With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to do something a little different to celebrate this year. Instead of the usual flowers, I decided to opt for a more intriguing activity: For Play Couple’s Chocolates. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sweet treats – no Cadbury’s or Dairy Milk here. These chocolates are crafted with what the makers call ‘sex science.’ Yes, you read that right. Stay with me.

These chocolates are specifically designed to heighten your senses and elevate romantic experiences. Dark chocolate, the base , is already well-known for its aphrodisiac qualities. Packed with antioxidants and caffeine, it promotes better blood flow, which is key to improving physical responsiveness. It also contains L-arginine, an amino acid that has been linked to enhanced sexual responsiveness. In fact, a 2021 review found that ‘L-arginine, as part of a combination product, may be considered for the treatment of women with a lack of or very low sexual desire.’ Not bad for a piece of chocolate, right?

But it’s not just the dark chocolate doing the heavy lifting here. These chocolates are infused with a lineup of ingredients specifically chosen for their libido-boosting and mood-enhancing properties. For example, the ‘Her’ chocolates contain Ashwagandha, an ancient herb revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to boost libido and revitalise sexual wellness. On the other hand, the ‘His’ chocolates include Maca, a Peruvian root vegetable traditionally used to enhance stamina and promote overall sexual well-being.

And that’s not all. Both versions contain Fenugreek, an ancient herb that has been linked to enhanced libido and sexual vitality for both men and women. There’s also Korean red ginseng, a prized Asian root and adaptogen commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to support sexual function. Together, these ingredients apparently create a powerhouse of natural stimulants, designed to make your libido surge.

With so much promise packed into these chocolates, I couldn’t help but wonder if they’d live up to the hype. I had to find out for myself. To make the experience extra special, my partner and I booked a stay at the Sanderson Hotel, just off Oxford Street, as part of their Valentine’s Day package, ‘From London With Love at Sanderson.’ The package included the For Play Couple’s Chocolates and intimacy-enhancing play cards (think We’re Not Really Strangers, but with a sexy twist), plus breakfast in bed and a bottle of d’Estoublon rosé.

A glamorous hotel with a massive bed in the centre of the room? Check. A bottle of wine? Check. The mood was already perfectly set. Following the instructions, we each ate one chocolate and waited the recommended hour to see if their effects would kick in. As for the taste, it was… fine. Not the best chocolate I’ve ever had, but far from the worst. Considering the herbal ingredients packed in, I was pleasantly surprised they didn’t taste overly medicinal, which had been a concern.

The hour-long wait, though, wasn’t ideal for maintaining the mood. To pass the time, we played the Sanderson’s Monopoly set and ended up watching David Attenborough – not exactly the height of seduction, but it kept us entertained. If I try these chocolates again, I’ll factor in the hours wait a little better – monopoly isn’t the sexiest game, by all accounts.

Once the hour had passed, I did notice some effects. I felt… looser? Kind of like the sensation after a long soak in a hot bath, or the relaxation you get from using CBD oil. But did the chocolates really work? That’s harder to say. Ultimately, we’d planned on eating the chocolates – and, I assume, most people who buy them have a similar intention – so the decision to be intimate was already there. However, what they undeniably brought was an added element of fun and experimentation to the evening. Placebo or not, they worked.

All in all, For Play Couple’s Chocolates are a great Valentine’s Day gift if you’re struggling with what to buy your partner, or want something fun and sexy that isn’t tacky (much better than fluffy handcuffs). The packaging is chic and discreet. However, if you’re dealing with a more serious issue like low libido, these chocolates won’t work miracles – that’s a conversation to have with your GP. But for a helping hand in setting the mood and making the night a bit more adventurous? They do the trick. The intimacy cards were a particularly enjoyable addition, adding some extra spice to the night.

More libido boosting products to try…

The sexual wellness industry has seen a significant surge in recent years, evolving into a multi-billion-dollar market. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global sexual wellness market was valued at $80.4 billion in 2022, with its growth fuelled by increasing awareness of sexual health, the normalisation of discussions around pleasure, and the proliferation of inclusive products catering to diverse needs and identities. It’s no wonder that libido-boosting products are on the rise – or that chocolates have now been given a wellness makeover.

The Dame Arousal Serum

This Arousal Serum promises to take things up a notch, whether you’re flying solo or with a partner. Packed with all-natural, vegan ingredients, it’s designed to heighten sensation and intensify pleasure. The formula includes cooling peppermint, circulation-boosting cinnamon, and warming ginger to deliver the ultimate tingling experience. Intriguing, right?

HANX Libido Lift Supplement For Women

Crafted with expert insight from HANX’s in-house gynaecologist and trusted nutritionist, these supplements feature research-backed ingredients like Maca Root Powder, Pine Bark Extract, and Vitamin B6. Each component is carefully chosen to support hormonal balance and overall well-being.

Novomins Libido Raspberry & Peach Flavour 60 Gummies

These Libido Gummies combine a blend of aphrodisiacs and nutrients, including Maca Root, Fenugreek, and L-Arginine, which are associated with enhancing desire and performance. They also contain Damiana extract, Tribulus Terrestris, Green Tea extract, and Ashwagandha, ingredients traditionally linked to promoting vitality. Additionally, Vitamin B6 is included to support hormonal balance and energy levels.