Does Chocolate Help with Period Cramps?

Period pain is no joke. For those who experience it, menstrual cramps can be frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes even debilitating. While traditional pain relief methods like ibuprofen or a hot water bottle are go-to solutions, many people have turned to a sweeter remedy: chocolate.

But does chocolate help with period cramps, or is that just wishful thinking? Let’s break it down.

The short answer? Yes, especially dark chocolate.

While more research is needed, some studies suggest that eating dark chocolate during your period may help reduce menstrual cramps. The key ingredient is magnesium, which plays a role in relaxing muscles and reducing the intensity of uterine contractions.

In a small study from Indonesia, teenage students who ate up to 40 grams of dark chocolate daily for the first three days of their periods experienced less menstrual pain compared to those who drank chocolate milk. A similar study from India showed that students who consumed 120 grams of dark chocolate saw the greatest relief, outperforming both milk chocolate and no chocolate groups.

So, while it's not exactly doctor-prescribed, dark chocolate might just be a tasty way to ease your period pain.

When it comes to choosing chocolate for cramps, dark chocolate wins. That’s because it contains higher levels of magnesium - the mineral responsible for helping muscles relax and possibly reducing prostaglandins, the compounds that trigger cramping.

To put it into perspective:

• 28 grams of 70-85% dark chocolate contains around 15% of your daily magnesium needs

• The same amount of milk chocolate only gives you about 4%

Dark chocolate also tends to have less sugar and more antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation (another bonus during your period!)

While chocolate is a delicious option, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can make a huge difference in how your body handles menstrual pain. Foods high in vitamins B1, D, E, K, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful.

Here are some cramp-fighting favourites:

🍌 Bananas - rich in potassium and vitamin B6

🍊 Oranges and mandarins - packed with vitamin C and hydration

🥑 Avocados - high in magnesium and healthy fats

🐟 Salmon - full of omega-3s to reduce inflammation

🍚 Quinoa and brown rice - complex carbs with magnesium

🧈 Tofu - a great source of calcium and iron

🥜 Nuts - full of zinc and healthy fats

🍓 Smoothies - easy to load with nutrients

Avoiding overly processed foods and added sugars during your period can also help reduce bloating and inflammation.

Alongside a healthy diet (and your new dark chocolate ritual), these natural remedies can also help:

✅ Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen

🔥 Hot water bottles or heat packs on your lower abdomen

🧘🏽‍♀️ Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga

💆🏼‍♀️ Abdominal massage to relieve tension

❤️ Sex or orgasms - which release endorphins and increase blood flow

P.S. If you're curious about mess-free period sex, check out our menstrual disc collection - comfort and pleasure, period!

So, does chocolate help with period cramps? 

The science (and lived experience) says yes, especially dark chocolate. Thanks to its high magnesium content and muscle-relaxing benefits, it’s a tasty way to help your body feel better during your cycle.

While we wouldn’t suggest replacing your meals with a block of choccy (as tempting as it sounds), enjoying a few pieces of quality dark chocolate during your period might just be the delicious relief you've been looking for.