What Do Your Cravings Mean? - Holland & Barrett

20% off £30

Code:GIFT 

20% off £30

Code:GIFT

Shop nowRedeem instore | T&Cs Find a storeHelpVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsCBD HomeopathicHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew Leaf ProductsNovominsNew NordicBioglanCannarayWeledaNatures AidBoxing Day Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort Dated January 2026Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeWheat FreeNut FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilCordyceps MushroomNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringaMacaSpirulinaChia SeedsFlaxseedGoji BerriesBaobabDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockManuka HoneyBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDairy Free DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaBionaBio & MeNakdPerfectTedTwiningsHeath & HeatherEgmont HoneyManuka DoctorBoxing Day Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £5 Mix & MatchBetter than 1/2 PriceOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeNut FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreePalm Oil FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsFat BurnersAmino AcidsVitaminsTestosteroneGreensSports CollagenHydration & GelsShop all Hydration & GelsEnergy GelsElectrolytesNutritionally Complete FoodPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineMeal Replacement ShakesVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredMyproteinUSNHuelGrenadeYfoodTriActiveSiSBoxing Day SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 PriceOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNew inCetaphilAveenoDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandNature SpellQ+AMiaromaBoxing Day Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 Price2 For £16 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeSoya FreeSugar FreeVitamin CLavenderAloe VeraTea TreeRosehipArgan OilHyaluronic AcidRosemaryVitamin ESalicylic AcidAgeingSensitive SkinDry SkinDehydrated SkinCombination skinBreakout prone skinMature skinFine Lines & WrinklesDull SkinUneven Skin TextureAll Skin TypesDry SkinNormal SkinSensitive SkinDehydrated SkinCombination SkinMature SkinOily SkinEczema prone skinBreakout prone skinScalp CareHydratingAnti FrizzShineHair LossThinningVolumeChemically TreatedAnti DandruffAll Hair TypesDry HairNormal HairDamaged HairDry ScalpFine HairAfro & TexturedOily HairColoured HairFace the FutureBeauty GiftsBeauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management ShakesShop all Weight Management ShakesMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettHuelUSNNew NordicEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggNatures AidBoxing Day SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBetter than 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inMedicines & HealthcareShop all Medicines & HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & HealthSkin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45Deep HeatOilatumOptrexStrepsilsAnusolCalpolPanadolBoxing Day SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceGluten FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeLupin FreeMilk FreeMollusc FreeNew inChristmasVeganNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettOffers HubBoxing Day Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 Price2 For £16 Mix & Match2 For £5 Mix & MatchOutletShop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationMen's HealthChildren's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsWeledaApplied NutritionFaith in NatureOptimum NutritionNaturtintSolgarPrecision EngineeredBoxing Day Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 Price2 For £16 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeWheat FreeNut FreeParfum FreeEgg FreeVitamin CLavenderAloe VeraTea TreeLion's Mane MushroomArgan OilRosehipHyaluronic AcidApple Cider VinegarVitamin ENew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcastSkip to contentShopOffersHealth & WellnessMy H&BYour basket

Explore related topics

• Nutrition

1. Health Hub Home
2. Food & Drink
3. Nutrition
4. What do your cravings mean?

What do your cravings mean?

23/08/20215 min read

Food cravings are often important signs - what are they trying to tell you? Here are 11 cravings and 11 symptoms, as well as tips on how to manage your cravings.

Summary

1What are food cravings?

One of the main reasons the body craves extra food on a diet is that it wants more energy. Calories are a unit of energy.

Jump to details below

2 11 types & symptoms of food cravings

Here are 11 popular food cravings and what they might be trying to tell you....

Jump to details below

39 ways to manage food cravings

Avoid restrictive diets Studies have proven that restrictive diets that leave you hungry may significantly increase cravings, as you might expect...

Jump to details belowShop all Digestive HealthJump to section

• What are food cravings?
• 11 types & symptoms of food cravings
• 9 ways to manage food cravings
• Related products

Explore related topics

• Nutrition

Food cravings usually mean your body is trying to tell you something, whether it’s that you’re not eating enough or that you have a deficiency in a certain vitamin or nutrient.There are plenty of ways to understand common cravings, including symptoms to watch out for and ways to manage cravings, and it’s all here for you.Shop weight management

What does is the meaning of “craving”?

