I Tried Adaptogen Chocolate For Energy and Focus, but I Didn't Expect It to Taste So Good

I Tried Adaptogen Chocolate For Energy and Focus, but I Didn't Expect It to Taste So Good
Published: Sep 08, 2020

Chocolate goes well with a lot of things: peanut butter, caramel, strawberries, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows, towering ice cream sundaes with whipped cream . . . sorry, got distracted there. I thought I'd tried all the options in my life as a chocolate-lover, but one combination I'd never thought of? Chocolate with adaptogens.

First, let's talk about adaptogens. These are essentially herbs, roots, or mushrooms that can benefit your body in a number of ways: alleviating stress and anxiety, promoting sleep, and even improving quality of life for people with chronic diseases or pathological conditions, according to a 2010 study. Adaptogens have also been used in naturopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, and Chinese medicine for centuries; here's more on the history and science of these super plants.

I'd heard of adaptogens in drinks before (apparently they're pretty good) but never in chocolate, so I jumped at the chance to try out Addictive Wellness's gourmet adaptogen chocolate. The brand sent me a sample of each of its varieties, which are meant to benefit you in different ways: Tranquility, Focus, Love, Beauty, Energy, and Recharge. I'll talk about my three favorites ahead.