Colors can have a powerful effect on our emotions, moods, and behaviors. This includes influencing hunger and satiety. Certain colors are thought to curb appetite and make us feel fuller faster. On the flip side, other shades stimulate hunger. Understanding how color impacts eating may help you eat more mindfully.
How color affects appetite
Research shows that color can trigger emotional and physiological responses that impact appetite and eating behaviors. While findings are mixed, some key patterns have emerged:
- Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are stimulating and may increase hunger.
- Cool colors like blue, purple, and green are calming and may suppress appetite.
- Bright, saturated colors are activating and encourage eating.
- Pale, dull colors are relaxing and curb cravings.
Experts theorize this effect stems from evolution. Ripe fruits and vegetables tend to be warm, vivid shades. These grab our attention and drive us to eat. Meanwhile, rotten or unripe produce is dull or cool-toned. This signals it may be unsafe and curbs our appetite. Of course, in today’s world of processed foods, these color associations don’t always apply. But the responses may persist.
Appetite-suppressing colors
With this in mind, which hues are best for curbing hunger? Here are some of the top appetite-suppressing colors:
Blue
Blue is commonly regarded as the least appetizing color. Studies show people eat less when snacking from blue plates or packages. Researchers suggest cool, passive blue suppresses hunger-stimulating hormones.
Green
Like blue, green appears unappetizing compared to warm, sunny hues. Eating greens also prompts feelings of healthfulness. This may unconsciously curb cravings for indulgent foods.
Purple
Royal purple carries an air of nobility and spirituality more so than hunger. Light purple can also have a cooling, calming effect that counters appetite.
Black
Black gives an experience weight and substance. Its dark, recessive nature may also diminish food cravings. One study found people ate less pasta on black plates versus white.
Gray
Gray is associated with dullness and inedibility. Using gray plates and tablecloths could subtly discourage overeating.
Colors that stimulate hunger
On the other hand, here are colors shown to whet appetites:
Red
Red is an intense, appetite-boosting color. It increases cravings for sweet foods in particular. Red also grabs attention and can make food seem more appealing.
Orange
Like red, sunny orange is an energetic, stimulating color. It promotes feelings of excitement that can transfer to food enjoyment.
Yellow
Bright, cheerful yellow puts people in an upbeat mood. It also contrasts with blue foods like pancakes and waffles, making them more visible and enticing.
Pink
Pink shares red’s sensual, appetite-boosting effects. It also signifies sweetness, from cotton candy to cake icing.
Using color psychology to curb hunger
You can leverage these color psychology principles to manage hunger in several ways:
- Choose calm blue or green plates, placemats, and tablecloths.
- Drink water from blue and green glasses.
- Serve savory foods on black, gray, or white plates.
- Keep cool, pale blue as your kitchen’s dominant color.
- Opt for purple or green packages when grocery shopping.
- Portion snacks into gray or black bowls.
Other appetite-suppressing tips
While color can impact hunger cues, many other factors influence appetite. Here are some additional ways to curb cravings:
Slow down
Eating quickly leads to overeating. Sipping water between bites and putting down utensils between mouthfuls can slow your pace.
Use smaller plates
Dishing onto smaller plates tricks your eyes and brain into thinking you’re eating more. Conversely, large plates encourage bigger portions.
Start with salad
Starting meals with salad fills you up initially so you eat less of heavy main dishes.
Chew thoroughly
The longer you chew, the more time food remains in your mouth. This allows more appetite-regulating hormones to release so you feel satisfied sooner.
Eat more protein and fiber
Protein and fiber delay gastric emptying to stabilize blood sugar and control hunger.
Hydrate
Drinking water before meals fills your stomach to naturally curb intake. Dehydration can also disguise itself as hunger.
Get enough sleep
Skimping on sleep alters hormones that regulate satiety and ramps up cravings for calorie-dense foods.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can increase levels of cortisol and other hormones that boost hunger and fat storage.
| Color | Effect on Appetite |
|---|---|
| Blue | Suppresses appetite |
| Green | Suppresses appetite |
| Purple | Suppresses appetite |
| Black | Suppresses appetite |
| Gray | Suppresses appetite |
| Red | Stimulates appetite |
| Orange | Stimulates appetite |
| Yellow | Stimulates appetite |
| Pink | Stimulates appetite |
The takeaway
Color can influence appetite by triggering emotional and physiological responses. Cool hues like blue and green tend to suppress hunger, while warm shades of red, orange, and yellow stimulate it. Leveraging this color psychology could help you manage cravings and eat more mindfully. Pay attention to how food presentation impacts your hunger, and use calming colors to help temper overeating.