Is Dark Chocolate an Antidepressant?
- Nichole Dandrea-Russert
- May 21, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 7
As rates of anxiety and depression continue to rise globally, conversations around mental health have never been more important. In the wake of ongoing social, economic, and environmental stressors, more people are seeking natural and supportive ways to care for their mental and emotional well-being.
While traditional treatments like therapy and medication remain essential for many, there's growing interest in how lifestyle factors—like movement, sleep, connection, and especially nutrition—can play a role in supporting mental health. Among the foods being studied for their mood-enhancing potential? Dark chocolate.
Even before recent years brought mental health to the forefront, depression was already a widespread concern. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects nearly 300 million people globally. And while not a cure-all, research suggests that what we eat may influence how we feel—making diet a powerful (and delicious) part of the mental wellness conversation.
Dark Chocolate as an Antidepressant?
While many foods have been linked to better mood, few have captured as much attention—or as much love—as chocolate. Of all varieties, dark chocolate is often spotlighted for its potential mental health benefits.
A study referenced by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that people who consume dark chocolate are less likely to report symptoms of depression. However, it’s important to note that the study had several limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and observational design, which make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
Still, the idea that dark chocolate might help alleviate symptoms of depression isn’t far-fetched. Researchers have proposed a number of ways chocolate may influence mood, including its flavor and sensory appeal (orosensory effects), bioactive compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, and its nutrient content, particularly antioxidants and magnesium.
How Dark Chocolate May Influence Mood
1. Orosensory Qualities (Taste and Texture)
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways chocolate affects mood is through its orosensory properties—how it tastes and feels in the mouth. The creamy texture, subtle bitterness, and natural sweetness of dark chocolate can trigger a pleasurable sensory experience. This enjoyment leads to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals. Endorphins help regulate pleasure, stress, and pain—much like the effects of morphine—contributing to a temporary sense of well-being and even mild euphoria.
2. Psychoactive Compounds in Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains several bioactive compounds that can influence brain chemistry and mood:
Methylxanthines (including theobromine and a small amount of caffeine) are natural stimulants that may boost alertness, mental clarity, and energy levels.
Unsaturated N-acylethanolamines are compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain—the same ones activated by cannabis—leading to feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria.
Flavanols, powerful antioxidants found in cocoa, may support mood in multiple ways:
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to hormonal imbalances that can impact mood.
By improving blood flow to the brain, which may help regulate emotions. Interestingly, both low and high blood flow have been associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
By enhancing the availability of key neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine, which play major roles in mood, motivation, and emotional balance.
3. Nutritional Profile: Carbohydrates and Magnesium
Dark chocolate also contains nutrients that support brain health, including:
Carbohydrates, which can increase serotonin production, helping improve mood, energy, and focus.
Magnesium, an essential mineral that supports the production of dopamine and serotonin. Low magnesium levels—often depleted during stress—are linked to increased risk of depression and anxiety. Dark chocolate is one of the richest dietary sources of magnesium, making it a smart (and tasty) way to replenish.
Can Chocolate Really Act as an Antidepressant?
While chocolate’s individual components—like flavanols, magnesium, and theobromine—have shown potential mood-boosting effects, research suggests that the greatest impact on mood occurs when chocolate is consumed in its whole form. This indicates that it’s the combination of chocolate’s taste, texture, bioactive compounds, and nutrient content that contributes to the feel-good experience—not just one ingredient on its own.
That said, there is currently no definitive scientific evidence that dark chocolate can be used as an antidepressant. It’s not a substitute for professional mental health care, and it shouldn’t be used as a treatment for depression or anxiety disorders.
However, the growing field of nutritional psychiatry is exploring how dietary patterns and specific nutrients may influence mental well-being. While chocolate isn't a cure, enjoying a square or two of high-quality dark chocolate—as part of a balanced, whole-food, plant-based diet—might offer a gentle mood lift.
So if you’re having a tough day, try taking a walk, connecting with a friend, practicing breathwork, or enjoying a mindful moment with a small piece of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. You just might feel a little better. And if you're looking for a nourishing, low-sugar way to indulge, try the “mood-boosting” chocolate dessert recipe below.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
This rich and creamy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a feel-good treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, it’s naturally sweetened, packed with fiber and omega-3s from chia seeds, and loaded with antioxidant-rich cacao. It’s the perfect mood-boosting dessert or satisfying snack—ready in just a few minutes of prep time. Customize it with a splash of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon, or your favorite plant-based toppings for an extra special touch.
Let it chill for a few hours, and you’ll have a thick, decadent pudding that feels like dessert—but fuels like breakfast.
Equipment: bowl, sifter, whisk, measuring cups
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chocolate Chia Pudding Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened plant milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)
2-3 tbsp cacao/cocoa powder
2-3 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup chia seeds
Optional ingredients: a pinch of sea salt, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract
Directions for Chocolate Chia Pudding
1. Sift cacao into a bowl (to remove clumps)
2. Add maple syrup, milk, and optional ingredients.
3. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add chia seeds and whisk again.
5. Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge for 2-4 hours until the mixture becomes thick, stirring halfway through.
Tip: if you don’t like the tapioca consistency, try putting the pudding in the blender to get a smoother texture
Do you or someone else that you know need help?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
Call 911.
Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Greetings! My name is Mary Pittman. I am currently enrolled in Georgia State University’s Coordinated Nutrition Program. Someday soon, I will be a registered dietitian with a Master’s degree! I have worked in a hospital for six years, four of which were in the ICU. I have worked with hundreds of patients and have seen many illnesses. Many illnesses can be treated and prevented by a healthy lifestyle. It is my dream to learn how to help people who struggle to find a healthier way to live. My other interests include painting, playing my violin, and learning Harry Potter trivia (sorry, not sorry).
