A notable share of Russians turns to food for emotional relief, with chocolate standing out as a popular “anti-stress” choice for about a quarter of the population. This finding comes from a study conducted by socialbites.ca in collaboration with the Package service from X5.
According to the survey results, more than half of respondents — 53 percent — reported reaching for chocolate during periods of stress. In contrast, 47 percent indicated they ate ice cream when feeling stressed, 31 percent preferred desserts, 25 percent chose cakes, and 20 percent opted for cookies. The data paints a broad picture of comfort-eating patterns, showing that sweet treats remain a common coping mechanism during tough times.
When looking at sugar-free options, the survey reveals distinct preferences: 57 percent of participants chose chips, 43 percent favored nuts and dried fruits, and 18 percent reached for popcorn. Age also plays a role in these choices, with individuals aged 35 to 44 more likely to pick chips, while younger adults aged 18 to 24 show a stronger inclination toward nuts and dried fruit.
In terms of ready-made meals believed to alleviate stress, pizza leads the way with 35 percent of respondents selecting it. Shawarma follows closely at 33 percent. Sushi and pastries each attracted around a quarter of respondents, while soup and noodles were chosen by 13 percent. These results illustrate how convenience foods and familiar comfort dishes form a key part of stress management strategies for many people.
The study also highlights the frequency of stress in daily life: more than 18 percent report feeling stressed several times a week, with 9 percent experiencing stress every day. About one in five Russians experiences stress every few months, while a small segment, roughly 8 percent, reports not feeling stressed at all. The findings suggest that stress is a common and persistent part of daily life for a sizable portion of the population, influencing eating patterns and food choices in meaningful ways.
These insights align with broader observations about how people respond to stress through food. In many cases, the choices reflect a combination of taste preferences, perceived comfort, and accessibility. The preference for chocolate and ice cream underscores a desire for mood-lifting experiences, while the popularity of chips, nuts, and dried fruits among sugar-free options signals a pragmatic approach to snacking that balances indulgence with health concerns in different age groups. Marked sources from the study provide context for these trends, helping readers understand how cultural eating habits, availability, and lifestyle factors intersect when stress influences decision-making around food.
Overall, the data points to a nuanced landscape of stress-related eating in Russia, where traditional comfort foods and modern convenience items coexist. The implications extend beyond momentary cravings, offering a lens into how stress frequency and coping strategies shape dietary choices across generations. The findings encourage readers to consider how stress management, nutrition, and everyday routines interact, and invite ongoing exploration into the ways people seek comfort through food.
The survey’s results come from a collaboration between SocialBites and X5’s Package service, giving a timely snapshot of consumer behavior in contemporary Russia. Readers should view these patterns as part of a broader conversation about mental well-being, food psychology, and the social dimensions of eating under pressure.