Why Do We Love Chocolate So Much? The Science Behind Chocolate and the Brain

Walk into any bakery and the the rich aroma of chocolate desserts instantly draws you closer. From decadent chocolate tiffin cakes to delicate chocolate brownies, chocolate has a power over us that feels almost magical. But why do we love chocolate so much? Science shows that chocolate does more than taste delicious: It interacts directly with the brain.

Image: Our dense chocolate loaf cake

Chocolate Melts at Body Temperature

Cocoa butter, the key ingredient in chocolate, melts at 37°C, which happens to be our body temperature. This explains the signature melt-in-your-mouth sensation that makes chocolate cake and chocolate pastries so irresistible. That smooth texture activates pleasure signals in the brain, making chocolate one of the most craved foods worldwide.

Chocolate and the Chemistry of Love

One of the reasons chocolate is linked with romance is its content of phenylethylamine (PEA). This natural compound is the same chemical your brain releases when you fall in love. Eating dark chocolate or a rich chocolate dessert can trigger endorphins and dopamine, the “feel-good” chemicals that make you happy and energized.

Image: Our dark chocolate layer cake

Dark Chocolate as Stress Relief

Looking for stress relief foods? Science suggests dark chocolate lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. That’s why enjoying a slice of chocolate cake or a piece of artisan dark chocolate can make you feel calmer after a busy day. Chocolate doesn’t just comfort the soul: It actually helps reduce anxiety.

Image: Our Gianduja dream cake

Chocolate Improves Brain Health

Cocoa is rich in flavanols, powerful antioxidants that improve blood flow to the brain. Better blood flow supports memory, focus, and learning. Regular enjoyment of dark chocolate desserts may boost cognitive function, making chocolate one of the most delicious memory-boosting foods you can find in any bakery.

Image: Our chocolate tiffin cake

But, what Is Real Chocolate?

Not all chocolate is created equal. At Raisson D´étre bakery, we use only real chocolate—never compound substitutes—because quality matters.

✅ Real Chocolate:

• Made with cocoa butter as its only fat.

• Contains cocoa solids, cocoa liquor, sugar, and sometimes milk powder (for milk chocolate).

• Has a smooth melt, glossy finish, and a satisfying snap when broken.

• Needs tempering to set properly, a precise melting and cooling process.

• Delivers a rich, complex flavour that lingers.

❌ Fake Chocolate (Compound Chocolate):

• Uses vegetable fats like palm kernel or hydrogenated oils instead of cocoa butter.

• Contains cocoa powder for taste but lacks smoothness and depth.

• Requires no tempering, making it cheaper and easier for mass production.

• Tastes waxy or greasy and melts differently, often leaving a film in your mouth.

• Found in low-cost baked goods, cheap supermarket cakes, cookies, and candy coatings.

Image: Our chocolate brownie

How We Use Chocolate at Raisson D´étre Bakery

Our desserts are made with Belgian couverture 70% chocolate, chosen for its unmatched quality and taste. Belgium has a long tradition of artisan chocolate-making, known for:

• Fine cocoa beans

• High cocoa butter content

• Expert conching and refining for smooth texture

Couverture chocolate is the gold standard for professional chocolatiers and pastry chefs. It must contain at least 31% cocoa butter, making it smooth, fluid, and perfect for tempering. This results in desserts with a glossy finish and crisp snap.

We use it for:

• Coating truffles and pralines

• Dipping fruits

• Preparing ganache, mousse, and glazes

With 70% cocoa content, our couverture chocolate is extra dark yet perfectly balanced. The higher cocoa percentage means less sugar and a more intense cocoa flavour, giving every dessert we make a rich, sophisticated taste.

Image: Our dense chocolate loaf cake

The Perfect Indulgence at Raisson D’ētre Bakery

At Raisson D´étre bakery, we believe chocolate deserves to be celebrated not only for its taste but also for its surprising health benefits. Whether you indulge in our artisan chocolate tiffin cakes, a rich dar chocolate layer cake, or a decadent dark chocolate brownie, every bite is more than indulgence: It’s science meeting pleasure.