Food cravings are a result of frequent intake of hyper-palatable foods that are often high in energy (HED foods), easily digested by the body, and stimulate the release of metabolic, stress, and appetite hormones. Recent studies show that there are possible changes in the dietary behavior and food cravings of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined food craving strength, control, and the response of target respondents through assessing socio-demographic characteristics, food intake, and susceptibility to consume high
energy dense (HED) foods and their relationship. Factors contributing to changes in the strength of cravings for HED foods, and strategies to curb them were also determined. An online survey was administered to UPLB BS Nutrition students enrolled during the second semester of Academic Year 2021-2022 and utilized a total sample size of 120 students. Using paired t-test, the intake of food was compared before and during the pandemic. Results of the test showed decrease in intake of savory snacks (p-value = 0.000), sweet snacks (p-value = 0.000) and drinks (p-value = 0.004) during the pandemic. The association among demographic variables, dietary intake, eating behavior, and cravings before and during the pandemic were also assessed. It was observed that there was a change in eating behavior in relation to the no. of household members during the pandemic (p = 0.820) while the association between cravings to demographic variables: 1) no. of household members; and 2) head of household also observed a change during the pandemic (p = 0.026; p = 0.013 respectively). There was also a moderate strength of association between eating behavior and cravings (r = 0.532; p = 0.000) during the pandemic. Moreover, it was observed that the respondents’ cravings for HED foods especially sweetened beverages (p = 0.025) and fats (p = 0.033) increased during the pandemic. Therefore, it was observed that there was a decreased intake of savory snacks, sweet snacks, and drinks, attributed to changes in eating behavior, and strength of cravings as a result of decreased accessibility, decreased household income, and increased levels of anxiety thus, increasing further cravings for HED foods especially sweetened beverages and fats during the pandemic.