10 snacks to boost your sex drive

What you eat plays a major role in how you feel – physically, mentally, and emotionally. And when it comes to your love life, the right ingredients can give you a serious boost. Since sexual health is closely tied to overall wellness, snacks that nourish your heart, brain, and digestion also help keep your sex hormones in balance and your body in peak performance mode.

Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs have been part of human culture for centuries. Different societies have long believed in the power of certain foods to rev up desire and enhance intimacy. While some foods have gained their sultry reputations through myth and legend, science has confirmed that certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can genuinely help support a thriving sex drive.

Now, no snack is the magic bullet, but some foods can definitely set the stage for better performance by improving endurance, stamina, and blood flow – all key factors in the bedroom. A healthy circulatory system is crucial for arousal, and the right foods can keep your blood pumping to all the right places. Plus, snacks that boost mood and trigger feel-good neurotransmitters can help you relax, unwind, and be more present with your partner. Keeping your hormones in check is also essential for maintaining a strong sex drive, and your diet can play a big role in that, too.

Of course, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can throw everything off. When your body is under pressure, it produces more cortisol, the stress hormone that can mess with testosterone and oestrogen levels. The good news? Eating foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help keep things in balance, making it easier to feel in the mood. Plus, nutrient-packed snacks help regulate blood pressure and circulation, which are both essential for getting things going when the moment is right.

Let’s dive into 10 powerhouse ingredients and the snacks that should bring some extra heat to your love life.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate isn’t just a treat – it’s an experience wrapped in velvety richness. Packed with phenylethylamine (the so-called ‘love chemical’), dark chocolate stimulates dopamine production, creating a rush of pleasure and relaxation that sets the perfect mood. Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that women who enjoyed dark chocolate daily had more active sex lives. Its high antioxidant content also promotes better blood flow, a key factor in arousal and performance.

belVita Energy Snack Bites offer a seductive blend of dark chocolate, banana, and sunflower seeds in a soft-baked bite. Packed with whole grains, fibre, and essential vitamins, they provide sustained energy whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a romantic indulgence. Available nationwide for $4.49.

Avocados

Rich, creamy, and packed with healthy fats, avocados have long been considered a fertility-boosting food. Loaded with vitamin B6, folic acid, and potassium, they enhance blood flow, boost energy, and support hormone production – all essential for intimacy. Their monounsaturated fats promote cardiovascular health, while magnesium reduces stress and sets the mood for pleasure.

This Valentine’s Day, love isn’t just in the air – it’s on the plate. According to a 2024 survey by the World Avocado Organisation, Europeans are increasingly prioritising food over sex, with one in five preferring a shared meal to intimacy. In the UK, 23% of women admitted they would rather indulge in great food, compared to just 10% choosing passion. Men were more divided, with 20% opting for romance while 14% preferred a satisfying meal. The trend grows stronger with age – Gen Z was the most inclined toward intimacy (20%) but still leaned slightly toward the pleasure of a well-prepared dish. Meanwhile, Boomers placed the highest importance on healthy eating, with 80% prioritizing a nutritious diet compared to just 65% of Gen Z.

Hippie Snacks Avocado Crisps bring the goodness of real avocados in a plant-based, gluten-free, and protein-packed snack. Flavoured with sea salt, pumpkin seeds, and cayenne pepper, they deliver crunch with a side of aphrodisiac heat. Available in select stores and online.

Chillies

There’s a reason chilies are linked to passion – they quite literally heat things up. Capsaicin, the compound that gives them their fiery kick, increases blood flow, stimulates nerve endings, and triggers endorphin release, creating a rush of pleasure and heightened arousal.

Doughlicious Extra Flamin’ Hot Cookie Dough & Gelato Bites bring the heat in a bold, unexpected way. This decadent collab with PepsiCo combines chili-infused cookie dough with ghost chili-spiked gelato, all dusted in chipotle cookie crumb. Available via Ocado, Zapp, Deliveroo, and TikTok Shop.

