.svg?q=70&width=384&auto=webp){kind=logo}
We’ve all heard the term “sweet tooth”...but what does it mean? Is it a dessert-loving tooth living in your mouth demanding just one more chocolate truffle?
Well, it’s not that.
Some people simply have a stronger preference for sweet-tasting foods than others. Some may crave chocolate; others are drawn to candies, pastries, or sugary drinks. Some prefer high-intensity sweetness, such as pure sugar or syrup, whereas others enjoy more complex sweet flavors that combine sugar with other ingredients, such as chocolate or caramel. For many, it’s more than just a casual liking; it can influence daily dietary habits and food choices. The preference for sweets is shaped by a combination of psychological, genetic, and cultural factors.
Tracee Yablon Brenner, a registered dietitian at Holy Name, a medical center in Teaneck, New Jersey, says, "Humans are born with an instinctive taste for sweet flavors. Newborns show a very positive reaction to sweets, like in breast milk, which contains lactose (a sugar)."
Biologically, sugar cravings are rooted in our brain’s reward system. When we consume sugar, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates a cycle wherein we seek out sweet foods to experience that rewarding feeling again and again.
Scientific research suggests that genetics may play a significant role in determining whether we have a sweet tooth.Studies have identified the genes TAS1R2 and TAS1R3, which encode for the sweet-taste receptors on our tongues. Variations in these genes can influence how sensitive we are to sweetness, potentially driving a stronger preference for sugary foods in some people.
Additionally, a 2017 study in Cell Metabolism identified the hormone FGF21 as influencing sweet consumption, indicating that our genetic makeup and hormonal regulation may predispose us to crave sweets.
Sweet preferences can also be influenced by cultural factors, individual experiences, and psychological associations with specific foods. For instance, someone who grew up eating chocolate cake at family functions may crave that same cake when seeking comfort or happiness.
Benefits of having a sweet tooth
“A sweet tooth isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Yablon Brenner says. While excessive sugar consumption has its downsides (excessive amounts of most things aren’t good!), having a sweet tooth isn’t all bad.
Sweet foods — especially those containing natural sugars — can provide quick bursts of energy. For athletes or those engaged in rigorous physical activity, sugar can serve as an immediate fuel source. Yablon Brenner argues that foods like fruit, honey, pure maple syrup, date syrup, or dark chocolate provide quick energy sources and help with stamina and focus.
Enjoying sweet foods in moderation can also contribute to psychological well-being. Comfort foods, often sweetened, can evoke positive emotions and create moments of joy, which may help reduce stress and improve mood in the short term. Yablon Brenner notes that this is particularly true with dark chocolate, which contains plant compounds that support brain function and mood regulation.
The negative impacts of a sweet tooth
Consuming an excess of certain foods can lead to health issues. For example, too many carrots can lead to excess beta-carotene, which can temporarily turn the skin yellowish-orange. Similarly, indulging a sweet tooth too frequently can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Heart Association, added sugars should make up no more than 6% of your daily calorie intake. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says that 60% of Americans age 2 and older exceed these recommendations, which can lead to potential long-term health consequences.
Sugar can also have addictive properties. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high-sugar foods can activate the same brain regions as addictive substances like opiates and other drugs, making it challenging to break the cycle of sugar cravings.
Can you have a “healthy” sweet tooth?
It is possible to satisfy a sweet tooth more healthily. Opting for fruit, which contains natural sugars, is a great alternative to processed sugary snacks. Not only do fruits provide sweetness, but they come packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which help regulate blood sugar levels and support overall health.
Another option is to replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. While these should still be consumed in moderation, they are less processed and often contain additional nutrients. Incorporating spices like cinnamon or vanilla can also enhance the perception of sweetness without adding extra sugar.
Yablon Brenner emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and setting healthy boundaries. “Eat slowly and savor each bite. Don't eat in front of the TV or while on the phone. Be aware of portion sizes and look out for emotional triggers that lead to overindulgence, such as being stressed or bored.”
By opting for natural sugars, practicing moderation, and maintaining a balanced diet, enjoying the sweeter side of life without compromising health is possible. After all, life is meant to be savored — and a little sweetness can make it all the more fun.
AUTHOR
Lauren Budabin is an Emmy Award winner who specializes in writing for documentaries and television. She was the co-executive producer for Padma Lakshmi's Emmy-nominated Taste the Nation, which explores the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups across America. Lauren was born and raised in New York City and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
