Nachos and the Science of Serotonin

They say happiness can’t be bought—but whoever “they” are clearly haven’t met a loaded nacho platter at 2:00 AM after a deeply mediocre day. Science tells us serotonin is the magical brain juice responsible for our sense of well-being. I say that brain juice flows directly from the cheese gods every time we pull off a chip with the perfect cheese stretch. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Let’s get nerdy: serotonin is produced from tryptophan, which you’ll find in turkey, sure—but also in dairy. Which means cheese. Which means nachos are basically edible antidepressants. (Yes, I’m ignoring science’s many rebuttals, but stay with me.) Add carbs for dopamine’s assist, throw in the crunch factor for ASMR-level endorphin delivery, and suddenly your snack is a neurochemical rave in triangulated form.

But beyond brain chemistry, there’s something transcendent about nachos. It’s the communal joy of not knowing if you’ll get a corner chip or a soggy disaster—and eating it anyway. It’s the surprise jalapeño that makes you cry and the cold guac that saves your life. It’s that sweet spot between culinary chaos and low-effort bliss. You don’t just eat nachos. You feel them. Deeply. Existentially. Cheesily.

So yes, serotonin can be elusive. But sometimes, it shows up in a pile of chips with way too much cheese and zero regrets. And that, my friends, is what happiness actually looks like.