Emotional eaters (EEs) find connection and comfort through food, often using it to self-soothe or express care for others.

Emotional Eaters | Preferences

EEs lean toward nostalgic comfort foods—dishes that provide familiarity and ease. Slow-cooker meals, such as chili or stews with lean meats and legumes, simplify preparation, allowing them to nourish themselves and their loved ones with minimal effort. Often, recipes that include adjectives like “cozy” and “lazy” or indicate emotion, like “marry me” recipes, will draw in emotional eaters.

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Soothing textures like “creamy, buttery, soft” will also appeal to those who eat emotions first.

Food Waste Challenges

While emotional eaters tend to experience the most joy from eating, they are also prone to wasting the most food. Emotional eating is frequently unplanned and driven by feelings rather than hunger. EEs’ intense emotions—whether excitement, stress, or exhaustion—can sometimes lead to impulsive food decisions. They may overserve or overorder in an attempt to maximize sensory pleasure, often resulting in uneaten leftovers. Feelings of guilt after overeating may also prompt them to discard leftovers to remove temptation.

When cooking for others, a deep desire to satisfy loved ones may lead to over-purchasing and food waste. Stress or overwhelm can further prevent proper food preservation, amplifying the cycle.

Emotional Eaters | Making Change

Emotional eaters channel their feelings into food. Rechannel your empathy by donating food or volunteering at a food bank. Bake a casserole for a neighbor. Get involved with food-related causes and events that benefit others. The key is to find a way to express your care through food without wasting it.