Why do I crave ice cream when I’m distresssed?

Craving ice cream when distressed is linked to the activation of reward and pleasure centers in the brain. When you're stressed or upset, consuming sugar, which is prominent in ice cream, can dramatically change your internal state by soothing and providing a temporary sense of pleasure. This leads to an emotional relief, making sugary treats like ice cream a go-to comfort food during times of distress 1.

Additionally, chronic stress alters the body’s response, increasing the consumption of sugar and fat, which are key components of ice cream. This heightened intake is due to changes in feedback loops involving cortisol and other glucocorticoids in the body. These changes drive cravings for high-energy foods, providing a quick source of energy which the body might feel necessary to face perceived continuous threats 2.