemical aspects of chocolate, then treats with a higher cacao content are more likely to have an aphrodisiac effect. After all, it’s cacao solids, rather than the other ingredients in chocolate that contain phenylethylamine, tryptophan, and the other key aphrodisiac compounds.

Therefore, if you want to test chocolate’s mood-enhancing effects, your best bet is to explore dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage. Why not try our deep 85% Dark Chocolate Batons or go all out with intense 100% Dark Hot Chocolate?

On the other hand, if we focus on the experience of eating chocolate, then it’s all about choosing recipes that align with your (and your beau’s) tastes. It’s far more romantic to choose a chocolate gift you know your partner will appreciate than opt for dark chocolate because of its potential aphrodisiac properties.

So if your intended prefers the light vanilla notes of white chocolate, consider treating them to our patisserie-inspired Vanilla Macarons or delightfully mellow Blondie Selector. They’re sure to be impressed by the thought you’ve put into choosing a romantic gift.

Show your loved one how much you care with romantic chocolate gifts

We’re in no doubt that chocolate can be the perfect romantic treat. While the jury might be out on the scientific evidence, it’s clear that the process of gifting chocolate and enjoying it with a loved one can be a wonderful way to create a sense of closeness.

Peruse our romantic chocolate gifts and surprise the special person in your life today.