Drinking alcohol may influence cravings for certain foods in a surprising way, study suggests
University of Sydney researchers have uncovered a biological mechanism that may explain why many people reach for salty, calorie-dense foods after drinking alcohol, potentially shedding light on the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and weight gain.
The study, published in the journal Obesity Reviews, analyzed survey data from more than 9,000 Australian adults and found that those who reported drinking alcohol also reported consuming significantly more savory foods and fewer sweet foods compared to non-drinkers. The trend was particularly pronounced on days when participants consumed alcohol.
According to the research team, alcohol appears to increase levels of a hormone called FGF21, which has been shown to heighten preferences for umami flavors—the taste associated with savory foods—while simultaneously reducing cravings for sweets. In environments where people have access to minimally processed foods, this hormonal shift might not cause problems, as individuals would naturally seek protein-rich foods that promote satiety.
However, the researchers introduced the concept of "protein decoys"—highly processed foods that mimic the taste and texture of satisfying meals but lack adequate protein content. When people consume these ultra-processed options while experiencing alcohol-induced savory cravings, they eat far more calories without feeling full, the study suggests.
The findings indicate that individuals who both drink alcohol and follow a diet rich in ultra-processed, high-fat foods consume approximately 40 percent more calories than recommended daily intake—before even accounting for the alcohol itself.
"Advice to limit highly processed foods, including savory snack foods, may be even more critical than previously thought for reducing the risk of weight gain among adults who drink regularly," the researchers concluded.
Morgan Beemiller, a registered dietitian based in Ohio, said the findings align with what nutrition professionals have observed in clinical practice.
"Alcohol is known to affect several biological and behavioral systems that influence food cravings," Beemiller said. "Alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain's reward circuits. It also changes taste perception."
To combat the tendency toward overeating while drinking, Beemiller recommends eating a balanced meal before consuming alcohol.
"Include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats," she advised. "This combination helps slow alcohol absorption and reduces urges for convenience foods later."
She suggests meals such as chicken with rice and salad or salmon with potatoes and broccoli as sensible options before drinking. Additionally, planning late-night food choices in advance can prevent impulsive decisions.
"If healthy food is already available, you are less likely to order or make convenience foods later in the evening," Beemiller said.
She also recommends keeping minimally processed snacks readily accessible—nuts, cheese, fruit, vegetables, hummus, and hard-boiled eggs—while staying hydrated by alternating alcoholic beverages with water.
For those who choose to drink, Beemiller advises moderation and selecting lower-calorie options. Dry wines, light beers, and cocktails made with fresh juices rather than syrups tend to be better choices. She cautions against margaritas, daiquiris, sweet dessert wines, and hard lemonades, which tend to be high in sugar.
"Choose alcohol for enjoyment, not stress management," Beemiller recommended.
The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, noting that they did not directly measure hormone levels but applied findings from previous scientific research to their observations. The study relied heavily on secondary evidence from population surveys rather than controlled experiments.
