Let's Find Out if Aphrodisiacs Really Work—8 Foods for a Spicier Valentine's Day

jennysmithmattfeldt
2 days ago
2 min read

Published February 9, 2026

Before pharmaceuticals, sex therapists, and little blue pills there was Aphrodite. Legends say the goddess of desire was born from sea foam, worshipped through ritual, indulgence, and the belief that desire was something you courted, not hacked. The ancient world didn’t ask foods to “boost libido.” They used them to seduce the senses. To warm the blood. To make pleasure feel inevitable.

Which is how oysters became iconic, figs got scandalous, and chocolate earned a reputation far more interesting than dessert. Aphrodisiacs were never really about biology alone, they were about mood, symbolism, and the sensuality that comes with savoring the next bite. So if Valentine’s Day has you craving something a little richer, a little slower, a little more charged—consider this your permission slip.

1 Oysters

The original aphrodisiac. Briny, raw, eaten slowly. High in zinc (which supports testosterone), but the ritual does most of the work. The process of putting together your next bite coupled with the natural feeling of the shell, its just a sensual experience.

2 Chili Peppers

Capsaicin increases blood flow, raises body temperature, and releases endorphins. Translation: flushed skin, heightened sensitivity, a little 'hurts so good' energy. Start the night right with these oh so aesthetic Chili Pepper Margaritas.

3 Pomegranates

The forbidden fruit. In Greek myth, pomegranates symbolized desire you couldn’t undo once tasted. They’re antioxidant-rich and associated with circulation, and visually they're just screaming deep, ruby red decadence.

4 Figs

Soft, ripe, suggestive. Cleopatra apparently fed figs to her lovers whether it was the intention or the act they're forever linked to seduction. High in amino acids linked to arousal, but again—the symbolism is part of the seduction. Try this Fig & Prosciutto Pizza for a date night twist.

5 Saffron

Rare, golden, and intoxicating, saffron has been regarded for centuries as a mood- and desire-booster. Just a pinch in a dessert or cocktail was said to heighten sensuality—expensive enough to feel decadent, subtle enough to feel mysterious.

6 Honey

Golden, viscous, and utterly indulgent, honey has been associated with desire and fertility for centuries. Ancient couples even drank it on their honeymoon, a ritual meant to sweeten love and ensure vitality. Drizzle it on anyone or anything you'd like. It’s about slowing down, savoring, and letting the senses take the lead.

7 Ginseng

An ancient root long associated with vitality, stamina, and desire. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, ginseng was believed to strengthen the body’s life force, because energy and libido were once considered inseparable. Earthy and grounding, it’s a slow-burn aphrodisiac so drink it in your morning tea to set yourself up for a successful night.

8 Dark Chocolate

Rich, bitter, and meant to be savored. Dark chocolate encourages dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s pleasure chemicals, but its real appeal is the indulgence factor. It turns eating into an intentional moment, where desire feels less rushed and a little more inevitable. Maybe dip a few strawberries in or try these Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes for a Valentine's moment.