Many expecting mothers face strange food cravings during pregnancy. It’s common to want pickles with ice cream or chocolate sauce on French fries. These odd food combinations can seem crazy to others, but make perfect sense to pregnant women at 2 AM.
These cravings are normal! While some might seem strange, they’re often just the body’s way of asking for specific nutrients. Sometimes, hormones simply play tricks on taste buds.
This blog post shares 81 weird pregnancy cravings that real moms have experienced. From dirt to chalk to spicy foods dipped in milk, these examples show that pregnancy cravings come in all forms.
Why Do Weird Pregnancy Cravings Happen?
Weird pregnancy cravings might result from hormonal shifts that affect taste and smell. The body also needs extra nutrients during this time, which may lead to specific food cravings.
Some experts think cultural factors play a role, too; what a woman sees as “normal” pregnancy behavior might influence her cravings.
Morning sickness can also change food likes and dislikes. While not fully known, these cravings are very common and mostly harmless. Doctors only worry if women crave non-food items like clay or dirt, which may show a lack of key nutrients in their diet.
Weird Pregnancy Cravings You Won’t Believe Exist
From sardines with jam to pizza topped with M&M’s, pregnant women experience some truly bizarre cravings that defy logic but satisfy unique hormonal and nutritional needs.
The following are a few weird pregnancy cravings.
1. Pickles dipped in peanut butter – The salty crunch of pickles meets creamy peanut butter for an oddly satisfying flavor explosion
2. Ice cream with hot sauce – Sweet, ice cream topped with spicy hot sauce delivers an unexpected kick that some pregnant women crave
3. Chocolate milk & chicken Super Noodles with cheese – Mixing chocolatey sweetness with cheesy noodles creates a comfort food mashup
4. Sardines with jam – The strong, fishy taste of sardines combined with sweet jam is a craving that surprises many.
5. Peanut butter and pickled onions – Creamy peanut butter paired with tangy pickled onions offers a unique blend of textures and flavors.
6. Tuna and banana – The combo of savory tuna and sweet banana is a classic example of a weird pregnancy craving.
7. Cheese and marmalade sandwiches – Tangy marmalade and savory cheese make for a sandwich you’d only expect during pregnancy.
8. Olives and strawberries – Briny olives and sweet strawberries create an unusual but oddly appealing snack.
9. Frosting straight from the can – Some expectant moms crave the pure, sugary rush of eating cake frosting by itself.
10. Salted watermelon with lemon juice – Sweet watermelon, a sprinkle of salt, and a squeeze of lemon combine for a refreshing, tangy treat.
11. Steak with strawberry jam – Juicy steak topped with sweet jam is a craving that’s both savory and sugary.
12. Garlic ice cream – The pungent flavor of garlic mixed into creamy ice cream is a truly unique craving.
13. Anchovy-stuffed olives – Salty anchovies and briny olives make for an intensely flavored snack.
14. Popcorn with mustard – Tangy mustard drizzled over popcorn adds a zesty twist to this classic snack.
15. Eggs with syrup – Sweet syrup poured over eggs creates a breakfast that’s both savory and sugary.
16. Cottage cheese and potato chips – Creamy cottage cheese paired with crunchy chips is a textural delight.
17. Grapes with cheese dip – Sweet grapes dunked in cheese dip blend fruity and savory flavors.
18. Cereal with orange juice instead of milk – Swapping milk for orange juice in cereal gives a tangy, citrusy bite
19. Hot dogs with marshmallows – Soft, sweet marshmallows paired with salty hot dogs make for a strange but craved combo.
20. Avocado with chocolate syrup – Creamy avocado drizzled with chocolate syrup is a healthy-meets-indulgent treat
21. Pizza with M&M’s – Melty cheese pizza topped with crunchy, sweet M&M’s is a true pregnancy original
22. Fried chicken with maple syrup – Sweet syrup poured over crispy fried chicken is a comfort food favorite for some
23. French fries with honey – Salty fries dipped in honey offer a sweet-and-salty snack
24. Pickled eggs and milkshakes – Tangy pickled eggs washed down with a creamy milkshake is a flavor adventure
25. Lemon slices with mustard – Tart lemon slices topped with spicy mustard create a mouth-puckering snack
26. Chips – Crunchy, salty chips are a classic and satisfying craving
27. Tuna – Protein-packed tuna is a savory craving that’s also nutritious
28. Fruit, especially oranges – Juicy, sweet oranges are a refreshing and vitamin-rich choice
29. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt – Creamy dairy foods are often craved for their calcium and comfort factor
30. Spicy foods – Hot and spicy dishes like curries or chili satisfy the need for bold flavors
31. Sweets like candy and pastries – Sugary treats are a go-to craving for many pregnant women
32. Fast food – Greasy, salty fast food is a common indulgence during pregnancy
33. Ice cream – Cold, creamy, and sweet, ice cream is a top pregnancy craving
34. Peanut butter – Rich, nutty peanut butter is both filling and delicious
35. Potatoes – Comforting and starchy, potatoes in any form are a frequent craving
36. Babybel cheese – Individually wrapped cheeses are a convenient and tasty snack
37. Tomatoes – Juicy tomatoes are refreshing and full of flavor
38. Tikka masala – This spicy, creamy curry is a favorite for those craving heat
39. Mini Cheddars – Cheesy, crunchy snacks hit the spot for many
40. Bread – Simple, soft bread is a comforting carb fix
41. Smash (instant mashed potatoes) – Creamy instant potatoes are quick and satisfying
42. Fanta fruit punch – Fizzy, fruity drinks are a refreshing craving
43. Snickers – Chocolate, caramel, and peanuts combine for a sweet treat
44. Oranges – The tangy sweetness of oranges is hard to resist
45. Ice – Crunching on ice is a common craving, sometimes linked to iron deficiency
46. Lemonade – Tart and sweet, lemonade quenches thirst and craving
Weirdly Delicious Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy cravings often lead to surprisingly tasty combinations like pickles dipped in peanut butter or ice cream with hot sauce, blending sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in unexpectedly delicious ways
The following are a few delicious but weird pregnancy cravings.
