Why Am I Craving Sweets? | Serving Up Science

Why are we drawn to fatty, sugary, and salty snacks and drinks? We’re putting junk food under the microscope to explore the science behind our affinity for processed foods that pack a lot of calories and have little nutritional value.

When we eat foods that contain lots of fat and sugar, it's the natural chemical dopamine that gives us a rush of elation and desire for more.

Serving Up Science is a production of WKAR, in association with PBS Digital Studios, with funding provided by the National Science Foundation.

Serving Up Science is hosted by history buff, science writer and foodie Sheril Kirshenbaum, who gives you science-backed tips to make your favorite foods even better.

[ayior]

My personal observation on the most addictive snacks is how they change in your mouth. You briefly mentioned it, but Chips start full of spice and crunch but by the time you are done chewing they are flavorless mush, so you take another one to get the flavor back.

[zywvyxz]

Thanks PBS, that was funny and interesting! Y'all even threw a Wilhelm scream in there 😂

[CuzicanAerospace]

I like chips and salsa. The salsa just barely convinces my brain that it's relatively healthy despite the fact that I'm shoving fried, salted corn chips into my mouth. :P

[snow]

This seems like a cool series! I'd love to see the science behind food preparation methods and why certain things we do are scientifically effective or what's going on a molecular level or something :). Also as a vegan I would love if your future videos would include a vegan perspective! Food is near and dear to my heart but it's hard to watch food content sometimes because everything is always from a carnivors perspective.

[TragoudistrosMPH]

I really liked the asides and bloopers spliced in. Adds character.

[platoscavealum]

Thank you, PBS.

(It’s Ok to be Smart sent me here.
I like this channel — I subscribed.)

[frtuzer]

"I don't like this I'm not gonna let it break down in my mouth" lol... brilliant :)

[martinbarba]

Our mutual friend from PBS Be Smart bring me here. Not disappointed

[TragoudistrosMPH]

0:01 Excuse you, but my food loves me! No matter how much bigger I get, it sticks with me. Loyalty!

[littlepotato]

Well, there are also a portion of scientists studying this in order to trigger this response as much as possible. I remember when the cigarette companies had their huge settlements several decades ago, many of their researchers moved over into food products. There is a reason that so much of our food in the grocery store is stuff full of extra sugar. Obviously sugar and processing byproducts like some veggie/seed oil are dirt cheap so they are thrown in to products to "fluff" the product up. But it is a double positive for the unethical companies: cheap products that induce an addictive response in the human brain.

[squeallymae]

My guilty pleasure are fast food french fries. The crispier the better. I give Mcdonald’s and Freddy’s way too much of my money. 😔

[echofloripa]

Skeetles and M&Ms chocolate, at the same time. Also pieces of ginger and chocolate, it's amazing.

[hypocriticalcritic]

Good edits, funny, and educational. Nice job, guys!

[CritterKeeper]

Came here from It's Okay To Be Smart (I refuse to shorten that excellent name!) and I like what I see so far! And hear - the Wilhelm Screams are cute.

[KaylaCakes]

I'm drinking a milkshake as I watch this.

[CrixJoki]

Really interesting, I´ve been wondering why alot of ppl crave so much sugary things, I don´t know if it´s due to my Autism or genetics that I´m not a fan of sugar, I tend to stay away from sweet things (mostly, sure I have some sweets here and there, but never much) I don´t like how my body and brain feels like after alot of sugar (same with caffeine)
My cravings are more food and fruit related, no bananas tho, too sweet...I do have a weak spot for cheese however...

[cps_Zen_Run]

Millions $$$ are spent by the Frankenfood industries to determine the “Bliss Point.” This insures that we will overeat the products.

[philiptetherow]

I'm not the only one who wrote a paper that a Youtube video covers and think "I could have used this bit!

[SergioBobillierC]

Before I forget, "Be Smart" sent me here. 🤪

[mkkundal]

Fun video. Joe from Be Smart sent me here :)