The Best Hangover Foods Around the World, According to Lifesum
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Editorial Dept.
Following a night of drinking, what you eat can have a big impact on how fast you recover. Lifesum, the health and nutrition app, has ranked hangover meals from around the globe on its Hangover Nutrition Index. The conclusion seems to be that the lighter, more hydrating foods are better hangover-curing options than heavy comfort food dishes.
A press release from Lifesum revealed that the Hangover Nutrition Index is actually a ranking of the countries by the nutritional quality of their go-to hangover foods.
The UK and US come in last with heavy, low-fibre meals that slow recovery, while Japan tops the list with hydrating, nutrient-dense options like miso soup that help you feel better faster.
Hangover foods are driven by how our bodies crave relief. In the UK and US, many reach for greasy fry-ups because high-fat, high-calorie meals trigger feel-good signals in the brain and give a temporary energy lift. While comforting, these heavy, low-fibre dishes can worsen dehydration and digestive strain. In contrast, countries like Japan and Korea favour hydrating, nutrient-rich soups and broths that restore electrolytes, support gut health and help the body recover faster – showing that what works for short-term comfort doesn’t always equal faster recovery.
Top 10 Hangover Nutritional Index
|
Country |
Hangover meal |
Calories (Avg) |
Nutritional Index |
|
Japan |
Miso soup with rice, pickles |
220 |
High electrolytes, fermented foods, fibre, low fat |
|
Korea |
Vegetable soup with rice, kimchi |
300 |
Minerals, vitamins, gut-friendly probiotics |
|
Sweden |
Light vegetable & fish soup |
350 |
Lean protein, hydration, balanced macros |
|
Czech Republic |
Congee-style rice porridge |
280 |
Hydrating, high micronutrients, gentle on digestion |
|
Norway |
Fish soup with root vegetables |
400 |
Lean protein, steady energy, minerals |
|
Finland |
Light broth with whole grains |
300 |
Fibre, vitamins, electrolyte-rich |
|
Italy |
Vegetable soup with lean meats |
400 |
Vitamins, antioxidants, low saturated fat |
|
Portugal |
Seafood stew with vegetables |
450 |
Lean protein, minerals, hydration support |
|
United States |
Greasy fry-up |
1,100 |
High fat, low fibre, increases fatigue |
|
United Kingdom |
Full English breakfast |
1,000 |
High saturated fat, low fibre, low micronutrients |
Cultural & Nutritional Insights
- Japan (1st) – Miso soup with rice delivers electrolytes, fermented probiotics, fibre and high-quality protein.
- United States (9th) – Greasy fry-ups are high in saturated fat and low in fibre, increasing digestive strain.
- United Kingdom (10th) – Full English breakfast is high in fat and sodium, low in micronutrients and one of the least recovery-friendly meals.
Hangover Recovery Tips
- Start with hydrating foods like soups, broths and fruit.
- Combine lean protein with vegetables to support metabolic recovery.
- Add fermented foods (e.g., kimchi, miso) for gut health.
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