Dark chocolate aroma boosts reps by 18, study finds

A study in Frontiers in Physiology on July 9, 2026 found inhaling 90% dark chocolate aroma before and during leg extensions boosted total reps by an average of 18.

Researchers recruited 23 resistance-trained young men for a leg-extension workout to failure under three conditions: 90% dark chocolate, 60% milk chocolate, and water as control.

% dark chocolate scent suppressed appetite and increased fullness, which the study links to better training output.

% milk chocolate scent improved performance by 9 reps via a psychological boost from its pleasantness.

The effect is attributed to the cephalic phase response, the body's anticipatory reaction to food cues.