What Gender Do You Crave Sweets With? Exploring Hormonal and Psychological Differences

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to numerous studies, women are significantly more likely to crave sweet foods, especially chocolate, than men. This exploration delves into the scientific and environmental factors behind the question: what gender do you crave sweets with more frequently?

Quick Summary

This article examines the biological, hormonal, and psychological factors influencing gender differences in sweet cravings. It discusses how hormonal fluctuations in women intensify the desire for sugary foods, contrasting with men's more stable hormonal levels and typical preference for savory items. Cultural influences and stress-related eating patterns are also explored.

Key Points

Hormones drive cravings: Women's hormonal cycles, particularly the luteal phase, are a major driver of intensified sweet and carbohydrate cravings due to fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin levels.
Men's cravings differ: Men typically experience fewer and less intense cravings, which lean more towards savory and protein-rich foods, influenced by more stable hormone levels.
Stress is a significant factor: Both genders experience stress-related eating, but women are more likely to seek out sweets as a coping mechanism in response to negative emotions.
Regulation ability differs: Research indicates men generally find it easier to resist cravings than women, who report it being more difficult to ignore their urges.
Culture and psychology play a role: Societal norms, food marketing, and learned emotional eating habits contribute to the gender differences in craving patterns.
Sweet cravings provide a mood boost: For women, especially during PMS, sweet foods can offer a temporary boost in serotonin, providing a short-term sense of well-being.

The Science Behind Gendered Cravings

Gender-based differences in food cravings are well-documented, extending beyond simple preference. For most, an intense desire for a specific food is a common experience, but studies consistently find a stark contrast in the types of foods desired between men and women. While men tend to report more cravings for savory, high-protein foods, women are overwhelmingly more likely to crave sweet, high-fat foods, with chocolate being a primary example. This phenomenon is driven by a complex interplay of hormones, brain chemistry, psychological factors, and social conditioning.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster in Women

The most significant biological factor influencing women's craving for sweets is hormonal fluctuation, particularly throughout the menstrual cycle. The following hormonal shifts contribute to this heightened desire:

Estrogen and Progesterone Fluctuations: In the luteal phase (the week or so before menstruation), levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. This hormonal dip is strongly linked to increased food consumption and a specific preference for sweet foods. A meta-analysis found this could translate to consuming hundreds of extra calories per day in this phase alone.
Serotonin Levels: Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, often dips during the premenstrual phase. Eating carbohydrate-rich and sugary foods provides a temporary serotonin boost, making sweet treats a go-to for many women experiencing mood swings or PMS.
Stress and Cortisol: Women are more prone to emotional eating in response to stress than men. Elevated cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, can increase appetite, particularly for sugary, high-fat foods that provide comfort and a quick energy fix.

Men's Stable Hormones and Savory Preferences

In contrast, men's hormonal profiles are relatively stable, without the significant monthly fluctuations seen in women. This stability means their cravings are less driven by hormonal shifts. While men still experience cravings, they are generally less frequent and intense, with a noted preference for savory and protein-rich items like meat or pizza. This difference also affects how each gender regulates their urges; studies show men may find it easier to resist cravings than women.

The Psychological and Social Angle

Beyond biology, psychological and social factors play a crucial role in shaping cravings. For instance, both genders experience emotional eating, but women are more likely to do so in response to negative emotions, while men may be influenced by positive emotions. Cultural factors also play a part. In many Western cultures, marketing often targets women with sweet, calorie-dense foods, reinforcing the societal association of women with dessert and sweets. Moreover, learned habits can heavily influence cravings. If sweets are used as a comfort mechanism from a young age, the association becomes deeply ingrained.

How to Manage Cravings by Understanding Their Roots

Managing cravings, especially for sweets, requires understanding their root cause. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective, as the drivers behind the urge can differ by gender and individual experience.

For Hormonal Triggers (More Common in Women):

Balance Blood Sugar: Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every meal to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that fuel cravings.
Manage PMS: Increase intake of magnesium and calcium through diet or supplements to help stabilize mood and reduce period-related cravings.

For Stress Triggers (Common in Both Genders, with Variations):

Find Healthy Outlets: Explore non-food-related stress relief techniques like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Identify the Trigger: Pay attention to the emotions that precede a craving. Is it boredom? Loneliness? Address the feeling directly rather than masking it with food.

For Habitual Triggers (Common in Both Genders):

Change Your Routine: If you habitually crave a sweet treat after a certain meal or activity, change the routine. Replace the dessert with a walk or a cup of herbal tea.
Distract Yourself: Engagement in an absorbing activity can significantly reduce the intensity of a craving. Studies show that a distraction is an effective coping mechanism.

Gender Differences in Cravings and Regulation


Feature	Females	Males
Typical Craving	Sweet (especially chocolate, pastries, ice cream)	Savory (meat, pizza, eggs)
Hormonal Influence	High. Significant monthly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone drive cravings.	Low. Stable testosterone levels result in fewer hormonally-driven cravings.
Frequency	More frequent, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.	Less frequent and generally less intense.
Emotional Eating	More likely to eat in response to negative emotions and stress.	May eat in response to positive emotions, with less association between stress and comfort eating.
Coping with Cravings	Studies suggest it is harder to resist cravings, with only 20% finding it easy compared to 50% of men.	Find it easier to ignore or regulate cravings.
Nutrient Link	Might seek sugar for a temporary serotonin boost related to mood changes.	Cravings are often less linked to mood regulation.

Conclusion

While the anecdotal idea that men and women crave different foods is often dismissed as a stereotype, scientific research confirms a clear pattern. Women are significantly more prone to craving and indulging in sweets due to the complex interplay of hormonal fluctuations, specifically those related to the menstrual cycle and serotonin levels. Men, with their more stable hormonal profiles, generally exhibit less frequent cravings and prefer savory foods. However, psychological factors like stress and cultural influences affect all genders. Understanding these fundamental biological and psychological differences is the first step towards developing personalized and effective strategies to manage cravings and build a healthier relationship with food. For additional reading on the psychological factors influencing food consumption, resources like Psychology Today offer valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, numerous studies confirm that women are more likely to crave sweet foods, especially chocolate and pastries, compared to men, who tend to prefer savory options.

Sweet cravings in women are primarily influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the menstrual cycle. Dips in estrogen and serotonin levels can increase the desire for sugary foods as a way to boost mood and energy.

Men generally have more stable hormone levels compared to women, so their cravings are less hormonally driven. Their food preferences tend to favor savory or protein-rich items like meat and eggs.

Yes, research suggests that women are more prone to emotional eating in response to stress and negative emotions. Men, while still susceptible to stress eating, may be more influenced by positive emotions or have different coping mechanisms.

Some evidence suggests the gut microbiome may influence cravings differently. Women's hormonal cycles can alter their gut bacteria balance, potentially heightening susceptibility to sweet cravings.

To manage hormonally-driven cravings, focus on balancing blood sugar with meals rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Supplementing with magnesium and calcium or focusing on stress-reducing activities can also help during certain cycle phases.

Yes, cultural and societal factors play a role. Food marketing and social conditioning can influence eating habits and reinforce gender stereotypes around food preferences, with women often being targeted with sweet products.