Why Are Peanut Butter And Chocolate An Irresistible Combo? Here's The Science

Name one thing that goes together better than peanut butter and chocolate. You literally can't, and it's science. Specifically, the dynamic sensory contrast phenomenon, also known as "the ice-cream effect." In August 1993, two researchers at San Jose State University published a paper stating, "We propose that the most highly palatable foods are likely to have higher levels of 'dynamic contrast' (moment-to-moment sensory contrast from the everchanging properties of foods manipulated in the mouth)" (via PubMed). That's the reason you crave ice cream after a meal and why certain foods, like chocolate and peanut butter, create irresistible combinations.

For peanut butter and chocolate, look no further than the peanut butter cup, where competing textures and sweet-and-salty taste contrast to create a delicious mouthfeel. With Reese's cups, the thin chocolate is melty and smooth, and the thick peanut butter filling is textured. With more gourmet peanut butter cups, the silky smooth peanut butter filling is the perfect opposite of the high-quality tempered chocolate that enrobes it. This is exactly what makes Trader Joe's peanut butter cups so iconic (and addictive).

Chocolate and peanut butter are products of the Maillard reaction (the same thing that happens when you brown meat) when cacao beans and peanuts are roasted to develop deeper, more complex flavors before being ground. They also have similar aromas during this process. Turns out, both chocolate and peanuts' fat melt at the same temperature, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, yet another sign this combo was inevitable.

Chocolate was first enjoyed by the Olmec civilization, which pre-dated the Mayans. Peanut butter, however, wasn't even thought of until 1895. It only took 33 years after that for these two treats to become an irresistible pairing. In 1928, Harry Burnett Reese (yes, the Reese behind the Reese's peanut butter cup was a real guy) worked at Hershey as a dairy farmer and enjoyed experimenting with candy making. One of his concoctions? The peanut butter cup. And it only expanded from there, becoming one of the most nostalgic food combinations.

It's important to mention that the peanut butter and chocolate duo is good for more than just candy — think chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, chocolate-covered peanuts, cookies of all kinds, and peanut butter brownies. No matter the form or presentation, the key is that they're paired. This is a destined combination, made even more special by the science that supports it.