NEW YORK — Can’t avoid that extra scoop of ice cream for dessert? You’re far from along. Nearly two in five (37%) people say they have a bigger sweet tooth now than when they were a kid, according to a new study.
It turns out personality and marital status may even play a role in how you feel about dessert. The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults reveals that there could be more than just taste buds that influence how we feel about sugary foods.
Introverts vs. Extroverts
When comparing respondents who are introverts to those who are extroverts, researchers report that nearly half (49%) of extroverts claim their sweet tooth has grown since childhood.
More self-reported introverts than extroverts preferred chocolate desserts (46% vs. 31%) and were also more likely to eat sweets in the morning (33% vs. 15%).
And if you’re an introvert, chances are your parents “always” or “often” let you eat desserts as a child (71%). That may be why introverts are more likely than extroverts to order from the dessert menu when eating out (61% vs. 50%).
Optimists vs. Pessimists
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nothing Bundt Cakes for the launch of their new Oreo Cookies & Cream cake, the survey also discovered how optimists and pessimists differ in their dessert preferences.
Those with an optimistic viewpoint overwhelmingly preferred sweet over sour treats (77%), compared to 51 percent of pessimists. And if you tend to have a gloomy outlook, you’re more likely to go for a sour treat than someone with a sunny disposition (20% vs. 7%).
Furthermore, a positive outlook on life may indicate a greater propensity toward cake (46% vs. 29%). Overall, more than two in five (42%) say cake is their favorite dessert.
Most respondents developed a greater openness toward new desserts going into adulthood, with 73 percent eating sweets they never tried as a kid.
Married vs. Single
Additionally, the research looked into the social aspects surrounding desserts and found that 41 percent of those with a partner or spouse have a favorite dessert in common.
Seven in 10 (73%) said knowing someone’s favorite dessert indicates a certain closeness. To that end, nearly half (48%) would try a dessert they don’t usually like if offered one by a close friend, and the same amount said their pal would do the same.
Sharing is caring for 58 percent of respondents, who “always” or “often” share their desserts with someone else.
“Whether you save a slice for someone else or have it all for yourself, our research shows 42 percent say cake is their favorite dessert, indicating its timelessness,” says Nothing Bundt Cakes Chief Marketing Officer Angie Eckelkamp, in a statement.
The average person polled eats about three desserts per week and has just as many different types of sweets at home.
“Cakes have long been a birthday staple, but we’ve seen cakes become the centerpiece for occasions year-round, as well as ‘just because’ or everyday treats. So, it makes sense to see cakes listed as the top vote-getter for desserts, no matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert,” adds Eckelkamp. “And while classics like strawberry, chocolate and vanilla topped the list of respondents’ favorite flavors, we were excited to see cookies and cream also featured within the top 10.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who regularly eat desserts was commissioned by Nothing Bundt Cakes between Jan. 18 and Jan. 23, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).