10 Food Items Women Crave During Periods

Periods— 5 to 7 days of struggle for women! During these days, mood swings, cravings, and emotional drainage are at their peak. Women may feel like crying, and then when you give them chocolate, they smile brightly like a flower. This is because certain foods, like chocolate, can trigger the release of feel-good hormones, which can help reduce emotional symptoms. Isn’t it surprising? 

For women, their favourite food items can make them feel happy just in seconds. Before writing this article, I surveyed women about what they like eating during their periods. The insights from this survey are quite interesting and informative. Based on that, here are ten food items that they crave the most!

Chocolates 

Well, this is one of the most basic snacking items that women crave during periods. When I was surveying, the first answer of 85% of women was chocolates! Women love eating something sweet, and chocolate is one of them. Some also said they like to eat dark chocolates because it helps them relieve pain. Chocolates can make them feel happy and comforting during their periods!

“Generally, chocolates and her favourite dishes work” – anonymous 

In a survey, there were some questions for men, too, and one of them answered this. It showed that some crave chocolates, and he was aware. 

If you’re a woman and love chocolate, try chocolate cake, chocolate waffles, or even pancakes with chocolate syrup. You’ll feel amazing. These are alternatives to chocolate that can even satisfy your hunger. 

Hot Coffee 

Hot coffee—a comfort drink during winter, is preferred by women during their periods. It gives them the warmth and comfort that can relieve the pain. If you’re a man reading this, make a cup of coffee for your friend, partner or sibling next time they’re on their periods. This gesture will make them feel blissful and comfy. 

Hot coffee can be best paired with their favourite dessert, be it a crêpe, cake, pancake or a Waffle Ice Cream. Order it for them, and it will also show how much you care for them. 

Pizza 

Pizza is a universal comfort food that becomes magical during periods. Most women love eating pizza during their periods. The act of indulging in a hot, cheesy slice offers not only a momentary escape from discomfort but also a sense of warmth and satisfaction. It can help you with emotional and physical discomfort. 

Soups 

“I love eating ice cream and waffles, but there are days when I’m on my period and suddenly crave soup, which is much healthier than any other food item.” – Lisa

Many women often crave a healthy and better option for periods. This food item can give you energy and can help relieve pain. 

Ice Cream 

“Usually, women eat hot things during periods, but I love eating ice cream. I know it may sound surprising, but whenever I’m on my period, I eat ice cream of my favourite flavours, and it comforts me.”

This was a reply from another respondent. She loved eating ice cream, which was a bit unusual for me, but some others also said ice cream, and it showed that women can crave something cold, too.

Very few people eat ice cream or something cold on periods. So, if you ever plan to give ice cream to your friend or partner, you should be aware of whether they can eat it or not. 

Waffles 

“Creamy and chocolate waffles are my favourite; they help me feel better whenever I’m feeling low on my periods!” – anonymous

One of the answers I got when I was surveying was this: A woman was shining brightly while saying this, which showed how much she loves waffles. 

Women crave waffles filled with their favourite chocolate and even toppings. Some may love to add chocolate ice cream, melted chocolate and chocolate chips over their waffles, but some may love their waffles with honey and fruits over them. 

Fries 

“I know women crave something sweet, but fries are my comfort food. Their texture and taste are so good that I can eat them throughout the time when I’m on my period, but also on regular days.”

Women who don’t love sweets that much love eating their usual comfort food during periods, too. 

12% of women in that survey said classic fries and a single woman said masala fries, which showed that they also crave something spicy. This variety in cravings shows that every woman’s experience is unique and should be understood. 

Cold Drinks and Nachos 

Though nachos are not sweet and are not my favourite, I do crave them sometimes during my periods. They make me feel comfortable and calm. There are other women, too, who love nachos and cold drinks during periods. 

Cakes 

Cakes are heavenly desserts that can do wonders at any time of the day, not just on birthdays, but also on periods. I personally feel comforted when I eat cake during periods.

While surveying, some women said cakes make them feel happy and cheered up. The cake is comforting due to its texture and sweet flavour that uplifts the mood; if it’s a chocolate one, there is nothing much better. 

While surveying, I also encountered a woman who said she wanted a chocolate lava cake. Well, that is also a good option. The hot melted chocolate in it is amazing. And if you love fruits, order a fruit cake with a lot of strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits on it. 

Something spicy and tangy

If 55% of women crave something sweet on their periods, 45% crave spicy and tangy food items. Many respondents said they love eating burgers, pasta, dim-sums, and more. Eating spicy and tangy food makes them feel satisfied, and it also helps them relieve pain. 

• Eating something mild in spices is usually preferred during women’s menstrual cycles. If you crave something tangy, you can choose a healthier option and eat fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges, raspberries, kiwis or more.
• If you want to eat something spicy, you can go for alternatives like soups and more. 

Women crave all these food items during their menstrual cycles. If you’re a man reading this, though their cravings are essential, you should take care of their health, too, and give them food that is best for them. 

We also surveyed men with two questions. Both questions were asked to men, and here are the answers we got.

Question 1

How do you care for your sister/ girlfriend/ wife/ friend when she is on her period? And how do you get to know what she is craving? 

“When someone close to me is dealing with this, I try to be caring and helpful. I make sure they’re comfortable by creating a calm space, offering a hot water bottle, and keeping medicine ready if needed. I check in to see how they’re feeling and listen to any worries they might have. For cravings, I pay attention during conversation or ask them what they’d like. Chocolate and mild, non-spicy foods are usually good choices!” – Jose

“I think the most important thing to understand is the sensitivity of this time period. First and foremost, I am prepared for anything and dedicate those days entirely to my girlfriend. I take extra care of her, ensuring she has all her favourite things around her. I treat her like a sweet child (which she is), and I try to be emotionally 200% present for her. I try to help shift her focus from the pain with some silly jokes. A lot of hugs and kisses help, too! A little secret – I actually fall in love with her more during these times because I find her so sweet and love being there for her. I have no complaints about these days, so it makes it easier for me.” – Paul 

“When my sister is on her period, I try to be as supportive as possible because I know it’s a tough time for her. The first thing I do is check-in and ask how she’s feeling—sometimes she wants to talk, other times she just needs some space, and I try to respect that. I’ve learned that little gestures can mean a lot. For example, I ask her what she’s craving, should I order something sweet or spicy or anything in between.” – David

These were some of the best answers I got while surveying. I was really touched by how men do care for their partner, sister and even a friend. They really do know how to comfort women during their periods.

Question 2

There are times when you may feel low, what food item among waffles, crêpes, pancakes, sundaes, cakes and ice cream can make you feel better?

This second question was necessary. Though men don’t get periods, there are times when they go through a low phase of their lives, so they must also crave something to uplift their mood. 

• “When I feel low, I find myself craving ice cream, no matter the season—winter or summer. Ice cream is something that understands me deeply, to the soul.” – Kavin
• When surveyed, more than 80% of the men answered ice cream. While others had different opinions. Someone liked sundaes, while someone’s mood lifter was a waffle, crêpes, pancakes and more. 

In a Nutshell!  

Women’s cravings during their periods are difficult to understand. Even we women sometimes don’t know what we want to eat. Most women must have related to the article, while others must have thought, “I crave this or that.” And the way men understood women was truly admirable. They proved that “no one can understand women” is a myth. If you want to understand, you will! All men out there, you should go the extra mile for a woman and make her feel cherished not only when she is on her period but on regular days, too. 

Moreover, men should also be treated with care, love and respect. If they don’t show they are suffering, doesn’t mean they’re not. Surprise them with their favourite dessert and let them feel special and cared for, too.