In general, hunger builds gradually, while cravings come on suddenly. And while hunger is more open-minded, cravings tend to target one food specifically.
Sometimes hunger is described as physical and a craving as emotional, but Millner doesn’t believe that emotional hunger is any less legitimate.
A craving for chocolate, for example, may be a sign that you’re feeling lonely or bored and your body knows the comforting hit of dopamine it provides will give you a lift.
“Many of us have connections with certain foods to childhood or memories,” she says. “Sometimes we might crave certain foods based on that.”