We all have our own way of enjoying a cone or tub of ice cream, but it turns out your personal preference could reveal a lot about your personality, according to experts
Do you chomp, lick or nibble on your ice cream? According to experts, the way you eat your favourite icy treat could be an insight into your personality. Psychologist Jo Hemmings suggests that your ice cream eating habits might hint at whether you’re a daring or cautious individual, who either savours their ice cream or dives right in.
A study commissioned by Nuii ice cream surveyed 2,000 adults who enjoy ice cream and found that the majority prefer to lick their their favourite ice cream, while four in ten go straight in with a bite – but what does this say about them?
Henry Craven from Nuii commented: “We all know that ice cream is a favourite treat for many of us but discovering the way the nation eats theirs has caused quite a debate.”
Henry mentioned that a recent video featuring Brand Ambassador and actor Jason Momoa, who was seen biting his ice cream, sparked an animated discussion. “The reaction inspired us to delve deeper into what your ice cream-eating style might say about your personality,” Henry added. Following the research, the brand also took to the streets to gauge public opinion on the matter.
But what does all this mean? Jo Hemmings, a behavioural psychologist, suggests that those who dare to bite into their ice cream are typically ‘fearless’, ‘confident’ and ‘impulsive’, seemingly unfazed by potential brain freeze. According to the study, many Brits were in agreement, describing ice cream biters as ‘impulsive’ (31%), ‘confident’ (29%) and ‘fearless’ (26%).
On the other hand, according to Jo, those who favour licking their ice cream are ‘methodical’ and ‘relaxed’, demonstrating patience and a desire to savour every moment. These individuals could also be considered romantics at heart.
Finally, of the those who savour their ice cream by nibbling and taking their time, Jo described them as more ‘cautious’, ‘gentle’ and ‘thoughtful’, although they were also seen to be a little controlling at times.
Hemmings elaborated: “The ice cream lover’s psyche revolves around pleasure seeking and nostalgia. They will have a sweet tooth, and ice cream is one of the key comfort foods that may help them regulate their emotions.”
“They are probably playful, imaginative, and get excited about all celebrations – from kids’ birthday parties to Easter and Christmas. They don’t see ice cream as something just to be eaten in the summer.” In fact, two thirds confessed they enjoy ice cream regardless of the weather.
Jo also pointed out that the speed at which you eat your ice cream can reveal a lot about your personality. Jo commented that fast eaters, something a third of the public were guilty of, are: “likely to be high-energy, impulsive, enthusiastic and impatient. They want that dopamine hit as fast as possible.”
She added: “They may be restless and a bit edgy at times, using fast eating to soothe themselves.” On the flip side: “The slow-savourer is highly intentional and patient. They focus on the full sensory experience of eating ice cream – the texture, the flavour, the smell, the cold comfort,” she said.
Henry Craven from Nuii ice cream chimed in: “I’m sure some of the traits both Jo and the research link to ring home for some fans of these frozen treats. Regardless of how you eat yours, it’s all about enjoyment.”
What the way you eat your ice cream says about your personality – according to psychologist Jo Hemmings:
Biter
Biters are very in-the-moment, they are probably extroverts and like instant gratification, they are after an adrenaline hit with their ice cream. They may have a big family, where at mealtimes they had to grab a plateful of food quickly, before all the best bits were gone.
Licker
Lickers prefer delayed gratification. They can be more introverted and cautious in nature. They are comfort-soothers and like the predictability of savouring their ice cream. They crave the dopamine hit, the brain’s reward, that they get from extending the eating process.
Nibbler
Nibblers are good emotional self-regulators, though they may be prone to anxiety because of their enthusiasm for attention to detail. Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, is their friend as it promotes trust and social bonding.