Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like chocolate? I’ve encountered a few of these oddballs in my life, and I have to wonder why. What are they missing? Have they experienced nothing beyond an M&M? Is their only experience with chocolate an ill-prepared brownie from the school lunchroom? How could anyone recoil from the splendor of silky dark chocolate salted truffles or the greatest combination of all—chocolate and peanut butter.
Yet, I must admit, I wasn’t much of a sweet tooth as a kid. Even today, I’d still prefer a bag of potato chips to a bar of chocolate, but that doesn’t mean I don’t simply adore a good brick of sweetened cocoa. I became a chocolate lover as an adult, which meant I skipped much of the crappy Hershey’s products (not real chocolate, okay) and stepped right into the luxury lines.
Oh my, the options. There’s chocolate with pieces of fruit, or nuts and salts and seeds. Chocolate infused with lavender and blueberries, hot chiles and cinnamon. The combinations are truly endless, and each is divine in its own right. Needless to say—I love chocolate.
So, when I had a chance to try a new chocolate from a company called Alice, I had to share my review.
Meet Alice
Alice is a mushroom chocolate company, but not that kind of mushroom. While perfectly magical, you won’t find psilocybin in these bars. Instead, we’re talking about functional mushrooms—the adaptogenic kind that offers loads of scientifically-backed health benefits to support the immune system, enhance cognition function, and even stoke the libido.
The team behind Alice created mushroom chocolates because, let’s face it—mushroom powders and tinctures don’t really taste that good. Sure, the benefits are there, but if you have to pinch your nose and choke it down, chances are that you probably won’t stick with it for too long.
That’s where Alice comes in! They’ve created a delicious line of chocolate bars for daily use, made with the fruiting bodies of mushrooms for maximum effect. And each of the chocolate bars contains powerful nootropics and adaptogens for added wellness benefits. Like any functional mushroom supplement, Alice mushroom chocolates are best taken daily for sustained, gradual effects.
A Mushroom Chocolate for Arousal & Pleasure
The first bars in the Alice lineup were Brainstorm and Nightcap. Brainstorm is ideal for morning use, with Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps with a dash of caffeine for sharp focus throughout the day. Nightcap features Reishi and other evening-inspired ingredients to help you wind down for the night.
I opted for the newest chocolate in the Alice repertoire—Happy Ending. This blend is designed to support intimate moments and long-term sexual wellness with its curated blend of ingredients.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is believed to enhance libido and sexual function by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the genital area. It may also improve energy levels and endurance, contributing to overall sexual vitality.
Ashwagandha
This adaptogenic herb helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common inhibitors of sexual desire. It may also boost testosterone levels in men, improve sperm quality, and enhance sexual performance.
Maca
Maca is renowned for its libido-enhancing properties. It may increase sexual desire and improve erectile function in men. Additionally, it can help balance hormones and increase fertility in both men and women.
Horny Goat Weed
As the name suggests, this herb is traditionally used to improve sexual function and libido. It contains a compound called icariin, which may help increase blood flow to the genitals, leading to improved arousal and performance.
Mucuna
Mucuna, also known as velvet bean, contains L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and arousal, so mucuna may help enhance mood and libido.
Damiana
Damiana is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and has been traditionally used to improve sexual function and arousal. It may also help relieve anxiety and promote relaxation, which can enhance sexual experiences.
Tribulus
Tribulus is commonly used to boost testosterone levels, which can increase libido and improve sexual performance, particularly in men. It may also enhance sperm quality and fertility.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can increase blood flow and stimulate nerve endings. This may enhance arousal and sensitivity, leading to more pleasurable sexual experiences.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Cinnamon is thought to improve blood circulation, which can benefit sexual function by increasing arousal and enhancing sensitivity. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for overall sexual health.
Happy Ending
Everything about Alice’s packaging and branding is adorable. I love a fantastic user experience, and they deliver. I opened the perfectly branded tin and found two bars individually wrapped inside. I opened one and broke off a square (one dose) with the Alice mushroom logo stamped on top.
I’ve tried many mushroom chocolates promising a balance of flavor and effect, but I’ve always been able to taste the mushrooms, so I didn’t expect a different result from Alice. Regardless of what I expected, this chocolate is delicious. No graininess or bitterness—its rich, smooth, and velvety mouth feel was only outdone by the balanced sweetness and spicy kick of cayenne.
I ate one square and passed one to my husband, with a cheeky comment about meeting up after work. Then, I had another one because they are that good, and mushrooms are all about the cumulative effects, so I might as well get a jump start, right?
I’m not going to say that I was suddenly overcome with desire, but I will say that setting the stage around chocolate that enhances arousal and pleasure added an extra spark to my evening as my partner and I nibbled on another square.
We’ve been having a square a day for several days now, and if anything, the act of intentionally consuming this sweet treat with the idea of added romance has been a fun connection point with my husband. Is the chocolate better than the sex, or the sex better than the chocolate? I’d like to think they are both a little sweet, a little spicy, and a well-deserved treat at the end of the day.
Would I recommend Alice? Absolutely. It would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or someone you’re sweet on.
