A World of Cravings

American women are wild for chocolate, but Middle Eastern women prefer the savory. Cravings are different around the world.

By Kat McGowan published September 1, 2003 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016

Cravings seem to be universal, but culture influences what we go crazy for. Research by psychologists Scott Parker, Ana Garriga-Trillo and Debra Zellner shows that hungers have an international flavor:

U.S.:

Women: Chocolate

Men: Pizza , beef (followed by burgers, steak and
cheesesteak)

Spain:

Women: Cola, French fries, chocolate

Men: Serrano ham, French fries, spaghetti

Egypt:

Women: Grape leaves and eggplant stuffed with rice and meat

Men: Molokhia soup, grilled fish