It usually starts innocently—just a snack, a drink, maybe dessert after dinner.
But what if those last bites before intimacy weren’t random at all? When researchers examined eating habits in the hours leading up to s*x, a pattern emerged—one that raises questions about whether desire is influenced more by instinct… or what’s on our plate.
Certain foods have long been associated with romance. Oysters, chocolate, and strawberries often get credit for boosting desire—but is there real science behind these claims, or are they cultural myths passed down over time?
To explore the connection, health-tracking app Lifesum analyzed user data to uncover which foods people most commonly eat shortly before s*x. The results mixed expected favorites with surprising staples.
The analysis examined 2,563 foods logged by users within two hours before s*xual activity, also comparing trends by country. The five nations reporting the most s*xual activity were Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, and the United States.
Chocolate topped the list globally—most frequently logged in Germany and France and ranking second in Italy and the U.S. Following chocolate were tomatoes, bread, apples, potatoes, coffee, bananas, wine, cheese, and strawberries.
Interestingly, many of the foods eaten after s*x were nearly identical—minus strawberries and with water added, likely to rehydrate after physical exertion.
According to Lifesum nutritionist Frida Harju, some of these foods are recognized aphrodisiacs, while others may be coincidence. Below are the foods from the study that have scientific evidence supporting libido-boosting effects:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which raises dopamine levels—the chemical linked to pleasure—and L-arginine, an amino acid that improves blood flow.
2. Apples
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes, apples may support overall s*xual desire and energy—beyond their centuries-old symbolic association with temptation.
3. Tomatoes
Often called “love apples,” tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to improved circulation and prostate health—both key factors in s*xual function.
4. Bananas
Bananas contain bromelain, which may help increase testosterone levels. Their B vitamins support mood and stamina, while their shape and symbolism add a playful edge.
5. Coffee
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, raises heart rate, and boosts circulation—effects that can translate into heightened physical readiness.
6. Wine
In moderation, wine relaxes the body and increases circulation, thanks in part to resveratrol, an antioxidant that supports blood flow.
7. Strawberries
High in vitamin C, strawberries help improve circulation. Their romantic reputation may be cultural, but the physiological benefits are real.
8. Honey
Honey helps regulate estrogen and testosterone and contains boron, which may support energy levels and hormone balance.
9. Watermelon
Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production, relaxing blood vessels and enhancing arousal through improved circulation.
Conclusion
No single food guarantees passion, but what we eat can influence energy, circulation, mood, and hormone balance—all key ingredients for intimacy. Whether driven by biology or habit, these pre-s*x food choices reveal that desire may begin long before the bedroom, quietly shaped by what’s on our plate.