Why macaroni and cheese tastes so good when we’re down

The Washington Post:

Macaroni and cheese, a staple of so many children’s diets, might be the most popular comfort food known to man — or at least any American. The Kraft variety, so carefully split into its essential components — dried pasta, packaged cheese product, and step-by-step directions — makes its way into millions of homes around the country each year. So too does Annie’s — little white shells, perky rabbit, and all. And restaurants haven’t been shy about serving their own, house-made versions. This country’s long-held obsession with the wholesome dish is so great that it has even been cited as a contributor to the steady growth of cheese consumption in the United States.

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In 2011, Gabriel, along with colleague Jordan Troisi, found that people tend to seek out soup when they feel lonely.

Soup, Gabriel says, is actually a perfect example of how the existence of a strong emotional tie to a person can liven the experience of an otherwise forgettable meal. Soup can carry with it memories of being sick and therefore being cared for when young.

Read the whole story: The Washington Post