Tag: Afters

According to ancient Roman tradition, the practice of having a sweet course at the end of a meal, known as *secundae mesae*, laid the foundation for today's post-dinner rituals. But for those simply looking for a word to describe the habit, what is it called when you eat sweet after dinner? The most common term is 'dessert', although cultural variations exist, and the craving itself has interesting biological and psychological roots.

The human craving for a final sweet bite after a savory meal is a near-universal culinary tradition. This final course, often referred to as a "sweet after a meal," has numerous other names depending on region and social context. While "dessert" is the most common term in many places, a rich history of culinary vocabulary offers many delicious alternatives.

According to research from the Max Planck Institute, the phenomenon of craving sweets even after a satisfying main course—often called the 'dessert stomach'—is rooted in the brain. So, what is it called when you eat sweet after a meal? The simple answer is a dessert, but the reasoning is far more complex and fascinating, involving a mix of biology, psychology, and long-held traditions.