The Most Bizarre Pregnancy Cravings Around the World

Pregnancy cravings are a universal experience, but the types of foods that pregnant women crave can vary wildly depending on where they are in the world. While some cravings are more common, like pickles and ice cream, other cravings are truly unique, bizarre, and sometimes downright perplexing! In different cultures, women’s bodies often crave the most unexpected combinations of flavors, textures, and even non-food items during pregnancy.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the globe to explore some of the most bizarre pregnancy cravings around the world. From unusual snack pairings to strange, locally adored delicacies, these cravings will surely surprise you!

1. Salty Pickled Plums- Japan

Pickled plums, or umeboshi, are a common craving for pregnant women in Japan. These sour, salty plums are typically served with rice or eaten as a snack. The strong flavor and sharp saltiness can be a remedy for morning sickness, and many women report that the intense flavor helps settle their stomachs. Some even claim that the sourness helps them feel more energized throughout the day.

Why it’s bizarre: The intense combination of sour and salty may not sound appetizing to everyone, but for some pregnant women, it’s the perfect balance to help combat nausea or get a burst of energy!

2. Spicy Tamarind Candy- Mexico

In Mexico, many pregnant women crave Tamarindo- a tangy, spicy candy made from tamarind fruit, chili powder, and sugar. This sweet-and-sour treat offers a unique combination of flavors that’s loved across the country, but pregnant women sometimes find themselves particularly drawn to it. Some women pair it with other salty snacks or fruit, creating a tantalizingly spicy snack.

Why it’s bizarre: The mix of sweet, sour, and spicy can be intense, and it might be unexpected to crave something that packs such a punch during pregnancy. But for many women, it provides just the right burst of flavor to satisfy cravings.

3. Mango with Chili Powder and Salt- India

In India, it’s common for pregnant women to crave raw mangoes sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and sometimes sugar. The sharp acidity of the mango mixed with the heat of the chili and the savory saltiness creates a crave-worthy combination. This is often enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish with meals.

Why it’s bizarre: Mangoes are delicious on their own, but the addition of spicy chili and salt may seem a little strange to those not familiar with this combination. However, it’s a refreshing and energizing snack that satisfies the cravings for both sweet and savory.

4. Ice and Dirt- United States & Africa

In some parts of the United States and Africa, pregnant women have been known to crave non-food items, a condition called pica. One of the most common pica cravings is for ice, a phenomenon known as pagophagia. Women often crave ice cubes, crushed ice, or even ice chips, which they chew for the crunch and coolness. In some regions of Africa, pregnant women have been reported to crave dirt, clay, or chalk.

Why it’s bizarre: Craving ice may not seem too odd, but chewing it compulsively can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, especially iron. As for cravings for dirt or chalk, it's believed that these cravings may stem from a need for minerals or a lack of certain nutrients like calcium or iron, although these non-food items are not safe to consume in large quantities.

5. Fried Tarantulas- Cambodia

In Cambodia, one of the most bizarre pregnancy cravings comes in the form of fried tarantulas. These large, crispy arachnids are deep-fried and served as a popular snack. Though they may sound alarming to many, they’re considered a delicacy in some parts of Southeast Asia, especially during pregnancy when women are believed to crave the crunchy texture and protein-packed snack.

Why it’s bizarre: Tarantulas are far from your typical pregnancy craving! The idea of consuming fried spiders may be enough to make most of us squeamish, but in Cambodia, this protein-rich snack is revered as a remedy for nausea and a source of strength.

6. Chocolate with Chili- Various Latin American Countries

Another bizarre craving that spans several Latin American countries is chocolate with chili. Women may crave a mix of rich, dark chocolate paired with spicy chili powder or hot sauce. This combination satisfies a craving for something sweet, but the kick of spice is what really makes this treat stand out.

Why it’s bizarre: The mix of sweet chocolate and fiery heat might seem unusual, but the combination of flavors is deeply satisfying for many pregnant women who crave the unusual contrast of sweet and spicy at the same time.

7. Cucumber with Sugar- Greece

In Greece, one of the strangest cravings involves a very simple yet unexpected combination: cucumber sprinkled with sugar. The crisp, refreshing cucumber, combined with the sweetness of sugar, may not sound like a typical snack, but pregnant women in Greece often crave this cool, crunchy, and sweet combination.

Why it’s bizarre: Cucumbers are typically eaten as a savory vegetable, but when paired with sugar, they take on an entirely different flavor profile. This sweet-and-crisp combo is refreshing and cooling, which may be a reason why it’s so desirable during pregnancy.

8. Fried Plantains with Condensed Milk- West Africa

In many West African countries, a common craving among pregnant women is fried plantains drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. This combination of savory, sweet, and creamy hits all the right notes for those craving something rich and filling. Plantains are often enjoyed in various forms, but the addition of condensed milk creates a decadent treat.

Why it’s bizarre: Plantains are typically savory, and adding condensed milk turns them into a surprisingly sweet dish. The mix of the fried, salty flavor with the sweetness of the milk is a surprising (but delicious) pregnancy craving.

9. Pickled Mango- Thailand

Pickled mango is a famous pregnancy craving in Thailand. The mango is often pickled in brine and served with a combination of sugar, chili powder, and sometimes even fish sauce. This sour, sweet, and spicy snack is not only refreshing but also packed with flavor. Pregnant women often crave the tangy taste of the mango paired with the intense spice.

Why it’s bizarre: Mangoes are commonly enjoyed sweet, but pickling them and adding spices makes them into an unusual flavor combination. The salty, sweet, and sour notes create a balanced and addictive snack for many pregnant women.

10. Spaghetti with Peanut Butter – United States

In the United States, some pregnant women have been known to crave the combination of spaghetti and peanut butter. While it may seem like an odd pairing, the creamy, salty peanut butter mixed with pasta creates a bizarre but satisfying dish. The mix of savory pasta with the richness of peanut butter is an unusual craving that some women can’t resist.

Why it’s bizarre: Peanut butter and spaghetti are usually served separately, with peanut butter reserved for sandwiches or sweets. The idea of combining it with pasta is strange to many, but for some pregnant women, it provides the perfect texture and flavor contrast.

Final Thoughts: Cravings Are as Unique as the Baby

Pregnancy cravings are a funny and fascinating part of the experience. While some cravings might seem bizarre, they are often deeply tied to your body’s changing nutritional needs or hormonal shifts. Whether it’s a strange combination of flavors or a non-food craving, pregnancy cravings are a reminder of the incredible journey your body is going through to support your growing baby.

So, if you find yourself craving something strange, know that you’re not alone! Embrace the weirdness, indulge in your cravings (within reason), and remember that pregnancy is a time of transformation- both inside and out. Just be sure to balance your cravings with healthy choices to keep both you and your baby feeling good!