47. Prawn cocktail skips – Seafood-flavored crisps are a unique salty snack
48. Coca-Cola – The bubbly, sweet taste of cola is a popular craving
49. Carrot cake – Moist, spiced carrot cake is both comforting and sweet
50. Pork tacos – Savory, spicy pork tacos satisfy meat cravings
51. Garlic chilli – The bold flavors of garlic and chili are irresistible to some
52. Peppered spaghetti – Pasta with a peppery kick is a warming meal
53. Sausage rolls – Flaky pastry and savory sausage make a perfect snack
54. Cinnamon rolls – Sweet, spiced rolls are a breakfast and dessert favorite
55. Salt and vinegar crisps – Tangy, salty crisps are a classic craving
56. Tangfastics Haribos – Sour gummy candies offer a tart and sweet fix
57. Lettuce and curry – Crisp lettuce with spicy curry sauce is a crunchy, flavorful combo
58. Pickled onions – Sharp, tangy pickled onions are a bold snack
59. Carbs & cheese – Any combination of carbs and cheese is pure comfort
60. Party Jollof – Spicy, tomato-based rice is a flavorful craving
61. Baked potato – A hot, fluffy baked potato is simple and satisfying
62. Big Mac – The classic fast food burger hits all the right notes
63. Bacon sandwiches – Crispy bacon between bread is a savory treat
64. White chocolate – Sweet and creamy, white chocolate is a decadent craving
65. Mangos – Juicy, sweet mangos are a tropical delight
66. Mashed potatoes and beans – Creamy potatoes with savory beans make a hearty meal
67. Chocolate – The ultimate comfort food, chocolate boosts mood and satisfies sweet cravings
68. Hot sauce on everything – Adding hot sauce to any dish brings heat and excitement
69. Habenero peppers and oatmeal – Spicy peppers mixed into bland oatmeal create a fiery breakfast
70. Fruit juice – Sweet and tangy juices are refreshing and hydrating
71. Pizza – Cheesy, saucy pizza is a universally loved craving
72. Fruit gums – Chewy, fruity candies are a sweet fix
73. Doughnuts – Soft, sugary doughnuts are a breakfast or snack favorite
74. Apple juice – Crisp, clear apple juice is both sweet and thirst-quenching
75. Milk – Cold milk is a classic, calcium-rich craving
76. Red meat – Craving steak or burgers may signal a need for more iron
77. Chalk or clay – Non-food cravings like chalk or clay (pica) can indicate mineral deficiencies
78. Laundry detergent – Sometimes, non-food substances are ingested, which should be discussed with a doctor
79. Ice cream and pickles – The classic sweet and sour combo is a pregnancy cliché for a reason
80. Fruit and cheese – Sweet fruit paired with savory cheese is a balanced, satisfying snack
81. Fast food fries dipped in milkshake – The salty-sweet mix of fries in a milkshake is a beloved guilty pleasure
How to Satisfy Your Weird Pregnancy Cravings Safely?
Pregnancy cravings can be strong and sometimes odd. While most cravings are fine to satisfy, it’s smart to think about what’s good for both mom and baby. Not all cravings need to be given in to, but many can be handled healthily.
- Find healthy swaps: If you want sugar, try fruit. For salt cravings, lightly salted nuts might help.
- Eat small amounts: You can have what you crave, just keep it to small bits.
- Talk to your doctor: If you crave non-food items like chalk or dirt, let your doctor know right away.
- Check for patterns: Note if cravings come at the same time each day and plan healthy snacks for those times.
- Stay full with good food: Keep meals rich in protein and fiber to stop hunger that leads to cravings.
- Give yourself grace: Some cravings are okay in small bits. A scoop of ice cream won’t harm your baby.
- Ask for help: Have your partner or friend help find good food options for your cravings.
Wrapping It Up
Weird pregnancy cravings come in all shapes and sizes, some funny, some strange, and some just plain weird. What matters most is keeping both mom and baby healthy while still making room for those odd food wants.
By balancing cravings with good nutrition, most women can find a middle path that works for them. If in doubt, a quick chat with your doctor can help sort out what’s okay and what’s not.
And remember, these cravings are just one small part of the amazing process that brings new life into the world.
So go ahead and enjoy that pickle with peanut butter if that’s what your body asks for, just keep an eye on the big picture of your health!
