No single food makes everyone happy, but foods rich in tryptophan, omega-3s, complex carbs, probiotics, B vitamins, and dark chocolate boost serotonin/dopamine and stabilize mood, while comfort foods (like ice cream, PB&J) trigger nostalgia and pleasure, creating a feel-good effect for many. A healthy diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins generally improves well-being, but individual preferences and cultural connections to food play a huge role in happiness.
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A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
Ice Cream
Some suggest that ice cream is the most beloved food worldwide. It's delicious and a lovely treat but comes with issues if you're lactose intolerant.
fruits. legumes (such as chickpeas and lentils) nuts and seeds. fish.
Foods That Make You Happy
You can try increasing your serotonin level by eating tryptophan-containing foods, such as:
Humans typically crave energy-dense foods: chocolate and other chocolate-containing foods are the most frequently craved foods, followed by other high-caloric sweet and savory foods [2–6]. Cultural differences have been found, for example, with rice being the most frequently craved food in Japan [7].
The foods that topped the list of those disliked or hated by the largest share of American adult citizens are anchovies (56% of Americans dislike or hate it), liver (54%), and sardines (52%).
The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for leftover safety: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prevent bacteria growth, keeping it out of the temperature "danger zone" (40-140°F or 5-60°C).
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For most people, the best happiness diet is one balanced across a variety of foods and emphasizing proteins and fats over carbohydrates. Avoiding obesity is important for happiness, but not to the extent of going on a crash weight-loss program in a way that mimics starvation.
Bananas. The only fruit on this list, bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Your body uses tryptophan to produce 5-HTP, the compound that makes serotonin and melatonin, two mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters.
There's no single "number 1" unhealthy food, but ultra-processed items like sugary drinks, processed meats (bacon, hot dogs), deep-fried foods (fries), and refined snacks (donuts, chips, sugary cereals) consistently top lists due to high sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These items offer little nutritional value while increasing risks for chronic diseases.
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Food is any substance, usually from plants, animals, or fungi, that provides essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals) to organisms for energy, growth, and to maintain life, consumed orally for nourishment, pleasure, or health, with fruits like avocados (🥑) and kiwis (🥝) being excellent examples of nutrient-rich options. It's the foundation of nutrition, supporting bodily functions like breathing and immune health, and plays a big role in culture, memory, and well-being, extending beyond just physical sustenance.
Every person has different food preferences, of course, but most will agree that seven of the most addictive foods are:
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Kids' Sugar Cravings Might Be Biological : The Salt Research shows children are hardwired from birth to prefer sweets, which may have once been an evolutionary advantage. But it appears they begin to scale back on their sugary preferences once they stop growing.
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Eat high-fibre foods such as wholewheat bread/pasta wholegrain rice/cereals, pulses and nuts (aim for 30g fibre per day). Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Eat a Mediterranean-style diet.
Low serotonin symptoms often involve mood changes like depression and anxiety, sleep issues, digestive problems, and cravings, reflecting its role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and well-being. You might experience sadness, irritability, increased worry, sugar cravings, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Conditions linked to low serotonin include depression, OCD, PTSD, and panic disorders, but blood tests aren't always reliable for diagnosis.
Foods known to increase dopamine include chicken, almonds, apples, avocados, bananas, beets, chocolate, green leafy vegetables, green tea, lima beans, oatmeal, oranges, peas, sesame and pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, turmeric, watermelon and wheat germ. Engage in activities that make you happy or feel relaxed.