According to the Dictionary, a “craving” is “an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing.” In this case, food cravings are when you just can’t get a certain snack or type of food off your mind…

What are food cravings?

One of the main reasons the body craves extra food on a diet is that it wants more energy. Calories are a unit of energy. So, when you diet and start losing body fat, your body will do everything in its power to maintain balance. This includes sending out powerful signals to make you want to eat.

Are food cravings bad?

These signals aren't helpful if you’re overweight and need to reduce your weight for health reasons. Don’t forget we have another powerful source of energy available to us, and it’s calorie-free. Extra sleep and rest are very useful when you are on a diet.

Are cravings a sign of deficiency?

If you are having cravings on your diet, look at what you have been eating.Choose foods which replace key missing vitamins, minerals, or micronutrients. When you are in a calorie deficit, you need to be careful about nourishing your body and making good food choices.Summary

• A “craving” is an especially strong desire for a certain thing, such as chocolate
• Food cravings occur because our bodies want more energy, often brought on by diets
• Cravings may appear due to a change in diet or lack of sleep, but they can also be a sign of deficiency in our diet

Shop Weight Management

11 types & symptoms of food cravings

Here are 11 popular food cravings and what they might be trying to tell you.

Craving salt

Some people crave salty foods like crisps, chips, and savoury snacks.This is linked to low levels of electrolytes, dehydration, and stress, which may be shown in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and an inability to concentrate.Eat more Vitamin B foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. 

Chocolate cravings

Chocolate is a combination of fats and sugars (carbohydrates), but it also contains significant vitamins and minerals.So, your body might be asking for magnesium, chromium, or B vitamins as well as essential fats.Try 90% chocolate or 100% cacao. Buy a small bar, or better still, try cacao nibs as raw chocolate can often have more minerals than normal chocolate.Chocolate cravings can indicate a need for happy hormones like serotonin, meaning that a low mood could be a clear symptom for incoming chocolate cravings.Alternatively, consider a non-food treat like an early night, a cuddle with your pet, or some quality time with a loved one. 

Craving protein

Protein can be found in many healthy foods, such as white meats, fish, rice, lentils, and nuts.However, it can be hard to know when you’re craving protein specifically as it may manifest in a number of ways.Symptoms of protein deficiency may be brittle hair or nails, loss of muscle mass, or an increase in desire to eat savoury, high-protein foods.1,2,3 

Craving milk

There are a number of reasons why you might craving milk. For starters, milk is 87% water, so you may be thirsty.Outside of that, milk has high levels of protein (8g) and fat (7g), so if you recently started a diet, your body may be searching for a quick way to appease your hunger.Milk also contains 18 of the 22 essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need, a number of which – Vitamin A, Vitamin B-12, calcium, magnesium, and zinc – our bodies can’t produce on their own.4See if your daily meals are giving you enough of these nutrients! 

Cheese cravings

If you’re craving cheese, fried foods, or other high-fat options, you could need more essential fatty acids, such as omega-3. Introduce oily fish, whole eggs, avocado, or take a good quality fish oil supplement.Symptoms of an omega-3 deficiency may include dry skin, dry eyes, or lower moods.5,6,7 

Craving carbs

If you’re cravings savoury carbs, it’s a sign that you are low on energy. To an extent, this is to be expected.An energy imbalance is the only way to lose unwanted weight. But carb cravings can also indicate blood sugar fluctuations.Fill up on fibre-rich carbohydrate foods like fruit (apples and bananas are a good choice), root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables. 

Vinegar craving

Some believe that craving vinegar is a symptom of low stomach acid, something our body produces to help with digestion.Although no studies yet confirm this, the NHS recommends avoiding acidic foods as they may increase the risk of heartburn.8 

Craving cake

Cake is delicious, there’s no question there… However, your body is likely craving the sugar that’s often in baked goods.When our bodies crave sugar, it’s likely in search of additional energy. If you’re showing symptoms of fatigue – perhaps after a bad night’s sleep or you recently switched to a new diet – try drinking water or eating a healthy, high-protein snack like nuts and seeds. This should curb your craving. 

