Eating curry makes you happier, claims consumer survey
A survey of 2,168 takeaway consumers worldwide found the Indian dish raised peoples’ moods the most from the 11 options available to them – up 118 points on the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS).
The results followed research from the University of California, Los Angeles that found that vibrant spices in foods like turmeric can boost your mood.
Second and third place
Sushi placed second with a reported 73% increase in happiness reported by respondents, while burgers took third place with a 70% increase in happiness.
The British staple fish and chips lagged in 11th place behind Mexican food, which itself saw a 24% reported increase in happiness levels.
A full list of all the foods and their placements can be found in the box below.
Lee Chambers, psychologist and wellbeing consultant said that, from a psychological perspective, food alters mood for several different reasons.
Comfort food not a myth
“The idea of comfort food is not a myth – we can use food as a coping mechanism when we are feeling stressed, anxious or bored to anchor us in the present while enjoying it,” Chambers explained.
“Given the turbulence of 2020 and the limitations on some forms of entertainment, food has become even more powerful in being a tool of happiness and being an experience that is certain, the same every time.”
Meanwhile, colour plays a crucial role in food choice and the leading companies in the field are finding new and better ways to enhance the consumer experience. We explore the latest colour trends in this feature.
Takeaway foods ranked by happiness
| Takeaway Option | BMIS Score | Percentage Increase in Happiness
|
1 | Indian | 260 | 83% |
2 | Sushi | 246 | 73% |
3 | Burgers | 242 | 70% |
4 | Thai | 233 | 64% |
5 | Chinese | 225 | 58% |
6 | Pizza | 216 | 52% |
7 | Schnitzel | 213 | 50% |
8 | Fried Chicken | 210 | 48% |
9 | Kebab | 181 | 27% |
10 | Mexican | 177 | 24% |
11 | Fish and Chips | 168 | 18% |