Looking to feast on some comfort food during this blustery winter? Odds are you are reaching for a slice of pizza — and you probably aren't feeling guilty about it.
Some 15 percent of Americans list pizza as their favorite comfort food, nearly double that of any other food choice, according to a study conducted by the Harris Poll, one of the longest running surveys measuring public opinion in the United States.
Harris surveyed 2,252 U.S. adults in December for the study.
Chocolate and ice cream tied for second, each garnering 7 percent, followed by mac & cheese and chips, which earned 5 percent and 4 percent respectively.
Pizza topped the majority of the Harris Poll's demographic categories — gender, location and age — save for one. Only adults aged 70 or older did not choose pizza as their favorite comfort food; instead, ice cream took the top spot.
While these demographics agree on their favorite comfort food, the reason that they indulge is quite different, according to the study.
Some 54 percent of women are more likely to reach for their favorite comfort food when stressed, while the majority of men — 43 percent — indulge after a good day.
In addition, millennials and Gen Xers are more likely to eat comfort food when stressed — 58 percent and 50 percent respectively — while baby boomers consume comfort food after a bad day and those over 70 years old will indulge after a good day.
While a whopping 66 percent of people don't feel guilty about their consumption, 41 percent indicated that they would work out longer or more intensely to justify eating their favorite comfort food.
