Food addiction has long been regarded with skepticism. However, many psychologists argue that a person can be genuinely addicted to food and suffer the same withdrawal symptoms as a person addicted to drugs or alcohol. A new study provides further evidence for this argument.

Researchers from the University of Michigan and the New York Obesity Research Center looked into which food attributes can produce the addictive responses. They collected data from over 500 participants about which foods gave them the most difficulty. The surveys were based on the Yale Food Addiction Scale, a 25-point questionnaire used to identify people who may be dependent of certain foods and who may be suffering symptoms of addiction.

The top five most addictive foods were found to be ice cream, chips, chocolate, cookies, and pizza. The lease addictive foods are cucumbers, carrots, apples, brown rice, and beans.

It is hardly surprising that the top five most addictive foods are all highly processed and contain a lot of fat and sugar.

“The current study found that highly processed foods, with added amounts of fat and/or refined carbohydrates (e.g., sugar, white flour), were most likely to be associated with behavioral indicators of addictive-like eating,” according to the study’s conclusion.

The researchers believe that the glycemic load (the measurement of how much a food raises a person’s blood sugar) is an important factor for “individuals endorsing symptoms of addictive-like eating behavior.”

A previous study of food addiction by the University of Edinburgh concluded, “the real problem underlying our unhealthy food consumption is the psychological compulsion to eat because of the pleasure and satisfaction we get from food.”

While the latest study does not prove anything conclusive, it does pave the way for further research into the subject of food addiction. Additionally, it may provide small comfort for those of us who cannot resist a certain snack.