Have you experienced a sudden, strong urge to eat a very specific type of food? You’re not alone, as more than 90% of people have reported having the sensentation. The cause for these cravings can vary widely, from something as simple as seeing an ad for said food item to fluctuation of hormones.
While the cause of cravings can vary, the item of said cravings can actually be a good tell tale for what it going on internally. Sometimes it can indicate a lack of a certain vitamin, other times can be telling of your emotional health.
Read on to find out what these extremely common food cravings actually say about your current health.
Sweets
![Various colorful candy and sweet treats on a blue table.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_711008224.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
A strong craving for sweets may indicate blood sugar fluctuation, but giving into it with chocolate, candy, cake, and other sugary goodies will only make the problem worse. Instead choose a fruit with natural sugar that will calm the craving and stabilize your blood sugar.
Comfort Food
![Plate with mashed potatoes topped with sliced meatloaf and brown gravy.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_153299108.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Feeling blue and looking for comfort food? Sometimes nostalgic cravings for comfort food indicate a psychological ailment instead of a nutritional one. Try to get your mood up before you scarf down some mashed potatoes or chicken pot pie. Go outside, workout, or call up an old friend.
Ice
![Stacked ice cubes](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_95116573.jpg?resize=1000%2C807&ssl=1)
A sudden craving for ice signifies low blood hemoglobin, or iron. Often pregnant women ask for ice because their bodies are anemic. Ice helps to alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by low iron levels in the blood.
Crunchy Snacks
![Wooden bowls filled with various crunchy snacks like rice crackers and peanuts.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_1891481311.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1)
Munching on nuts is good for your health but constantly craving something crunchy could indicate a lot of inner frustration. Chewing and crunching on food alleviates irritation, but the feeling returns once the crunching stops. If you feel a little stressed try deep breathing or meditation.
Chocolate
![Various broken bars of chocolate and chocolate shavings on a brown background.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_1720343701.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Chocolate cravings could mean magnesium deficiency. But here’s the good news. When you’re craving chocolate, eat it! Just make sure you reach for dark chocolate because it is low in sugar and high in antioxidants. Additionally, eat foods that are high in magnesium like nuts, fish, and leafy greens.
Salty Foods
![Bowls filled with various salty snack like popcorn, chips, and pretzels.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_1938066667.jpg?resize=1000%2C681&ssl=1)
A craving for potato chips, pretzels, or popcorn is usually brought on by stress. Chronic stress starts to take a toll of your adrenal glands, which give you energy and help cope with stress. The trick is to work hard to manage your stress. Try meditation, exercise, or breathing techniques before you binge on a salty snack.
Red Meat
![Closeup of a steak cooked rare.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_194313791.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1)
This one is not very surprising. A craving for red meat, like burgers or steak, indicates an iron deficiency. Not enough iron can lead to fatigue, lowered immune health, and weakness. Beans, legumes, spinach, and dried fruit will stop that craving in its tracks.
Cheese
![Various types of cheese wheels and wedges on a wooden table.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_533946397.jpg?resize=1000%2C810&ssl=1)
If you feel a need for cheese it might be a sign of a fatty acid deficiency. This is very common since few people actually get the recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Reach for raw almonds, flaxseeds, or salmon.
Bread
![Various loaves of baked bread.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_380528278.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
If you crave bread, toast, or pasta, it could indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Important hormones and chemicals that control metabolic activities and basic cell functions contain a lot of nitrogen. Restore your nitrogen levels with high-protein foods like nuts, seeds, beans, and green leafy vegetables.
Soda
![Clear glass filled with ice and cola with a red and white striped straw and a half empty bottle of cola in the background.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_288477014.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
A strong craving for fizzy soft drinks could mean that your body needs more calcium. Instead of giving into your craving and reaching for a drink that is packed with sugar, try munching on sesame seeds, broccoli, or kale.
Coffee Or Tea
![A clear mug of hot black tea and a white mug of hot coffee, both with spoons on a wooden table.](https://i0.wp.com/suggest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_704295619.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Sometime craving coffee or tea doesn’t just mean you need your caffeine fix. It could also indicate a sulfur or iron deficiency. Add more leafy greens to your diet like kale, spinach, and cabbage, and be sure to consume more Vitamin C for better iron absorption.