20 Food Cravings That Actually Indicate An Underlying Issue

Craving Something Weird?

Have you ever had a craving that just didn't make sense? It could be a particularly normal thing, but perhaps too normal to really be a craving. Yet, there you are, wanting this pretty basic food badly. Turns out there’s a reason to that. Our bodies tend to know what we're missing, and are eager to remedy these underlying issues through cravings.

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1. Salty Foods

Salty foods taste good because salt adds flavor, obviously. Pronounced salt cravings can occur in uncommon forms of adrenal hormone deficiency, though. While this is not always the case, if you have constant cravings for salty foods, it might not be a bad idea to check in with your doctor.

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2. Red Meats

Red meat is popular because it is savory, rich, delicious, and filling. Its umami taste and mouthwatering richness are quite satisfying to eat. Occasionally a low iron person or a low vitamin B12 person may crave red meat because of these nutrients.

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3. Citrusy Fruits

There’s nothing quite like a citrusy drink to feel refreshed during summer or after a good exercise. The high sugar and water content can also make citrus very desirable. It may be a specific hunger in those with extremely low vitamin C intake, and while citrus drinks are popular and craved for their taste, it could be your body asking for the much needed vitamins.

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4. Bananas

Bananas are sweet tasting and creamy textured. They are also a very easy-to-grab snack on the go. While being one of the most popular snacks among athletes for its fast energy boost, cravings for bananas can mean your body needs potassium, which is very common after a good workout.

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5. Dairy

Dairy products are rich, creamy, and often associated with childhood comfort, which enhances their appeal. They also complement many meals, making them convenient go-to foods. Cravings for dairy have sometimes been associated with calcium needs, which is why a glass of milk can sometimes feel so satisfying to drink by itself.

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6. Sweets

We often crave sweet foods when we're fatigued or stressed, and sugar seems to always hit the right spot. Regular or urgent cravings for sugary or sweet foods could be a sign of fluctuating blood sugar or rebound hunger after a high-sugar meal. If you notice this is a daily occurrence, it may be helpful to reassess eating habits to support balance.

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7. Bread or Pasta

Soft and warm carbohydrates such as bread and pasta are familiar and comforting, and these factors have made them a mainstay of comfort foods. They are often fast to prepare and offer a readily available source of energy, and they are easily combined with many sauces and seasonings. Some people experience cravings for these foods when under emotional stress because carbohydrates promote the availability of serotonin activity in the body.

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8. Pickles

Pickles and other vinegary foods are craved by people who like sour and biting tastes. Vinegary foods also have a reputation for feeling refreshing, especially on hot days. There are a few suggestions that sour cravings indicate low stomach acid.

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9. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are often exciting because they produce an invigorating warming sensation, stimulate endorphins, and add complexity and interest to meals. People sometimes crave spice when they feel cold or sluggish, as spicy foods create a sense of warmth. Some people have said they crave spicy food when they are feeling sad or depressed as well.

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10. Watermelon

Watermelon is sweet, juicy, and naturally hydrating, and so popular on warm days. Its light consistency and high water content mean we can easily eat large quantities. A strong thirst can sometimes manifest itself as a strong craving, often when someone is mildly dehydrated.

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11. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a comfort food staple as it is sweet, cold, and creamy. It also gives the brain fast carbs and fat, which are rewarding. Cravings can also rise if you're sleep deprived and need easy-to-digest energy. But most of the time, ice cream cravings are emotional, not nutritional.

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12. Coffee

Coffee is enticing because of its smell, warmth, and caffeine kick. Intense cravings can develop when you are exhausted due to low sleep or minor iron deficiency, leading to the saying that caffeine can feel like a "life saver." People often turn to coffee as more of a ritualistic aspect of consumption because it can feel mentally rewarding.

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13. Nuts

Nuts make a good snack food because they are crunchy, tasty, and high in healthy fats. They're also a source of protein which contributes to satiety. The desire for nuts can stem from a low-fat diet, and nuts are a good source of healthy fats that can fulfill that need.

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14. Chips

Crunchy foods like chips are enjoyed for their texture that can provide sensory stimulation. Many turn to them when bored or stressed because crunching can be cathartic. The craving is typically behavioral as opposed to nutritional. It tends to be more related to stress-relieving habits than to physiological needs.

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15. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is creamy and fatty, which makes it very enjoyable to eat. It is also full of protein, making it filling as well. Cravings for peanut butter may be a sign of a need for more protein or calories, which it provides along with a satisfying sense of fullness after eating it.

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16. Sushi

Sushi is widely liked for its distinct texture and fresh, savory taste. Some may also crave the cultural and social connotations of sushi. Seaweed is usually served alongside sushi and is a source of iodine, and at times, cravings for seaweed have been assumed to be a sign of iodine deficiency.

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17. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are fresh and earthy, which can appeal to those who like light and crisp flavors. They are associated with eating healthy, which is another mental shortcut. It's possible some of these cravings indicate low folate consumption.

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18. Eggs

Eggs are savory, satisfying, and easy to prepare, so it's no wonder they are a comfort food. They have a nice balance of protein and fat to fill you up. Usually they are recommended as a healthy high-protein breakfast food, which can mean that craving eggs is simply your body asking for more protein.

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19. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are fresh, tangy, and juicy, making them popular with individuals who crave light and zesty foods. They are also high in water, which makes them a thirst quencher. Sweating can trigger a tomato craving for some people because tomatoes are a source of electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

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20. Radishes

Radishes are the perfect crunchy and spicy snack that have a sharp peppery taste most people find stimulating. They are commonly used in salads, and some people like them as a snack by themselves. Radishes are rich in B vitamins, which could be what your body is craving if you are constantly in the mood for them.

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