The lights are dimmed, music is playing in the background, and a romantic evening is drawing to an end. You’ve cleared the dinner table, and it’s just the two of you — and a whole lot of passionate tension.

One final surprise remains, though. It’s sweet and sharp in equal measure. And it’s an indulgent treat that always finishes off a romantic dinner in style. No, we’re not talking about chocolates — we’re talking about cheese.

Why do we always turn to chocolates when it comes to finding the food of love? Whether it’s a nervous first date or Valentine’s Day, a box of chocolates is usually the go-to option.

We’re on a mission to spread the word. Cheese really is romantic, or at least it can be. As long as you choose a bold, sharp cheddar, you can look forward to an electrifying date with that special person in your life.

Cheese is the romantic treat taking the world by storm. Don’t believe us? We didn’t think you would. That’s why we’ve put together five reasons cheese is more romantic than chocolate.

1. Cheese is a Non-Caffeinated Treat

The end of a romantic dinner date is often a time to snuggle up in one another’s arms. With bedtime fast approaching, the last thing you both need is to fill up on caffeine. Most chocolate contains caffeine. According to Healthline, dark chocolate contains 12 milligrams of caffeine per ounce. Cheese, meanwhile, is caffeine-free. A sharp cheddar won’t keep you up at night; it will settle in your stomach and read you a bedtime story.

Too much caffeine can lead to irritability, headaches, and nausea — none of which are conducive to a romantic evening with the love of your life. Cheese, on the other hand, is the perfect non-caffeinated nighttime treat.

2. To Be Romantic Is to Be Different

According to a YouGov survey, almost a third of women in America want to receive chocolates or candy on Valentine’s Day. But is this just because they’ve come to expect this common sweet treat?

Everyone buys chocolate when a romantic gift is needed; it’s the go-to choice for belated surprises around the world. So much so, receiving them is often a little anti-climatic.

If you want your next romantic gift to live long in the memory, it might be time to think outside the box. Looking for indulgent, sweet creaminess? A sharp cheddar might be the way to go.

That special someone in your life will see your wrapped gift and assume it’s the usual box of choccies. Imagine their surprise — and delight — when they unwrap a golden bar of dairy-based love.

Who says beauty fades with age? A premium block of 13-year-old cheese might not sound like a gift to make your partner go weak at the knees, but you might just be surprised. They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so why not give it a try?

3. Fiery Hot or Icy Cold

Depending on the kind of romantic evening you’re having, cheese can adapt. With chocolates, what you see is what you get. Unwrap, eat, repeat. It all gets a little repetitive after a while. And nothing passionate or romantic even happens at room temperature.

But cheese is the versatile food of love. Eat it in small chunks, straight from the fridge; cut it into slices and devour it with crackers; slap it between two slices of bread and share a romantic sandwich. The choice is yours.

When it’s time to turn up the heat, a strong, sharp cheddar always rises to the challenge. Share a sumptuously romantic experience with a cheese fondue extravaganza. Or melt it and scoop it up with crusty bread.

Hot or cold, cheese is a far more versatile romantic treat than chocolate.

4. Perfect for Cozy and Comforting Nights In

As moreish as chocolates can be, they don’t fill you with warmth like cheese does. Chocolates taste great, but can soon leave you feeling a little sick.

Cheese is the food of love — with added versatility. Whether you’re covering a pizza base with it or indulging in a rich, creamy fondue, cheese satiates and comforts. Hunker down on a cold, winter evening with that special person in your life, and let some sharp cheddar warm and soothe you both.

Let’s get the science out of the way. Around a quarter of cheddar is protein. According to Healthline, protein is great for reducing your hunger levels. The protein in cheese reduces a hunger hormone called ghrelin and increases levels of “fullness” hormone peptide YY.

Nothing beats a cozy, lazy night of comfort with the person you love. And full bellies are always conducive to this type of romantic evening indoors.

5. It Puts the Cheesiness back into Romance

According to the Urban Dictionary, to be “cheesy” is to try too hard; to be unsubtle. How does this manifest in real life? An act of cheesiness might be a romantic poem read out live on the radio. For some, cheesiness is a line in a romantic movie — think “you had me at hello” from the film Jerry Maguire.

So is being cheesy for the person you love so bad? Making a fool of yourself is often seen as wildly romantic nowadays. To symbolize the cheesy side of your romantic self, give the gift of cheese. But make it the boldest, strongest, loudest cheese you can find.

And we have just the thing. Whether you’re planning a cheesy Valentine’s Day or an impulsive demonstration of your love, The Big Cheese 13-year-old cheddar is more romantic than a candle-lit bath filled with rose petals. Packed with flavor and extra cheesiness, this Jay Gatsby of the dairy world showers the lucky recipient with flowers and lavish parties — figuratively speaking, of course.

Don’t take our word for it. Celebrate the bold. Try The Big Cheese for yourself — you’re a match made in heaven.