STUDY: Men Who Like Spicy Foods Are More ‘Alpha Male’ Than Those Who Are Not

According to a study by scientists at the University of Grenoble, men who regularly consume chili peppers may have higher levels of testosterone, making them more adventurous, sexually active and simply more badass.

The study’s participants were made up of 114 men aged from 18 to 44. Their testosterone levels were measured via saliva samples. The men were then given a plate of mashed potatoes and given the option to add chili sauce to taste. They found that those who added the most hot sauce had the highest levels of testosterone.

Professor Laurent Begue, one of the authors of the study, told the Telegraph:

“The hormone drives men to seek thrills and new sensations, leading them to frequent more stimulating social groups and take more risks.

In this case, it applies to risk-taking in taste … It is also possible that the regular consumption of spicy food contributes to increasing testosterone levels, although so far this has only been demonstrated on rodents.”

Well gentlemen, I guess it’s time to load up on the hot sauce?

Written by NextShark‘s Sebastian Dillon

More content

Products
Liquid I.V®. x Grillo’s Pickles® Drop Pickle-Flavored Hydration Mix
The internet asked for pickle-flavored hydration, and Grillo’s Pickles and Liquid I.V. actually made it happen. After teasing the idea online and watching it spiral…
,
Eating Out
Subway Is Offering Buy One Get One Free Footlongs All April
Subway is running a buy-one-get-one-free footlong deal from April 1 through April 28, 2026, giving Sub Club members nearly a full month to double up…
,
CultureProducts
Cheetos Brings Back Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle With The Most Unexpected Music Collab
Cheetos are bringing pickles back via its Flamin’ Hot line. To celebrate both the return of Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle and the launch of Flamin’…
,
Burger
We Deliver!

Enter your email address below and we'll deliver our top stories straight to your inbox