Chocolate: The Latest Party Drug?
21 Jun, 16
This gives the word “chocoholic” a whole new meaning: chocolate has become the latest trend in the party scene, replacing drugs and alcohol for some good, clean fun.
Young people have started a new drug and alcohol free party movement in Europe, particularly Berlin, where there are clubs that serve chocolate instead of alcohol. It’s not just to drink, though—partygoers are also popping chocolate pills and even snorting chocolate powder!
Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone invented a machine that propels chocolate powder into a user’s nose, with added mint and ginger to cut the chocolate and give the whole thing an invigorating effect. It sounds crazy to those of us who love to actually eat and taste our chocolate (I know I do), but this device does offer a unique way to experience food; for instance, Persoone has said that friends have used the device to sniff ground basil before eating mozzarella cheese, which supposedly adds an interesting component to the flavor due to the addition of the sense of smell.
But still—why would anyone snort chocolate, of all things?
Chocolate does offer a variety of mood-boosting benefits. It contains endorphins and antioxidants; it helps produce dopamine, which is a “feel good” chemical in the brain; it promotes relaxation and could even improve focus. That’s a lot of great reasons to enjoy chocolate! Even with the quick intake in pill or powder form, though, chocolate won’t have anywhere near the same kind of effect of drugs or alcohol, making it a much safer alternative. So break out the chocolate for your next party!
While I love the idea of this drug and alcohol free party scene, I think I’ll skip out on the powder or pills—if I’m going to enjoy chocolate, I want to taste it!