By Aryssa Marzuki

For many Malaysian students studying in Australia, life can be a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, part-time jobs, and homesickness. Between deadlines at university and navigating a new culture, stress becomes an uninvited companion. In the midst of this academic and emotional load, something as simple as a scoop of gelato on a sunny afternoon or a shared slice of cake with friends can feel comforting. But is that fleeting pleasure just indulgence or does it serve a deeper purpose? And if so, how can we enjoy it while taking care of our health and well-being?

Many of us reach for sweets when we’re stressed because the brain responds to sugar with quick feelings of pleasure. Sugar activates the brain’s reward pathways, increasing the release of dopamine and other “feel-good” chemicals that can temporarily uplift mood and ease tension. This neurochemical response is part of why desserts are often tied to celebrations, comfort, and relief after a hard day. In fact, dessert can act as a psychological reward, as planning a sweet treat or sharing it with friends can reduce stress and boost happiness hormones such as serotonin, especially when not eaten with guilt (Rosenberg, 2024).

For students far from home, these emotional comforts can be especially valuable. Food is not just nutrition; it is culture, identity, and memory— found in sweets like cendol, kuih, or even Milo-based desserts that can evoke familiarity and connection with our Malaysian heritage.. Sharing these treats with fellow Malaysians can create community, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide moments of joy amid academic pressures.

Yet this connection between sugar and emotion is a double-edged sword. While sweets can bring pleasure in the moment, excessive sugar intake is linked with long-term negative effects on mental health. Higher dietary sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms over time, even when accounting for other factors like stress (Knüppel et al., 2017). Frequent high-sugar food consumption may also have harmful effects on the academic performance of students, possibly due to pathways encompassing cognitive damage, diet-induced imbalance, and reduced physical activity (Nawajah, 2025).

This doesn’t mean sugar is inherently “bad.” Rather, it highlights why moderation is crucial. Enjoying a small dessert after a heavy week, celebrating a good grade with friends, or savouring a sweet drink isn’t likely to harm your health and can even offer psychological relief when incorporated mindfully. The key is context and balance, by finding ways to incorporate sweet treats as part of a broader, healthy lifestyle rather than a primary coping mechanism. This could mean pairing sweets with nutrient-dense foods like fruit or nuts to slow sugar absorption, or combining dessert outings with walks in a park or by the beach.

It is important that we are aware of the effects of sugar on our bodies beyond emotions. While real sugar does activate the brain’s reward systems, over-reliance on sugary foods may lead to cognitive and mood disruptions over time, partly because of how sugar alters hormones and inflammation pathways in the body (Xiong et al., 2024). Acknowledging these effects enables us to enjoy treats while being mindful of overconsumption, and to seek other stress-management tools that support long-term mental health.

Most importantly, cultivating a healthy relationship with food is beneficial for our mental and physical health. Allowing yourself to enjoy the foods you love without guilt can improve your overall relationship with eating as well as reduce restrictions that could lead to stress around food or overeating (Ldn, 2025).

So what does moderation mean in practice for us students?

• Planning your treats: Treat yourself after a productive study session or a completed assignment rather than eating sweets impulsively.
• Share the experience: We can treat desserts as a social glue, building community by sharing them with friends.
• Incorporate healthier options: Combine sweets with antioxidants or fibre by choosing desserts with dark chocolate, berries, or nuts, which provide nutrients that support brain health.
• Diversify stress relief: Pair dessert with healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and mindfulness so sugar isn’t your only coping tool.

To wrap it up, here are some dessert spot recommendations to keep in mind after a stressful day!

Melbourne:

Adozen adozen

Recommended menu: Vanilla Brulee Souffle Pancakes

This cozy cafe holds many dear memories for me, comforting me through tough days and also being my go to celebration spot with the most delicious and fluffy souffle pancakes I’ve ever had! Their drink selection and basque cheesecakes are no joke either. The menu is also super convenient for Muslims as it specifies which items are halal!

Yo-Chi!

Yo-Chi may just be the go-to spot of almost every student in Australia. This self-serve frozen yogurt spot provides a variety of options in flavours and toppings, allowing us to customise to our preferences. Yo-Chi provides an easy spot for hangouts and group discussions when we’re all craving a sweet treat.

Sydney:

Gelato messina

Recommended flavour: Salted Caramel

Gelato Messina is a Sydney classic for a reason. Whether it’s after a long day of classes or as a reward after submitting an assignment, Messina’s rich and creamy gelato never disappoints. The Salted Caramel strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, making it a crowd favourite that’s comforting without being overwhelming. With its casual vibe and late-night hours, it’s an easy stop for students looking to unwind with friends.

Kuki

Kuki is the perfect place for students who believe that cookies should always be warm and indulgent. Their cookies paired with ice cream feel like a hug after a tough day. It’s simple, comforting, and ideal for when you want something sweet without overthinking it. Plus, sharing cookies with friends makes it even better as dessert is always more enjoyable together.

Brisbane:

Brooki

Recommended menu: Salted Caramel Cupcake

Brooki is a must-visit for any student with a serious sweet tooth. Known for their soft, gooey cookies and rich brownies, this spot is great for takeaway treats. There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying a dense chocolate brownie after a long study session, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. Brooki feels like the kind of place you go when you just need an indulgent, sugary treat.

Perth:

Chu Bakery

Chu Bakery has become a favourite for its beautifully crafted pastries and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to sit down, unwind, and enjoy something sweet after a hectic week. Their pastries feel indulgent yet light, making it perfect for a mindful dessert break. Whether you’re studying nearby or catching up with friends, Chu Bakery offers a calm space to slow down and enjoy the moment.

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​References

Knüppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 6287. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7

Ldn, I. V. R. (2025, November 4). What happens to your body when you eat dessert every day. EatingWell. https://www.eatingwell.com/benefits-of-dessert-every-day-11842293?

Nawajah, I. (2025). The statistical relationship between sweet consumption and academic achievement among Palestinian university students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Research Notes, 18(1), 349. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-025-07425-7

Rosenberg, D. (2024, February 6). The benefits of eating dessert (Yes, we said benefits). Jupiter Concierge Family Practice. https://www.jupiterfamilypractice.com/benefits-of-dessert/

Xiong, J., Wang, L., Huang, H., Xiong, S., Zhang, S., Fu, Q., Tang, R., & Zhang, Q. (2024). Association of sugar consumption with risk of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1472612. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1472612

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