Everyone has a favorite dish that brings a sense of warmth and comfort. This type of food is known as comfort food.

What is comfort food?

Comfort food refers to meals that provide emotional and physical relief, often linked to childhood memories and positive experiences. These foods are commonly associated with homemade dishes enjoyed during childhood, evoking nostalgia and sentimental value.

The term “comfort food” can be traced back to 1615 in the Spanish novel Don Quixote, where it was mentioned as “food that soothes and is suitable for the heart and brain.” The modern use of the term dates back to 1977, according to the Oxford Dictionary, when it appeared in The Washington Post. However, Cari Romm (2015) noted that Palm Beach Post had already used “comfort food” in 1966 in an article about obesity. “Adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called ‘comfort food’—food associated with the security of childhood, like mother’s poached egg or famous chicken soup”¹.

People often turn to comfort food when experiencing negative emotions or seeking emotional regulation. Consuming comfort food can provide a sense of well-being and is also commonly enjoyed as a reward or celebration.

Examples comfort food

Comfort food varies across cultures and countries. In Indonesia, popular comfort foods include chicken porridge (bubur ayam), fried rice (nasi goreng), instant noodles, fried chicken, martabak, terang bulan (sweet pancake), fried bananas, soto ayam, and meatball soup (bakso). Meanwhile, in Western countries, common comfort foods include ice cream, coffee, chocolate, chicken soup, and mashed potatoes. The primary characteristics of comfort food are its delicious taste, high-calorie content (often rich in carbohydrates or sugar), and its ability to trigger nostalgic memories.

Chocolate as comfort food

One of the most popular comfort foods worldwide is chocolate. According to a 2021 survey on stress eating conducted in Germany, 48.3% of respondents chose chocolate as their primary comfort food, followed by coffee (45.9%). This finding aligns with studies in the United States, which also identified chocolate as the most frequently mentioned comfort food².

Types of Chocolate

Chocolate comes in various forms, from solid chocolate bars to hot chocolate drinks that provide warmth and relaxation. Generally, chocolate is categorized into three types:

1. Dark Chocolate: Made purely from cocoa without added milk fat, containing 70% to 100% cocoa. The higher the cocoa content, the more intense the bitter taste. Dark chocolate is often consumed directly or used in cooking.
2. Milk chocolate: Contains added milk, giving it a lighter color, sweeter taste, and creamier texture. Typically, milk chocolate has 40% cocoa content, though some dark milk chocolates contain 50% cocoa.
3. White chocolate: Unlike dark and milk chocolate, white chocolate consists of 20% to 30% cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar. It lacks cocoa solids and has a higher sugar content.

As a beverage, chocolate is divided into two types:

1. Chocolate drink: Also known as hot chocolate, made from melted chocolate mixed with hot water or milk, often with added sugar or sweeteners.
2. Cocoa drink: Made from cocoa powder (unsweetened) mixed with hot milk, with sugar added as needed. Cold chocolate drinks usually use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate.

The Role of Chocolate in Reducing Stress and Boosting Mood

A 2007 study by Michael Macht and Jochen Mueller examined the immediate effects of chocolate on mood and found that consuming delicious chocolate can instantly improve emotional well-being³.

Chocolate contains several key compounds that contribute to stress reduction and mood enhancement:

1. Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that acts as a natural antidepressant, promoting happiness and relaxation.
2. Theobromine: A caffeine-like stimulant that provides mild energy and improves focus.
3. Phenylethylamine (PEA): Enhances dopamine levels in the brain, creating a sense of pleasure and reducing anxiety.
4. Flavonoids: Antioxidants found in dark chocolate that help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and mood stability.

Several studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. This explains why chocolate remains a favorite choice during stressful times.

The Role of Creamer in Chocolate-Based Creations

As culinary innovations advance, chocolate-based products continue to evolve. Comfort food is no longer limited to chocolate drinks and chocolate bars but also includes candies, cookies, cakes, ice cream, puddings, and bread.

To make chocolate more versatile in various recipes, chocolate-based creamers have been developed. Using chocolate creamer allows for the creation of rich and creamy chocolate-based foods and beverages without using dairy products.

The use of chocolate creamer enhances flavor variety, simplifies production, and extends shelf life. Since creamer lasts longer than fresh milk, it has become a practical option in the food industry.

Conclusion

Comfort food plays a crucial role in emotional and physical well-being, with chocolate remaining one of the most beloved choices worldwide. Not only does chocolate offer a delightful taste, but it also provides psychological benefits such as stress relief and mood enhancement. With various types of chocolate and chocolate-based innovations using creamer as a milk alternative, the options for enjoying chocolate have expanded. It’s no surprise that chocolate continues to be a favorite comfort food for many.

Referensi :

1. Romm, C. (2015). “Why Comfort Food Comforts”. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/04/why-comfort-food-comforts/389613/
2. Gemesi, K., Holzmann, S. L., Kaiser, B., Wintergerst, M., Lurz, M., Groh, G., Böhm, M., Krcmar, H., Gedrich, K., Hauner, H., & Holzapfel, C. (2022). Stress eating: an online survey of eating behaviours, comfort foods, and healthy food substitutes in German adults. BMC public health, 22(1), 391. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12787-9
3. Macht, M., & Mueller, J. (2007). Immediate effects of chocolate on experimentally induced mood states. Appetite, 49(3), 667-674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2007.05.004