PEOPLE who like sweet food tend to be kind and helpful, a study claims.

Researchers believe many learn to be friendly in childhood to get sugary treats.

Data from 1,629 people in four countries — US, Mexico, Germany and China — suggested a pleasant personality was “significantly linked” to a sweet tooth.

Study author Dr Carlota Batres, from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, said it applied across different cultures.

She went on: “People who like sweet foods are more likely to sympathise with others’ feelings, take time out for others, have a soft heart and so on.”

The team say people may form an unconscious link between sweet food and niceness when young.

Both are good for evolution because sugar fuels energy while kindness helps strengthen social bonds.

Breast milk of the “caring mother” is also sweet, they said.

The study could leave a bitter taste for Brits who prefer savoury grub.

YouGov found 63 per cent of people put crisps as their first choice snack.

However, two-thirds scoff sweet treats twice a week or more.     

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