If you could sum up this year’s elections in one word, chances are you may choose stressful. As Americans anxiously awaited to learn who their next president would be on Tuesday night, food was top of mind. One question, in particular, broke search records: Are there fries near me?
Google Trends data revealed that Americans across the country were searching for several foods and beverages before they sat down to watch elections results. According to a tweet from Google, the top “near me” food searches in the hour before coverage began included “pizza near me,” “Chinese food near me,” “liquor stores near me,” “sushi near me,” and “Mexican food near me.”
Are you thinking about food, this #ElectionDay?
You are not alone. pic.twitter.com/8kVXwVEsA7
— GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) November 3, 2020
Google Trends also added a line chart to the Twitter thread showing that “fries near me” and “liquor store near me” had hit all-time highs in search. (Related: 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.)
“Fries near me” and “liqour store near me” are at all-time highs in searchhttps://t.co/Gx6j7GtCJuhttps://t.co/Lf24eYg6uy pic.twitter.com/mma88WWmCR
— GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) November 4, 2020
People often turn to comfort foods to help them cope during times of stress. A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association and Harris Poll revealed that 68% of American Adults said this U.S. presidential election was a “significant source of stress in their life.” Google Trends also tweeted on Election Day that searches for “anxiety” were currently higher than ever before in U.S. history.
For tips on how to keep both your gut and brain healthy during these trying times, be sure to check out 17 Foods That Make Your Depression and Anxiety Worse.