Figs

Soft, juicy, and bursting with natural sweetness, figs have been linked to fertility and passion for centuries. Packed with potassium, magnesium, and amino acids, they enhance circulation, regulate hormones, and boost libido.

FAB Flour’s Wholemeal Spelt Fig & Walnut Bread pairs caramelised dried figs with the nutty crunch of walnuts in a hearty, fibre-rich loaf made with Doves Farm Organic Wholemeal Spelt Flour. Slow-releasing energy, improved digestion, and circulation support make this an indulgent way to fuel both body and passion. Available in UK retailers and online.Nuts

Strawberries

Few fruits are as synonymous with seduction as strawberries. Rich in vitamin C, they support blood flow, boost hormone production, and enhance oxytocin levels – the ‘love hormone’ linked to intimacy and connection.

Cibo Vita’s Nature’s Garden FruiChias combine strawberry puree, chia seeds, and probiotics for a gut-boosting, libido-enhancing snack. Free from added sugars and artificial ingredients, these bite-sized treats are available in multipacks online.

Honey

Golden, luscious, and dripping with natural sweetness, honey has long been associated with fertility and passion. Packed with boron, it helps regulate hormones and increase nitric oxide production, improving circulation and sexual stamina.

Seven Sundays Simply Honey Oat Protein Cereal blends oat protein with wildflower honey for a wholesome yet indulgent breakfast. No refined sugar, GMOs, or artificial preservatives – just pure, natural sweetness. Available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and online.

Nuts

A natural source of zinc, L-arginine, and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts support hormone production, circulation, and overall sexual health. Almonds have been linked to increased attraction, walnuts enhance brain and sexual function, and pumpkin seeds provide an extra dose of libido-boosting zinc.

Post Consumer Brands’ Great Grains Raisins, Dates & Pecans cereal is a powerhouse blend of crunchy pecans, chewy dates, and sweet raisins. Crunchy, chewy, and packed with wholesome goodness, the cereal is a delicious way to fuel desires, supporting heart health and steady energy to keep you going from morning to midnight. Available at major retailers across the US for $7.49.

Pistachios

While all nuts support a healthy sex life, pistachios take it up a notch. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, they improve circulation and endurance. A study on men with erectile dysfunction found that consuming 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks significantly improved performance.

Cartwright & Butler’s Cocoa Dusted Dark Chocolate Pistachios coat mild, naturally sweet pistachios in rich dark chocolate with a dusting of cocoa for a luxurious treat. Part of Cartwright & Butler’s award-winning gifting range in beautifully presented tins, it’s a well-deserved personal indulgence. Founder Tony Arnett describes the collection as a testament to the brand’s craftsmanship and dedication to quality, bringing together premium ingredients and sophisticated flavors to enhance the gifting experience. Available online for £20 per 300g tin.

Bananas

Beyond their suggestive shape, bananas are packed with bromelain enzymes linked to testosterone production, along with potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 to support stamina, blood flow, and mood.

Barnana offers a playful take on indulgence with their organic, plantain-based snacks. Their Plantain Chips come in flavours like Himalayan Pink Salt and Acapulco Lime, providing a crunchy, savoury experience. These snacks are made from upcycled bananas and are available online and in select retailers across the US.

Watermelon

A refreshing treat with surprising sensual benefits, watermelon is loaded with citrulline, an amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and increase circulation – mimicking the effects of Viagra.

Dreyer’s Frollies frozen treats capture the essence of real fruit in a refreshing sorbet-like pop. The Watermelon variety blends juicy melon with apple water ice and chocolatey pieces for an unexpected twist. With no artificial flavours or colours – only those from natural sources – gluten-free ingredients, and just 60 calories per pop, Frollies are a guilt-free way to enjoy the lusciousness of watermelon and other fruity flavours. Available in select stores for $4.89 per six-pack, with a wider US rollout in April.