Acute Effects of Dark Chocolate on Physical Performance in Young Elite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Background: Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols and has been linked to cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Its potential effects on recovery, fatigue reduction, and subjective wellness in elite athletes, however, remain underexplored. This pilot study examined the acute effects of dark chocolate consumption on wellness scores, perception of effort, and GPS-based performance measures in elite soccer players during a 4-week intervention period. Methods: Twenty-two elite soccer players were assessed in two conditions—when consuming 25g/day of 85% dark chocolate (DC), or with no dietary intervention (CG). Subjective fatigue and wellness were assessed daily through validated self-report questionnaires. External loads were monitored during training and matches. Results: Athletes in the DC group reported significant reductions in muscle soreness scores and an increase in match and training physical performance (distance at very high deceleration), as compared with the CG group. Conclusions: Daily consumption of dark chocolate may reduce muscle damage and enhance physical performance in elite athletes. These findings suggest that dark chocolate could be a practical dietary strategy to support recovery and overall well-being in high-performance contexts.