Around 40% of women claim that chocolate is the only thing that cheers them up after a bad day at work or after having an argument with their partner, according to research undertaken by Fibre Plus a chocolate cereal brand which is part of Kellogg.
It also found that 30% of women thought about chocolate during the day, compared with 18% who thought about sex. 41% treated themselves to chocolate after eating healthily all day; and 20% ate it after exercising.
"Our research shows women's powerful relationship with chocolate with many admitting they would even choose it over sex," said Sally Tribe from Fibre Plus.
"Women turn to chocolate when they need comfort, a reward and just to cheer themselves up. However, the research also found that women have a love/hate relationship with their favourite treat because they feel guilty about indulging in something that doesn't give them any benefit other than pleasure."
The research was undertaken on behalf of Kellogg by research firm Opinions Matter. It sampled over 3,000 people, including over 2,000 women.