Craving fruit

Whether you’re craving apples, craving bananas, craving oranges, craving pineapples, or craving another fruit entirely, you have one of the healthiest cravings going!Fruits are full of important vitamins, nutrients, and fibre, but craving fruit can be a symptom of dehydration, low blood-sugar levels, or even a change in hormones, such as pregnancy.9 

Craving fish

Fish are naturally high in fatty acids like omega-3, so craving fish may be mean that you need more omega-3 in your diet.Other symptoms to watch out for if you’re deficient in omega-3 could be dry skin, dry eyes, or lower moods.10,11,12 

Cravings for sugar

Sugar is a difficult craving to manage. Sugar is totally lacking in essential nutrients, so it’s more likely that your body is asking for fast energy, or that it is replaying an old habit loop.Giving in to sugar cravings will make dieting much more difficult. Try fruit or berries, ideally combined with some protein to fill you up.Real Greek yoghurt or cottage cheese, with frozen berries and some 90%+ dark chocolate, is a great idea. And drink some water. Experts think we crave sugar more when we are slightly dehydrated. 

Unusual cravings

Are you craving things like ice, clay, chalk, or dirt? It’s not as unusual as you might think. These types of non-food cravings point to a mineral deficiency. Make sure you’re eating lots of dark leafy greens, green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Shop weight management

9 ways to manage food cravings

1. Avoid restrictive diets Studies have proven that restrictive diets that leave you hungry may significantly increase cravings, as you might expect if you’re hungry throughout the day!13
2. Eat enough Even if you’re not on a diet, not getting enough calories throughout the day has been found to increase the frequency and strength of cravings.14
3. Get enough protein in your diet High-protein diets have been associated with a decrease in late-night bingeing on high-sugar, high-calorie foods, and also help to decrease food cravings.15,16,17
4. Distract yourself If you’re calorie-counting or on a new diet, it’s natural to be thinking about food more than normal. The more you think about food, the more you think about the treats you’re depriving yourself of, so keep yourself busy with healthy snacks and activities away from unhealthy food.
5. Crack down on stress Studies have found a strong link between chronic stress and cravings, believed to be because stress can significantly affect hormone levels, also responsible for controlling the appetite.18,19
6. Keep chewing gum nearby Not only will it keep your breath minty fresh, but studies have found that chewing gum may also help to reduce cravings for sweet and salty foods.20
7. Be aware of low-energy habits When you have low blood sugar, your body sends signals to send you in search of high-calorie foods that will provide energy.21 Try not to leave long durations between meals to avoid this!
8. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day may reduce your cravings as hunger and thirst often have very similar feelings.
9. It’s all about balance Studies have found that diets with more flexibility – e.g. treating yourself now and then – may actually help to reduce cravings.22

The final say

Now you’re all clued up on cravings, from what cravings mean to how to manage them.Still craving more information? Here’s all the guilt-free guidance you need with our articles on “How to beat sugar cravings” and “How to get enough protein.”Shop weight management

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13963281/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12122158/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22158729/
4. https://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g6015
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22123240/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29652551/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404917/
8. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/good-foods-to-help-your-digestion/
9. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/why-5-a-day/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22123240/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29652551/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404917/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22306437/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7399671/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6179508/
16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29070709/
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4249715/
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6186388/
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6186388/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21718732
21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21926468/
22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494790/

 

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

Related Articles

Baked spinach and tomato pasta shells

Green tea: health benefits and uses

The best manuka honey products

Shop by wellness goal

Women's Health

Joints, Bones & Muscles

Gut Health

Menopause

Immunity

Food & Diet

Sports

Sleep

Hair

Speak to an AdvisorBook your free, 1:1 online consultation with one of our qualified advisors.Find out more|Rewards for LifeCollect points with every purchase and we will convert them into money off vouchers.Find out more|My Account|Subscribe & SaveSave up to 45% on your favourite products plus get free delivery on all orders over £10Refer a friendRefer a friend and both of you get rewarded! Share the benefits and enjoy exclusive perks

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.

First nameLast nameEmail addressGet exclusive offers, the latest health tips and simple, science-led wisdom. Privacy notice.*Sign upGet exclusive offers, the latest health tips and simple, science-led wisdom. Privacy notice.*