diff --git a/mods/PLAYER/mcl_hunger/init.lua b/mods/PLAYER/mcl_hunger/init.lua
index 9f25c5edaf..321139c5f5 100644
--- a/mods/PLAYER/mcl_hunger/init.lua
+++ b/mods/PLAYER/mcl_hunger/init.lua
@@ -11,10 +11,9 @@ Hunger is enabled when damage is enabled.
 If the damage setting is changed within the game, this does NOT
 update the hunger mechanic, so the game must be restarted for this
 to take effect. ]]
-if minetest.settings:get_bool("enable_damage") == true then
+mcl_hunger.active = false
+if minetest.settings:get_bool("enable_damage") == true and minetest.settings:get_bool("mcl_enable_hunger") ~= false then
 	mcl_hunger.active = true
-else
-	mcl_hunger.active = false
 end
 
 mcl_hunger.HUD_TICK = 0.1
diff --git a/settingtypes.txt b/settingtypes.txt
index 4c376d9c72..3c3344258d 100644
--- a/settingtypes.txt
+++ b/settingtypes.txt
@@ -77,6 +77,9 @@ mcl_hand_range (Hand range) float 4.5 1 128
 # Default:10
 mcl_hand_range_creative (Creative mode hand range) float 10 1 128
 
+# If enabled the hunger mechanic will be active
+mcl_enable_hunger (Hunger mechanic) bool true
+
 [Mobs]
 # If enabled, mobs will spawn naturally. This does not affect
 # affect mob spawners.