Sitophilia: The 'Primal' Food Fetish Over a Third of Brits Are Eager to Explore
Sexual fetishes often unfold in private settings, but a rising trend is shifting the action to supermarket aisles. Recent data reveals that more than a third of Brits, specifically 34%, are interested in incorporating food items into their intimate experiences to add excitement. Additionally, 45% of respondents believe that food can be just as sensual as traditional sex toys, highlighting a growing openness to culinary exploration in the bedroom.
What Is Sitophilia and Why Is It Gaining Traction?
Sitophilia, commonly referred to as food play, is described by sexual therapist Courtney Boyer as an accessible, low-barrier, playful method to revitalize one's sex life. You don't need special equipment, and it can feel less intimidating than impact play or restraint, Boyer explains. It's got great 'dip your toe in' energy. This approachability is making it a popular choice for those new to fetish exploration, as it emphasizes creativity and sensory engagement without the need for complex tools.
Supermarket Sales Reflect Growing Enthusiasm
Online supermarket Ocado has observed a significant surge in sales of specific food items linked to this trend, indicating a tangible shift in consumer behavior. Ridge cucumbers, known for their textured exterior, have experienced a remarkable 178% increase in sales in recent weeks. Meanwhile, lickable items like honey have skyrocketed by 509%, and whipped cream sales have risen by 24%. Perhaps most notably, multiple brands of coconut oil have seen sales surge by an astounding 599%, suggesting its use as a makeshift massage oil or lubricant.
Other edible indulgences that customers report using for food play include peaches, with a 77% sales increase, cherries at 84%, and melon at 97%. These items are among the most popular choices cited by Ocado shoppers when asked about foods they would incorporate into sexual activities. The top 10 foods people use during sex, according to surveys, are:
- Whipped cream (49%)
- Chocolate (36%)
- Ice cubes (34%)
- Strawberries (28%)
- Bananas, cucumbers, and courgettes (27%)
- Ice cream (21%)
- Maple syrup (16%)
- Coconut oil (15%)
- Honey (15%)
- Chocolate-covered fruits (12%)
Historical Roots and Sensory Appeal
Food play is not a modern invention; it has deep historical roots. Food and eroticism have been intertwined for thousands of years, Boyer notes. Ancient cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, linked feasting, pleasure, and sexuality in both ritual and social life. Artistic depictions from these eras often feature reclining bodies with grapes, wine, and honey, illustrating the long-standing connection between sensory indulgence and desire.
The erotic appeal of food lies in its ability to activate similar sensory pathways as sex. Taste, smell, texture, anticipation, gratification—it's primal, Boyer adds. Feeding and being fed can feel intimate, nurturing, even power-infused depending on the dynamic. The element of taboo, combined with messiness and sensory overload, can heighten vulnerability and presence, making the experience more intense.
Safety Considerations for Beginners
While food play can be exciting, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Karin O'Sullivan, clinical lead at sexual health charity FPA, warns: Whatever goes inside your vagina must be something that can be taken out intact. Leaving food in the vagina can lead to infections and requires immediate medical attention. Sugary foods, in particular, can disrupt the vaginal pH balance, potentially causing thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
To minimize risks, experts recommend keeping food play to external areas like the vulva or above the waist. Maintaining hygiene and using body-safe items are essential steps to ensure a positive and healthy experience.
Getting Started with Food Play
For those new to sitophilia, Courtney Boyer advises starting simple. Keep it simple, low-mess, body-safe, she says. Feeding each other by hand or mouth, using syrups or creams to drizzle along the body, can be a great place to start. Incorporating elements like blindfolds or temperature play, such as chilling grapes beforehand, can enhance sensory stimulation and make the experience more erotic.
Even with a playful activity like food play, foundational principles remain important. Consent and aftercare still matter even with 'playful' kinks, Boyer stresses. Remember to discuss boundaries, clean-up expectations, and comfort levels with mess. Preparing with towels and protecting sheets can help manage any mess, ensuring the focus stays on shared pleasure and connection.
As sitophilia continues to gain popularity in the UK, it represents a broader trend toward exploring intimacy through accessible and sensory-rich methods. With proper safety measures and open communication, food play can offer a fun and innovative way to enhance sexual experiences.
