Women Crave for Chocolate

Most women experience strong cravings for chocolate from time to time. While some forms of chocolate — especially dark or homemade varieties — can offer health benefits when enjoyed in moderation, our desire for it isn’t because our bodies lack chocolate. So, what really causes these intense cravings?

Craving Chocolate?

There are many possible reasons why people crave chocolate. Research shows that women are more likely to crave chocolate compared to men, who often crave foods like red meat (rich in protein and vitamin B12) or beer (which contains B vitamins and yeast).

Even though our cravings don’t come from a literal “chocolate deficiency,” certain nutrients found in chocolate — such as magnesium and antioxidants — might be what the body is seeking. Chocolate also has a direct impact on the brain by boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can elevate mood and create feelings of pleasure.

Studies suggest that chocolate cravings are strongly linked to hormonal changes, such as those occurring during menstruation or pregnancy. The magnesium content and mood-enhancing effects of chocolate likely play a significant role in these cravings.

Interestingly, the urge to eat chocolate may also be influenced by culture. For example, research shows that chocolate cravings are much more common among women in the United States than in other parts of the world. This could be due to marketing messages that associate chocolate with comfort, relaxation, or emotional relief.

A 2004 study even found that premenstrual cravings differ by culture — American women tended to crave chocolate, while Japanese women more often craved foods like rice or sushi.

Magnesium in Chocolate

While chocolate isn’t the richest source of magnesium, it still ranks among the top ten magnesium-containing foods. What makes it unique is that it not only offers magnesium but also supports neurotransmitter activity and dopamine production — a combination that can be particularly appealing during times of hormonal imbalance.

That said, several foods provide even more magnesium per gram than chocolate, including leafy green vegetables, figs, avocados, and nuts. Dark chocolate contains around 327 milligrams of magnesium per 100 grams, which is significant but not the most efficient source.

Since experts believe that around 80% of people are deficient in magnesium, it’s important to maintain healthy magnesium levels. However, relying solely on chocolate may not be the best approach. Factors such as soil depletion have lowered the magnesium content of many foods, and digestive issues can make it difficult for some people to absorb magnesium effectively.

Topical or transdermal magnesium — applied directly to the skin — is often a more efficient way to increase magnesium levels. Many people notice improvements in PMS symptoms, hormone balance, and overall well-being when combining magnesium-rich foods with topical supplementation.

Bottom Line:
Magnesium deficiency is widespread and can contribute to hormonal and health issues. While dark chocolate can be a delicious way to add magnesium to your diet, it shouldn’t be the main source. It’s best to pair moderate chocolate intake with other magnesium-rich foods and topical applications like magnesium oil or body butter for a more effective boost.

Chocolate and the Brain

One of the main reasons people crave and enjoy chocolate so much lies in how it interacts with the brain.

Chocolate triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, simply because it tastes good and feels satisfying to eat. It also boosts serotonin levels — a key chemical that helps regulate mood, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.

For women, this connection can be even stronger. During the week leading up to menstruation, serotonin levels naturally drop, which may help explain why chocolate cravings often intensify during that time.

In addition, chocolate contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that can increase heart rate, boost energy, and even enhance feelings of alertness and arousal.

Together, these effects make chocolate not just a tasty treat but also a mood-enhancing food that temporarily lifts energy and emotional well-being.

Antioxidants in Chocolate

The antioxidant power of chocolate is often overstated, especially in marketing claims made by certain brands and network companies.

While it’s true that chocolate — particularly dark chocolate — contains flavonols, a type of antioxidant that supports healthy blood flow, blood pressure, and vascular elasticity, the actual health impact may not be as significant as often advertised.

To get a meaningful dose of these antioxidants, you’d have to eat large quantities of chocolate, which would also mean consuming high levels of sugar and fat. Moreover, most studies on chocolate’s antioxidant benefits are observational, so the evidence remains limited.

Another issue is that processing often removes flavonols because they contribute to chocolate’s natural bitterness. As a result, milk chocolate — the most popular type in the U.S. — contains very few antioxidants, while white chocolate has virtually none. Many commercial chocolates also include high fructose corn syrup, artificial additives, and excess sugar, which can outweigh any potential health benefits.

Bottom Line:
If you’re looking to enjoy chocolate for its antioxidants, choose high-quality dark chocolate with minimal sugar and few additives. However, if your main goal is to boost antioxidant intake, foods like organic berries, spirulina, astaxanthin, or phytoplankton are far more effective and nutrient-dense options.

The Problem with Chocolate

Unfortunately, not everything about chocolate is sweet — there are several concerns that can outweigh its potential benefits.

First, commercial chocolate products are often loaded with sugar. Many brands, even premium ones, include large amounts of refined sugar, corn syrup, or other unhealthy sweeteners that can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and poor metabolic health. In terms of nutrition, most processed chocolate is high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while offering only modest nutritional value.

But the more serious issue lies beyond nutrition — it’s about where chocolate comes from.

Few consumers realize that much of the world’s cocoa, particularly from Ivory Coast and Ghana, is produced through child labor and human trafficking. According to investigations by organizations like the BBC, many children — often between 11 and 16 years old — are sold or kidnapped from their families and forced to work on cocoa farms under brutal conditions. They endure long hours, physical abuse, poor nutrition, and little to no pay or education. It’s estimated that around 1.8 million children work in these cocoa fields, even though the global chocolate industry is worth over $70 billion.

This reality makes it important for consumers to make ethical purchasing choices. Supporting brands that use fair-trade and slave-free cocoa helps reduce the demand for exploitative labor practices and ensures that farmers are paid fairly for their work.

Bottom Line:
While high-quality dark chocolate can be enjoyed in moderation, it’s crucial to be mindful of both health and ethical considerations. Choose chocolate that is fair-trade certified and ethically sourced, and limit intake to avoid excess sugar. This way, you can satisfy your cravings without compromising your health or contributing to child labor.

Conclusion: Women Crave for Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the world’s most loved indulgences, offering a mix of flavor, comfort, and even a few health perks — like magnesium, antioxidants, and mood-boosting effects. However, it’s important to recognize that not all chocolate is created equal. Most commercial varieties are high in sugar, low in nutrients, and often sourced unethically.

For those who enjoy chocolate, the key lies in moderation and mindfulness. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate that is low in sugar and made from fair-trade, ethically sourced cocoa. Pair it with a balanced diet rich in magnesium and antioxidants from other whole foods.

When chosen wisely, chocolate can be a small pleasure that supports both personal well-being and ethical responsibility — proving that it’s possible to enjoy sweetness without guilt.