Valentine’s Day is celebrated in numerous countries worldwide as a day dedicated to love and connection. Apart from traditional gifts and gestures, food plays a significant role in how people come together to enjoy this special day. From delectable chocolate treats to extravagant meals, different regions of the world have their own unique ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day through culinary delights. This article delves into the food trends observed in MyFitnessPal’s food log data, showcasing how individuals from diverse cultures express love through food.
**Data Collection Methods**
The Business Intelligence team at MyFitnessPal analyzed food entries from January 2020 until the present day, focusing on countries where February 14 is widely celebrated. By comparing food logs on Valentine’s Day to regular daily entries, they were able to highlight the foods that experience the most significant spikes during Valentine’s festivities. Based on this data, here are some noteworthy Valentine’s Day food trends from different countries.
**Culinary Delights by Country**
**United States: Indulgent Delicacies**
Unsurprisingly, Valentine’s Day food logs in the U.S. emphasized indulgence. Chocolate-covered strawberries took center stage, witnessing an impressive 4,612% spike on February 14, making them a staple in American Valentine’s celebrations. Peanut butter hearts and brownie batter donuts followed suit, each experiencing a 2,400% increase in food logs. In addition to sweets, lavish meals were also prominent, with lobster tail dishes seeing a surge of over 1,000% on Valentine’s Day compared to other days. This luxurious shellfish is considered a delicacy, highlighting Americans’ penchant for treating their loved ones on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
**Canada: Heartfelt Celebrations**
In Canada, Valentine’s Day trends echoed those of its neighboring U.S. Chocolate-covered strawberries led the entries with a 3,418% increase on the romantic day. Many Canadians also indulged in heart-shaped sweets, a timeless symbol of love and romance. Among the most logged Valentine’s Day treats in the country were chocolate hearts (+3,250%), cinnamon heart candies (+1,500%), and heart-shaped sugar cookies (+1,200%). Lobster tails were also a popular choice, with logs for this seafood increasing over 1,000%, showcasing Canadians’ shared love for an upscale Valentine’s dinner.
**United Kingdom: Gourmet Delights and Inspired Choices**
Across the pond, the U.K. embraced the Valentine’s Day tradition of chocolate-covered strawberries, registering a 3,133% increase in logs. Brits also displayed their affection for savory indulgences, with potato Dauphinoise logging a 2,675% increase on Valentine’s Day. Paired with Beef Wellington, the top main dish, which experienced a 1,940% surge in food logs, this rich, high-quality beef dish is often reserved for special occasions. Clearly, indulging in
The desserts that stole the spotlight on Valentine’s Day in the U.K. were the crème brûlée and the tarte au citron, a zesty lemon tart. These well-loved French and Italian treats reflect the diverse European influences on the holiday celebrations in the country.
In Ireland, Valentine’s Day indulgences took a unique turn by combining classic romantic favorites with health-conscious alternatives. A standout dish was a sweet carrot side, which saw a remarkable 2,550% surge in popularity on February 14. Chocolate-covered treats, such as strawberries, experienced a significant increase in food logs. Additionally, protein-packed snacks like salted caramel protein yogurt and high-protein chocolate pudding gained traction, indicating a shift towards healthier indulgences.
Down under in Australia, modern twists on traditional favorites were observed during Valentine’s Day. Hot cross buns, a U.K. delicacy, were given an Australian flair by filling them with Biscoff spread. This contemporary adaptation saw a notable 1133% rise in food logs. Chocolate-covered strawberries also remained a popular choice for romantic celebrations in Australia.
In South Africa, marshmallow treats took center stage on Valentine’s Day, with marshmallow pies recording a substantial 1,586% increase in popularity. Other favorites included mallow-filled chocolate hearts and iconic “pies” made of wafer, marshmallow, and chocolate. The country also embraced classic Valentine’s Day treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries and red velvet cupcakes.
Italy celebrated Valentine’s Day with rich chocolates and carnival-inspired deep-fried delights. The beloved mugcake saw an impressive 4,200% surge in food logs on this day, while deep-fried treats like chiacchiere, castagnole, and frappe di Carnevale were among the most sought-after indulgences. Classic Italian favorites like sanguinaccio and Baci Perugina Fondentissimo also saw significant increases in popularity on Valentine’s Day.
Other notable countries also had their unique indulgences on Valentine’s Day, including Algeria’s chocolate crème brûlée and American Samoa’s iced apple cake.
Argentina: Red velvet cake (1167%)
Austria: Fine hearts (1,833%), I love Milka pralines (1,400%), Macarons (1,300%), I love Milka pralines strawberry cream (1,200%)
Bulgaria: Fine heart chocolate (3,450%), Herb-cooked ham (2,050%), Ferrero Rocher balls (1,667%), Scitec chocolate peanut (1,500%)
Denmark: Fastelavn bun (pastry cream filled with cardamom) (2,350%), Praline nougat hearts (1,443%)
Indonesia: Light cheesecake (1,250%)
Malaysia: German cookies (1,050%), Luxury chocolate cake (1,050%)
Netherlands: Hazelnut creme pralines (1,600%), Nonnevot (doughnut in the shape of a bow) (950%)
New Zealand: Raffaello (coconut-almond truffle) (925%), Chocolate cross bun block (900%), Caramel squares (880%)
Norway: Shrovetide bun (jam-filled bun with whipped cream) (6,867%), Semla (Swedish cream bun) (4,900%), Rum cake (1,657%), Whipped cream (1,191%), Menuett marzipan cake (1,150%)
Pakistan: Chocolate-covered sweets (4,900%)
Peru: Chardonnay wine (2,750%), Marshmallow (2,750%)
Philippines: Toblerone (chocolate) (1,750%)
Poland: Lindor truffle box or bag (4,900%), Wild boar (3,773%), Belgian chocolate sea shells (2,350%), Salted caramel cake (1,540%)
Portugal: Malassadas (Portuguese doughnuts) (1,414%), I love Milka pralines (1,150%), Dark chocolate rings (1,150%)
Spain: Cod (3,600%), White chocolate wafer bar (Bueno White) (3,100%), Carnival ears (fried pastries) (1,600%)
Sweden: Golden jelly hearts (10,150%), Lindor irresistibly smooth milk (7,750%), Red jelly hearts (7,600%), Noblesse hearts (4,050%)
Switzerland: Pisco sour (2,233%), Chocolate heart (1,950%), Lindor milk balls (1,150%)
Thailand: Mint chocolate (2,550%)
Turkey: Chocolate-covered strawberries (3,750%), Chocolate pretzels (1,250%), Chocolate chip mini-cookies (1,250%)
Food: A Universal Language of Love
Chocolate-covered strawberries and luxurious dinners may be popular worldwide, but Valentine’s Day food traditions are as diverse as the cultures that celebrate them.
From Canada’s heart-shaped confections to Italy’s deep-fried desserts or the U.K.’s
