Lots of us need cheering up right now.

And for many, food can be an instant mood booster.

In fact, 34% of people say they ‘often’ rely on different foods to improve their mood, according to new research.

A new study has delved into this and has identified the foods we turn to when we are looking for an instant pick-me-up.

Looking at the eating habits of 2,000 adults, research found that coffee, dark chocolate and grapes are the top foods that make us feel happy. Other foods on the feed-good list include eggs, berries and oranges.

What’s more, results show that it takes just 16 minutes after eating for these items to have a noticeable effect on mood.

However, the study also highlighted the foods which make us feel low and it’s bad news for those who love doughnuts, fizzy drinks and burgers. According to research, these can make your happiness levels plummet, alongside cake, white bread and sweets.

Hayley Murgett, brand controller at Kallo – the brand behind the study – said: ‘Unsurprisingly, foods that were high in salt or fat like burgers, pizza and chips came out highly on the list of foods adults think make them feel worse.

‘Whereas fresher foods like fruits, nuts or simple unprocessed snacks with simple ingredients were likely to leave them [participants] feeling better for eating them.’

Interestingly, some adults pointed out there are also deceptive foods – ones that make you feel good while you’re eating them, but make you feel bad shortly afterwards.

It also looks like variety could be the key to mood regulation, as 51% of participants believed that eating a mixture of different coloured foods can positively impact their overall frame of mind.

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