A study of 10,000 people has shown that food really can recreate the emotional characteristics of its place of origin – and Cornwall has the competition licked.

Food psychologist Greg Tucker explored how the type of ice cream, its taste profile and origin all come together to create different subliminal reactions in the brain.

The study, commissioned by Kelly's of Cornwall Ice Cream, shows that ice cream made in Cornwall creates very different emotional triggers to those from other parts of the world.

According to the findings, American ice cream brings associations of busyness and frenetic activity, and Italian ice cream evokes a sense of liveliness and sophistication.

But for those looking for escapism and a stress-free state of mind, a scoop of creamy Cornish ice cream should do the trick.

Charlotte Hambling, from Kelly's of Cornwall, said: "We want to truly understand what happens to people emotionally when they eat ice cream – and the results are fascinating.

"We're calling it The Three Ts: taste, trigger and touch. The taste of the ice cream triggers an emotional response in the brain that is then connected with how the brand touches you personally."

Greg Tucker, who carried out the research, specialises in behaviour management and consumer psychology. He analysed information from more than 10,000 adults last month.