Cocoa Flavanols and Mental Health: An Investigation of Mood, Cognition and Gut–Brain Mechanisms

About the Project

Are you interested in how diet can influence mental health and brain function? This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to investigate how bioactive compounds in cocoa may support mood, cognition and psychological wellbeing.

Mental health disorders and cognitive decline are major global challenges, and there is increasing interest in dietary strategies as accessible, low-risk approaches to support brain health. Flavonoids – naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods – have been linked to better cognitive performance and wellbeing. Cocoa is one of the richest sources of flavanols, which may influence brain function through effects on cerebral blood flow and the gut microbiome.

This project will address key gaps in the evidence by using a novel high-flavanol cocoa product developed by a global industry partner. Unlike previous studies, this product delivers high flavanol doses in a realistic portion size, enabling robust investigation of dose–response effects within a healthy diet.

This interdisciplinary PhD spans psychology, nutrition and biological sciences, and combines evidence synthesis with experimental and clinical research.

Across the course of the PhD you can expect to:

• Conduct a systematic review on cocoa flavanols, mood, cognition and the gut microbiome.
• Develop and pilot study protocols, gaining training in research design and experimental methods.
• Undertake pre-clinical research. Working within a biological lab, you will process human samples in an in vitro gut model to explore how cocoa flavanols are metabolised by the microbiome, identifying key biological pathways.
• Undertake clinical research. You will run a minimum of two human clinical trials examining the effects of regular chronic high-flavanol cocoa consumption. Outcomes of the first trial will include mood, anxiety and depression, cognitive performance, stress markers, and gut microbiota composition. A second trial will be designed building on the findings from study 1, but may also involve manipulating cocoa components (e.g. flavanols, methylxanthins or sensory properties) or incorporating additional physiological measures.

You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise across psychology, neuroscience and nutritional sciences. Training will include clinical trial design, biological and psychological assessment, data analysis, and scientific communication. Through collaboration with an industry partner, you will also gain valuable insight into translating research into real-world applications and potential health claims.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in psychology, nutrition, neuroscience, biological science or a related field, and an interest in mental health, diet and interdisciplinary research.

By the end of the PhD, you will have developed advanced research skills and contributed to understanding how dietary flavanols can support mental and cognitive health, with potential impact on future dietary recommendations and functional food development.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving specialist supervision. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that can help support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent) and a master’s degree (minimum of a UK merit or equivalent) in either psychology, nutrition, neuroscience, biological science or a strongly-related discipline.
• International applicants may apply but must be able to pay the fee difference between home and international fees.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application, including a personal statement (1 A4 page max), for a PhD in Psychology via our online application system. Please quote the reference ‘DRC26-016’ in your application.

Further information:

Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences PhD webpage

Enquiries:

Dr. Katie Barfoot, email: katie.barfoot@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

• 3 year duration
• Starts October 2026
• UK tuition fees covered for the 3 year duration
• Stipend maintenance allowance of £21,805 per year