Brian Nagele
This article takes readers on a delicious tour of the most despised foods in America as it investigates the topic of culinary controversy. From contentious treats to acquired preferences, we delve into the foods that have ignited fervent discussions and split palates all throughout the country. These culinary offenders have earned their status as the rebels of the American taste, whether it’s because of the strong scent of durian, the divisive nature of pickles, or the conflicting feelings people have for cilantro. Come along as we analyze the causes of the conflict, explore the cultural influences, and maybe even put your own tastes to the test. Get ready for a culinary journey that will undoubtedly cause controversy and make you wonder, “Why do some foods hold the title of Most Hated?”
Brussel Sprouts
First on our list of the most hated foods in America is Brussels sprouts. Many people think Brussels sprouts are tough, tasteless, or just plain disgusting, but those people may have just had boiled, plain Brussels sprouts with no seasoning. If you bake or even air fry Brussels sprouts with oil and cheese or wrap them in bacon, they turn into a whole new vegetable! You can grill them with healthy seasonings if you want a lighter snack. Brussels sprouts are making a comeback!
Okra
Okra is a vegetable that people either don’t like or often have never even heard of. Some think the way they get slimy when cooked is a bit distasteful. However, I love okra! It’s so delicious when fried, stewed, or even sauteed. Tasty okra-based dishes include Nigerian okra soup, Filipino sinigang, and Southern American fried okra dipped in ranch.
Onions
Onions have a bad reputation because although people might not like other vegetables, no other vegetable commonly makes them cry! However, if you can withstand cutting them, onions are a key ingredient in many tasty dishes, including stir fry, roasted veggies, onion rings, French onion soup, and more. I think onions are worth the tears if you want to make your dish as flavorful as possible.
Raisins
Raisins are one of those snacks that some people love and others love to hate. I find them quite delicious, especially given their semi-sweet flavor and chewy texture. I do find that they have no place in desserts like cookies and brownies, though. They’re best on their own!
Anchovies
Anchovies are a common ingredient in Italian pasta and pizza topping, but few people can stand them. Personally, I’m not a fan either – I don’t find the saltiness and fishy flavor appealing. However, the folks who love them say that the taste becomes mellow and savory when cooked with other ingredients like garlic.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is one of my favorite cheeses, but many people despise it because of its strong, stinky flavor. However, if you want to give it one more chance, I highly recommend putting some on a burger with caramelized onions, bacon, and arugula – you won’t be disappointed!
Blueberries
Almost everyone can get behind strawberries, but blueberries are a little more polarizing due to their slightly woody and musty flavor. If you can’t handle eating them alone, you may still enjoy them in popular desserts such as blueberry pies, muffins, or scones.
Cilantro
People either love or hate cilantro for its strong flavor and herby aroma. It’s not surprising that it’s so polarizing since it can be overpowering when used in large quantities. I happen to love it, especially in Mexican and Asian dishes such as burritos, tacos, and stir-fries. Just don’t add too much!
Cooked Carrots
Some people can’t stand cooked carrots because of the strange, soggy texture they form when overcooked. But that’s the key; don’t overcook them! When lightly cooked, they still have a slight crunch and make a great addition to soups, salads, and roasted vegetable mixes with lightly added salt. They’re also delicious when baked into a carrot cake.
Eggs
It’s likely that if someone is a fan of one version of eggs, they might not be a fan of another. People have a strong affinity for how they like their eggs done, and no other way is acceptable. Personally, I like eggs in all forms – scrambled with other ingredients, over easy and runny, poached over toast, and even in my cocktails!
Gelatin
Gelatin can be a bit of an acquired taste, as some people find its rubbery texture unsettling. But if you don’t mind giving it a try, gelatin can be surprisingly delicious in desserts like panna cotta and jello. It’s also often used as a thickening agent in other dishes, such as soups and stews.
Lima Beans
Lima beans are one of those vegetables that some people never want to try because of their appearance or because they simply can’t stand the taste. However, lima beans can be wonderful when cooked correctly – steam them lightly and mix in some butter and salt to bring out their sweet, nutty flavor.
Liver
Just hearing the word “liver” can make some people squirm, but it’s a very healthy food. Liver is full of nutrients like iron, copper, and zinc; people often eat it fried, grilled, or even in pate. Personally, I like it when combined with onions and mushrooms – the flavors come alive!
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of my favorite condiments of all time due to its sweet caramel flavor that pairs well with fresh buttermilk pancakes. However, I can understand why some people have a distaste for the thick, sticky texture or find it too sweet for a morning meal.
Mayonnaise
Some may argue that mayonnaise is the most hated food in America because of its oddly thick texture and sour taste. But if you just put a little squirt of it on a turkey or ham sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread, it’s such a treat. I also think it works well with spicy brown mustard, which wipes away the sourness. It’s one of my favorite sandwich spreads when used in moderation!
Mushrooms
The earthy flavor of mushrooms has an acquired taste, but they can make for a great accompaniment to all kinds of meals, including pasta, pizza, and soup. I actually love the flavor, but I hate the squishy consistency, so I don’t mind when it’s finely chopped before being thrown into the dish.
Olives
If you have a pizza party, half of the room will likely be dying to put olives on the pizza, while the other half will beg you not to order them. They have a distinct, strong, salty taste that demands attention, and in addition to pizza, I find that olives go well in Italian pasta, Greek salads, or all by themselves.
Oysters
Oysters are another one of those ingredients that people either love or hate. Oysters are not for everyone due to their slimy texture, but I can personally vouch for their deliciousness, especially when cooked with ingredients like lemon, wine vinegar, or cheese.
Pea Soup
Pea soup is delicious to some people, but it’s way too mushy for others. I love a good pea soup, but I know it can be quite bland if not spiced up. Adding some herbs and spices makes it a tastier dish – I recommend adding garlic, thyme, and pepper for an extra kick!
Peas
In addition to pea soup, peas are strange in some people’s eyes because of their mushy texture. If you can get past the texture, peas are quite sweet and have a delicate flavor that is often lost when overcooked.
Sour Cream
Sour cream can be delicious in burritos, tacos, and casseroles, but it’s not for everyone. The tartness of sour cream is an acquired taste; however, a dollop of it can really take your dish to the next level. Adding in some salt and pepper will also give it a more balanced flavor.
Tuna Fish
Tuna fish, especially the canned variety, has a strong, salty flavor that some people hate. For me, it’s one of my favorite ingredients in sandwiches because of its rich and meaty texture. Adding some onion, celery, or pickles gives tuna a more interesting flavor and makes it easier to eat.
Broccoli
Broccoli is similar to Brussels sprouts in that some people hate its earthy flavor while others can’t get enough of the green veggie. I think that broccoli has a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with so many meals. It’s especially tasty in salty, highly flavorful dishes like mac and cheese, casserole, and soups.
Candy Corn
Candy corn is a classic Halloween treat that some people can’t get enough of, while others refuse to eat it. I appreciate the fun, festive color, but I do think it can get a bit chalky in your mouth if you eat too many. Moderation is key for enjoying candy corn.
Sardines
Sardines are fish that many people find incredibly stinky and off-putting. I grew up eating sardines straight out of the can, and I enjoy their salty, slightly fishy flavor.
Tripe
Last on our list of the most hated foods in America is tripe. Tripe is a cow’s stomach, and it’s another ingredient that a lot of people don’t love due to its rubbery texture. Tripe can be a bit bland on its own, but it’s delicious when cooked in a stew or soup with lots of flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, and herbs.