Aphrodisiac Foods: What Works, What’s Myth and How to Use Them

Aphrodisiac foods are foods believed to stir desire, such as oysters, chocolate, chilli, saffron, figs and honey. The honest answer is that the scientific evidence for most of them is limited or weak. Their real power lies elsewhere: in their sensuality, their associations, the ritual of a beautiful meal and the anticipation of the evening ahead. Used that way, they work rather well.

This guide goes through the classic aphrodisiacs, what’s known about each, and how to use them to plan a dinner that sets the right mood.

What is an aphrodisiac?

The word comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Almost every culture has its list of foods said to kindle passion, often chosen for their shape, rarity, warmth or cost. Ancient Indian writing, including the final part of the Kama Sutra, offers recipes meant to increase vigour and attraction, and medieval Europe prized spices from the East for similar reasons. Many of these beliefs are more about symbolism than chemistry.

Modern research is patchy. Some foods contain nutrients linked in general terms to good health or circulation, and a few have small studies behind them. But reviews of the research generally conclude that no food reliably increases desire on its own. Mood, health, rest, stress and the company you keep matter far more.

The classic aphrodisiac foods and what the evidence says

Oysters

The most famous aphrodisiac of all, helped along by the legend of Casanova eating them by the dozen. Oysters are rich in zinc, which the body needs for healthy hormone production, but there’s no good evidence that eating them increases desire. What they do have is glamour: a plate of oysters and a glass of something cold feels like an occasion.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains compounds such as theobromine and phenylethylamine that are sometimes linked to mood, but the amounts are small and studies haven’t shown a clear effect on desire. Its value is pleasure, plain and simple, and sharing a dessert is a lovely, intimate thing to do.

Chilli

Capsaicin, the compound that makes chillies hot, raises the heart rate, warms the skin and can bring on a flush, all of which feel a little like excitement. That’s about as far as the science goes, but a dish with gentle heat certainly livens up a meal.

Saffron

The world’s most expensive spice, treasured from Persia to Kashmir. A handful of small studies have suggested saffron might have some effect on mood and desire, but they are limited and the question is far from settled. In the kitchen it brings colour, scent and a sense of luxury.

Figs, honey and strawberries

Figs have been linked with fertility and sensuality since ancient times, largely because of how they look. Honey has a long romantic history and a pleasing story attached to the word honeymoon, though that origin is debated. Strawberries, sweet and easy to share, are a classic for obvious reasons. None has much scientific backing; all are delicious.

Ginseng and maca

These roots are traditional remedies in East Asia and the Andes respectively, and some small studies have looked at their effects. The results are mixed and the research is limited. If you’re thinking about any supplement, check with a pharmacist first, especially if you take other medication.

Asparagus, avocado and pomegranate

Each has a romantic reputation, mostly thanks to shape, colour or folklore. They’re healthy and they look good on a plate, which is reason enough.

Aphrodisiacs around the world

Every food culture has its romantic favourites, and many make lovely inspiration for a menu:

• India. Warm spices such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg have long been prized in sweets and spiced milk, and Ayurvedic tradition is rich in recipes said to support vitality.
• The Mediterranean. Figs, honey, pomegranates, olive oil and seafood, eaten slowly over a long lunch, are romance enough.
• Central America. Chocolate was drunk by the Aztecs, and legend has it that the emperor Montezuma took it before visiting his wives. The story is probably embroidered, but it has served chocolatiers well for centuries.
• East Asia. Ginseng has a long place in traditional medicine, valued for energy and stamina.

Why aphrodisiacs still work, in a way

If the chemistry is weak, why do aphrodisiacs endure? Because the effect is real, just not in the way the legends suggest. Food that is beautiful and shared does change the mood. Eating with your fingers, tasting from each other’s plates, lingering over dessert: all of it creates a little intimacy. Expectation plays its part too. If you both know what oysters are meant to signify, the meaning arrives with them.

The bigger factors, though, are the ones in our guides to intimacy and connection and how to flirt: attention, conversation and time.

How to plan an aphrodisiac dinner date

• Keep it light. A heavy three-course meal tends to send people to sleep. Several small plates or a tasting menu work better.
• Start with something special. Oysters, a delicate crudo or a little champagne set the tone.
• Add warmth. A gently spiced main course, perhaps with saffron or a touch of chilli. Indian, Persian and Thai kitchens all do this beautifully.
• Share dessert. Dark chocolate, figs with honey or strawberries. One plate, two spoons.
• Go easy on the wine. A glass or two adds to the evening; much more takes away from it, as our guide on how to last longer explains.
• Choose the room carefully. Soft lighting, a quiet corner and tables not too close together matter more than the menu.

For places to try this, our pick of romantic restaurants in London and the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants are good starting points.

A dinner date with an escort

Plenty of our clients enjoy exactly this sort of evening with a companion. A dinner date usually lasts around three hours and costs about £800, covering a relaxed meal and time together afterwards, and overnights are possible too. Both are best booked a day or two ahead, and our guide to dinner dates and overnights explains how they work. Ladies who list the girlfriend experience or party girl on their profiles tend to love a good restaurant.

Rates are for time and escortship; anything else is a private matter between consenting adults, and she can decline anything she isn’t comfortable with. Browse our London escorts, then call or WhatsApp from the booking page to arrange your evening.