The desire to eat sweets is one of the most common complaints among those looking for a balanced diet. What many people don’t know is that in addition to dietary modifications, some simple kitchen ingredients can help modify your appetite and reduce your sugar cravings. Among them, three types of tea draw attention for their complementary effects: cloves, cinnamon and cocoa nibs.
Why do we want so much sweets?
It’s not always a matter of “lack of willpower.” Sugar cravings can be related to fluctuations in blood sugar, hormonal imbalance, stress, mental fatigue, or even a deficiency of certain nutrients. For example, sudden spikes and falls in glucose make the brain look for quick sources of energy, and this usually means sweets.
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Passionflower is known for its calming and anxiolytic effects.
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Mulungu is ideal for relieving stress and calming the nerves
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Valerian acts as a natural sedative
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Melissa, rich in rosmarinic acid, has an antioxidant effect and a slightly hypnotic effect.
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Tea can supplement, but should not replace medical or nutritional treatments.
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That’s why strategies that stabilize blood glucose tend to reduce sugar cravings throughout the day.
Infusion strength: cloves, cinnamon and cocoa nibs
The combination of the three ingredients creates an aromatic, delicious and functional tea. See how each one works:
1. Cinnamon
Rich in bioactive compounds that improve insulin sensitivity and help stabilize blood glucose levels. As blood glucose levels become more balanced, the body reduces its urgent search for sugar.
2. Cloves have an antioxidant effect and mild digestive effect, which helps control food cravings. Its aromatic compounds also reduce the feeling of “emotional hunger.”
3. Cocoa nibs are concentrated in theobromine and tryptophan, which are substances linked to health and help reduce cravings for sweets without adding sugar. Pure cocoa also helps control mood and anxiety, factors that are directly linked to eating behavior.
How to prepare tea
The recipe is simple and can be included in the morning and afternoon, when the desire for sweets tends to increase:
• 1 cup hot water • 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon cinnamon flakes • 2 to 3 cloves • 1 teaspoon cocoa nibs
Boil the water, add the ingredients, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink hot or warm.
Tea can be consumed daily, especially at times when the desire to eat sweets tends to appear.
What else helps reduce cravings for sweets?
In addition to tea, there are some simple strategies that enhance the effect:
• Eat meals rich in protein and fibre. • Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night. • Avoid long periods of fasting. • Maintain an adequate amount of water. • Limit ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners.
For those looking for a natural, affordable and delicious alternative, clove, cinnamon and cocoa infusion can be a simple and real ally in controlling sweet cravings.
Juliana Andrade is a registered dietitian who graduated from UnB with a graduate degree in functional clinical nutrition. He writes about food, health and lifestyle