The Science of Chocolate and Why It Makes Us Fall in Love (Easier)

Chocolate and romance are inextricably linked in many people’s minds. But what about this sweet treat that makes it the ultimate symbol of love? Here’s a closer look at the science and psychology behind chocolate’s power to spark affection and bring people closer together.

The Chemistry of Chocolate — What’s in It?

The main ingredients are cocoa solids and cocoa butter, both derived from cocoa beans, plus sugar. Milk chocolate also contains milk solids. However, the micronutrients found in cocoa give this beloved treat its unique properties. Some of these, such as flavanols and epicatechin, are good for your brain and heart, but other cocoa chemicals have a more exciting effect.

What is the chemical in chocolate that is known to create feelings of love? Enter phenylethylamine (PEA) — a neuroactive compound sometimes called the “love chemical.” PEA interacts with the brain to boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your body. These two compounds are associated with feelings of pleasure, arousal and motivation.

Serotonin, a feel-good body chemical associated with sexual desire, is also found in chocolate. Theobromine is another important compound — a psychoactive stimulant with neuroprotective effects — and chocolate also contains caffeine, which gives you a burst of energy. 

There is even evidence that the flavonols in your favorite bar can help the body produce more nitric oxide, which is used in many erectile dysfunction medications. No wonder both Casanova and the Marquis de Sade were said to use chocolate as an aphrodisiac!

This unique combination of chemical compounds helps to explain why chocolate is associated with romance, but there’s more to it than this. Cultural and psychological connections also contribute to our view of chocolate as a tool of love.    

The Psychology of Chocolate and Love

Archaeologists know that the Maya and Olmec people of Central and South America used cocoa and other elements of cacao trees as long as 5,300 years ago, primarily in a drink. However, it wasn’t until 1847 that Joseph Fry discovered how to create the solid chocolate bars that everyone knows today.

Just over a decade later, in 1861, chocolate maker Richard Cadbury was struck by inspiration and began selling his sweet treats in a heart-shaped box that he called a “fancy box.” It was designed to allow people to store love letters after the sweets were eaten. From there, the magic of marketing did the rest, and chocolate has forever since been linked to romance in popular culture.

In 2024, chocolate sales in the U.S. reached an astonishing $28.1 billion —  with purchases increasing by 512% just before Valentine’s Day. But what exactly are consumers buying into? It’s probably a combination of factors:

• Symbolism and cultural meaning: Now that the confection has become a universal symbol of love, it’s simply a go-to gift for anyone wanting to show affection.
• Sensory pleasure: The rich taste, smooth texture and sweet aroma stimulate the senses, creating feelings of pleasure and comfort.
• A sense of sharing: Giving and sharing chocolate can encourage intimacy and affection, as it is a form of care and attention.
• Expectations: People expect chocolate to make them feel happy or loved, which can enhance its emotional impact.
• Positive emotions: Receiving a gift tends to trigger good feelings, regardless of its actual chemical effects.
• Relationship rituals: Exchanging chocolate is often part of a romantic ritual, especially on occasions such as Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, so it becomes associated with these rituals and memories.

Does Chocolate Really Make You Fall in Love?

There is good evidence that chocolate improves mood, with many studies having shown this. It is thought that this happens partly because it influences the composition of gut bacteria, thereby decreasing negative emotions via the gut-brain axis.

If you choose a type with at least 70% cocoa, the epicatechin it contains can also support healthy brain function and cognitive performance. So chocolate does have a demonstrable effect on the body — but does it make you fall in love?

Handing over a box of chocolates to a date who isn’t really into you isn’t going to make sparks fly out of nowhere. However, for the right person, at the right time and given with real affection, the PEA and serotonin can certainly boost mood and induce feelings of affection. Chocolate probably can’t make you fall in love if you weren’t already — but if you are, it’s a beautiful way to cement that connection.  

The Sweet Science of Romance

Whether it’s the PEA and serotonin, the sensual taste or just clever marketing, there’s no denying that chocolate is now forever linked with love. From its mood-lifting compounds to its cultural significance and psychological power, savoring chocolate with your significant other may well boost your bond in the sweetest of ways.