Chocolate Cravings Magnesium Deficiency – Is There a Real Link?

Many believe that strong chocolate cravings could be a sign of magnesium deficiency. But is this actually true?
Before assuming your body needs magnesium when you crave chocolate, it’s important to examine the science.
It’s true that dark chocolate contains magnesium. A high-quality chocolate bar (about 25g) provides approximately 15% of your daily magnesium intake. However, research suggests that chocolate cravings and magnesium deficiency are not always directly connected.
If a magnesium shortage were the main reason, people would crave other magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, or leafy greens. But most people specifically want chocolate. This suggests that cravings are more about the combination of sugar and fat, which triggers pleasure centers in the brain.
Signs of Magnesium Deficiency:
Often, there is something else behind the craving, for example, chocolate is not made solely from cocoa, as during processing—especially in lower cocoa content varieties—most of it is mixed with sugar. Sugar is the carbohydrate that is quickly absorbed in the body, providing a temporary mood boost and quick energy.
According to most research, the combination of fat and sugar makes certain foods highly addictive. Therefore, while magnesium supplementation is important, cravings for chocolate or other sweets may indicate fluctuations in blood sugar levels, not to mention the psychological background of sweet consumption. If you suspect a deficiency, focus on whole foods rich in magnesium instead of relying on chocolate.
Final Thoughts:
Try to incorporate the necessary amount of magnesium into your diet through other sources, and consider a supplement if you experience other symptoms, such as muscle cramps. 
While chocolate cravings magnesium deficiency might seem related, most cravings are driven by sugar and fat rather than a true need for magnesium. 
Source:
Sugar addiction: the state of the science – PMC