Are You Scared of Food?

Eating Disorder Support

Understanding Food Phobias and How They Are Supported

Fear around food is more common than many people realise. For some, this fear is specific to certain foods. For others, it is linked to eating situations, textures, or the act of eating itself.

This article explains what food phobias are, how they differ from eating disorders such as ARFID, and what approaches are commonly used to reduce fear and distress.

When food becomes associated with fear

Most people experience anxiety around food at some point, particularly after illness or a negative experience. A food phobia develops when fear becomes persistent, intense, and avoidant, even when there is no ongoing danger.

This fear can feel automatic and overwhelming, rather than logical or chosen.

What is a food phobia?

A food phobia is a type of anxiety response where certain foods or eating situations trigger a strong fear reaction. The fear may relate to:

• Choking or vomiting

• Illness or contamination

• Texture, smell, or appearance

• Eating in front of others

  
  

The reaction can range from discomfort to panic and may lead to avoidance of specific foods or meals altogether.

Food phobias and eating disorders: what is the difference?

Food phobias and eating disorders can look similar on the surface, but the underlying drivers are different.

Food phobias

• Driven primarily by fear or anxiety

• Not motivated by body image or weight concerns

• Often linked to specific triggers or past experiences

  
  

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

• Restriction may be driven by fear, sensory sensitivities, or lack of interest in eating

• Can include phobic elements (such as fear of choking)

• Is a recognised eating disorder diagnosis

  
  

Other eating disorders

• Often involve concerns about weight, shape, or control

• Fear is usually linked to body change rather than the food itself

  
  

A careful assessment helps clarify what is driving avoidance and what support is most appropriate.

How food phobias can develop

Food-related fear often develops through understandable processes.

Past experiences

A choking incident, vomiting episode, food poisoning, or allergic reaction can create a strong association between food and danger.

Anxiety and threat sensitivity

People with anxiety disorders may be more prone to developing specific fears, including around eating.

Sensory sensitivities

For some individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent, certain textures or smells can feel overwhelming or distressing, increasing avoidance.

Learned responses

Fear can sometimes develop through observing others’ anxiety around food, particularly in childhood.

Signs that fear around food may be a problem

It may be helpful to seek support if fear around food is:

• Persistent rather than situational

• Leading to avoidance of multiple foods or meals

• Affecting nutrition or energy levels

• Limiting social or daily activities

• Causing distress or anticipatory anxiety

  
  

You do not need to “push through” fear alone.

How food phobias are supported

Support focuses on reducing fear responses safely and gradually, rather than forcing exposure.

Psychological therapy

Therapy helps individuals understand fear patterns and develop ways to respond differently to anxiety. This often involves learning how fear works in the body and mind.

Gradual exposure

Exposure is introduced slowly and collaboratively, at a pace that feels manageable. The aim is to build confidence, not overwhelm.

Anxiety management strategies

Techniques such as grounding, breathing, and relaxation can help reduce physiological fear responses around food.

Dietetic support

Dietetic input helps ensure nutritional needs are met while fear is being addressed, reducing health risks during the process.

Why professional support matters

Left unsupported, food phobias can become more restrictive over time and may overlap with eating disorder presentations. Early assessment helps:

• Clarify the nature of the difficulty

• Reduce unnecessary fear and avoidance

• Prevent nutritional or social consequences

  
  

Support is most effective when it is tailored to the individual.

How we can help

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we offer assessment-led support for food-related fears, including food phobias and ARFID. Our approach is calm, collaborative, and sensitive to anxiety and sensory needs.

We focus on understanding what is driving fear and supporting gradual, sustainable change.

A gentle next step

If fear around food is affecting you or someone you care for, you are welcome to book a free initial call to talk things through.

You can also review our website to understand how assessment and support work before making any decisions.

Author: Stefanos Pagonidis – Clinical Director, Lead Dietitian at the Eating Disorders Clinic

References:

• Wolitzky-Taylor, K. B., Horowitz, J. D., Powers, M. B., & Telch, M. J. (2008). Psychological approaches in the treatment of specific phobias: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(6), 1021-1037

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.v

• National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Phobias – Treatment. Available at: NHS Website