The Food Love Language – using food for romantic gestures

Is there such a thing as a food love language? You may have heard of the five love languages, (as they were first presented in the New York Times bestselling book by Dr. Gary Chapman.) They’re used to categorize the way in which people give and receive love. Better understanding your partner’s love language is believed to be among the best ways to help nurture and grow a relationship. Of course, food isn’t one of these “official” love languages. But we were curious as to whether food could be used to help relationships bloom and grow in the same way the traditional love languages might.

We spent over two years surveying American men and women to find out how (and if) food fits into their love language. What we learned is that food and romance are linked in some way to us all, most particularly when it comes to giving and receiving gifts. But the results of our love gestures survey can help you discover the best ways to speak to your lover.

RELATED: 50 Ways to Feed Your Lover

The respondents to our romantic gestures survey were all volunteers who reached out to us through a request on facebook and through live events. Every survey participant was over 21 years of age. But the respondents represent five decades.

In addition, the participants are a group from varied walks of life and geographic locations with only one key interest linking them, passion for food. What their responses reveal that this is a group concerned with their romantic lives and sexual health. More than two-thirds responded that they actively work to enhance their libidos.

What is the best foods to use for a romantic gesture?

What are the most romantic foods? We all want to find gifts and gestures that the one we love, (or the one we woo), will find romantic. It is clear that respondents to our aphrodisiac foods survey consider food, in the proper context, to be romantic. 95% of the men and women surveyed have given food as a romantic gift or gesture.

Clearly, romantic food gifts speak volumes in games of love.

Cooking may win her heart (or his heart)

Rather than going out to dinner, you may want to consider sticking closer to home. 77% of respondents recommend cooking dinner as a romantic gift.

RELATED: Valentine’s Day Recipes for Two

Champagne may the ultimate romantic food

Judging by the food lovers in our survey, wine is also clearly held in high regard as a prelude to romance. 79% of respondents have offered up a bottle of wine as a gift to a potential romantic partner. (64% of respondents specifically cited considering Champagne and sparkling wine as an aphrodisiac.)

RELATED: Champagne Aphrodisiac & Health Benefits

Chocolate speaks the language of love

It has long been said that the mind is the most powerful aphrodisiac. But until now there was a distinct lack of research on whether the mind really influences the effectiveness of aphrodisiac foods. However, much research exists on the physiological effects of chocolate as an aphrodisiac. And the results are predominantly poor. Unless you eat a tremendous amount of chocolate in a single sitting, the popular sweet will have little to no effect on libido and arousal.

Yet 69% of our aphrodisiac foods survey respondents hold chocolate in regard as an aphrodisiac. And 65% of respondents have given a box of chocolates as a romantic gift.

Notably, only 61% of respondents regard oysters, which have known aphrodisiac effects on the body, as an aphrodisiac.

It seems the powerful hold chocolate has on our minds and taste buds has a more powerful effect on our love life than the foods that actually cause physical change.

RELATED: Make someone special a homemade box of chocolate truffles

About our food love language survey participants

First of all, we owe a huge thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey. Your answers were thoughtful, honest and appreciated. And they provide greater insight for us all into what food gifts are considered love gestures.

Respondents to our love language aphrodisiac foods survey are 62% female and ranged in age predominantly between ages 35 and 62. 95% of those surveyed reside in the United States. 47% of respondents are married or in a long-term relationship of more than seven years.

Discover great food and wine gifts you can enjoy together