Loading...
Relationships3 min(s) read
The sex trend known as "sitophilia" is reportedly gaining traction as couples explore new ways to spice things up in the bedroom.
According to Metro, a recent survey conducted by online supermarket Ocado revealed that 34% of respondents were considering incorporating food into their intimate lives this year.
Sitophilia, also known as food play or sploshing, involves integrating food and drinks into sexual activities.
While there are many variations, the most common form of the trend sees couples using non-bodily fluids, such as sauces, creams, or syrups, to create a sensory experience. Psychologist and author Mark Griffiths also noted that food play could also be intense, such as throwing fruits or other items at specific body parts for sexual humiliation.
According to Ocado's survey, some of the most popular food items used in the bedroom are whipped cream (49%), chocolate (36%), and ice cubes (34%). Other items like strawberries (28%) and bananas (27%) also made the list.
Interestingly, the supermarket reported that sales data show a significant rise in the popularity of food items commonly linked to the fetish.
For example, ridge cucumbers, which have a unique texture, saw a 178% increase, while honey and whipped cream saw increases of 509% and 24%, respectively.
Food play is not a new phenomenon. Sexual therapist Courtney Boyer explained that the connection between food and eroticism dates back thousands of years, with ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans intertwining feasting, pleasure, and sexuality.
"Indulgence was sensory and communal. Look at the evidence in art: reclining bodies, grapes, wine, honey. While 'food play' was never a named historical kink, the pairing of taste, touch, and desire demonstrates that humans have long eroticized what nourishes us," she said.
"Taste, smell, texture, anticipation, gratification - it’s primal," she continued. "Feeding and being fed can feel intimate, nurturing, even power-infused depending on the dynamic."
Boyer added: "Throw in taboo (food 'not meant' for sex), messiness, and sensory overload, and it can heighten vulnerability and presence in the body," making it a more stimulating experience for some couples.
Despite its growing popularity, food play is not without its risks.
Sexual health expert Karin O’Sullivan warned that introducing food into the genital area can lead to potential health problems.
She stressed that anything inserted into the vagina must be able to be removed intact, as leaving food behind can lead to infections or require medical intervention.
"It’s a bad idea to put any food, especially sweets, inside your vagina. Your vagina has a natural healthy balance which can be upset by the introduction of foreign objects," she said. "When it comes to food, hygiene can be an issue, with the introduction of new bacteria into your vagina.
"Sugary foods and sweets can upset the PH balance of your vagina, and serve as a food source for bacteria and yeast which can cause infection such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis," she added.
O’Sullivan advised couples to keep food play focused on the vulva area or above the waist to reduce risks.
