24 Most Reviled Dishes in the US
In a country known for a diverse culinary world, some of the population feel disgusted or repulsed by certain foods.
Whether it’s from their pungent aroma or unpleasant texture, these foods are universally avoided by many Americans. Despite their nutritional benefits these foods have earned a place on the most-hated list.
Here, we explore the most hated food that Americans love to loathe.
Anchovies
Anchovies are tiny fish often found on pizza or in Caesar salads, but they are widely disliked for their intense, salty flavor. Many people find their strong, fishy taste overwhelming, and the sight of them can be off-putting due to their small, oily appearance. Despite their unpopularity, anchovies are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and provide a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Liver
Liver is a polarizing food that many Americans avoid due to its strong, metallic taste and dense texture. Though it’s packed with nutrients like iron and vitamin A, the flavor and consistency can be off-putting for those not accustomed to it. Often served as liver and onions or in pâté, it remains one of the most divisive foods in the American diet.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have a reputation as one of the most hated vegetables, particularly among children. Their bitter taste and sulfuric smell, especially when overcooked, make them unappealing to many. However, when prepared properly—roasted with olive oil and spices—they can be surprisingly delicious and nutritious, offering high levels of vitamin C and fiber.
Black Licorice
Black licorice is a candy that people either love or despise, with little middle ground. Its unique, slightly bitter flavor comes from anise, which can be an acquired taste that many never grow to enjoy. Despite its unpopularity, black licorice has a long history and is still enjoyed in various cultures around the world, particularly in Europe.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is often disliked for its lumpy texture and bland flavor. While it’s a high-protein, low-fat food that many health-conscious individuals incorporate into their diets, the appearance and mouthfeel can be off-putting for others. Its distinct curds and mild taste make it a challenging food for those who prefer smoother, more flavorful options.
Tofu
Tofu is a divisive food, often rejected due to its bland taste and spongy texture. While it’s a versatile source of protein in vegetarian and vegan diets, many people struggle to appreciate its flavorless base, which requires seasoning or marinating to become palatable. Despite this, tofu remains a staple in Asian cuisine and is valued for its nutritional benefits.
Olives
Olives are frequently disliked for their strong, briny flavor and slightly bitter aftertaste. These small, oily fruits are a common ingredient in Mediterranean dishes, but their pungent taste can be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with them. However, olives are filled with healthy fats and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to the diet for those who enjoy them.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a condiment that sparks strong reactions, with many people finding its creamy texture and tangy taste unappealing. Made from eggs, oil, vinegar, or lemon juice, mayonnaise is a common ingredient in sandwiches and salads, but its thick consistency can be off-putting for some. Despite its widespread use, mayo often tops the list of most hated condiments in America.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb that divides opinions, with a significant portion of the population finding it tastes like soap. This aversion is due to a genetic variation that causes some people to perceive the flavor of cilantro differently. While it’s a staple in many cuisines, including Mexican and Indian, those who dislike it often find even small amounts overpowering.
Beets
Beets are often disliked for their earthy flavor, which some describe as tasting like dirt. Despite their vibrant color and nutritional benefits, including high levels of folate and fiber, beets’ distinctive taste can be a major turnoff. Even when roasted or pickled, they remain one of the least popular vegetables in the American diet.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another polarizing food, with many people avoiding them due to their chewy texture and earthy flavor. While they are versatile ingredients in many dishes, from soups to stir-fries, their spongy consistency can be unappealing to those with texture sensitivities.
However, mushrooms are packed with nutrients like vitamin D and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to meals for those who enjoy them.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is known for its strong, pungent smell and bold flavor, which can be too intense for many people. The presence of mold in blue cheese gives it a distinct taste that is either loved or loathed, with little in between. While it’s a popular addition to salads and dressings, its sharp flavor makes it one of the most controversial cheeses.
Sardines
Sardines are small, oily fish that are often met with disgust due to their strong fishy taste and the fact that they are typically eaten whole. Packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, sardines are a healthy food choice, but their flavor and appearance can be off-putting. Despite their health benefits, they remain one of the least-liked seafood options.
Eggplant
Eggplant, with its spongy texture and slightly bitter taste, is a vegetable that many people avoid. While it can absorb flavors well in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush, its unique texture can be unappealing. Even though eggplant is a versatile ingredient, its polarizing qualities make it a commonly disliked food.
Okra
Okra is often disliked for its slimy texture, which can be particularly off-putting when it’s cooked. Despite being a staple in Southern cooking, especially in dishes like gumbo, many people find it unappetizing. However, okra is full of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for those who can get past the texture.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its intense, pungent flavor that can clear your sinuses in an instant. Often used in sauces and as a condiment, its strong, spicy taste is too overwhelming for many people. While it adds a unique kick to dishes, horseradish’s aggressive flavor makes it a love-it-or-hate-it food.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a fruit that many people avoid due to its bitter and sour taste. Despite being full of vitamin C and other nutrients, the flavor of grapefruit is often too intense, especially when compared to sweeter citrus fruits like oranges. Even when sweetened, grapefruit remains a divisive fruit in the American diet.
Celery
Celery is frequently disliked for its bland taste and fibrous texture. While it’s a low-calorie snack that’s often praised for its health benefits, including its high water content and fiber, many people find it unappealing. Even as a vehicle for dips or peanut butter, celery’s stringy consistency can be a dealbreaker.
Spam
Spam, the canned meat product, has a reputation for being overly processed and salty, leading to widespread aversion. While it’s a popular ingredient in some cultures, particularly in Hawaii and parts of Asia, many Americans find it unappetizing due to its texture and taste. Despite its long shelf life and convenience, Spam often tops the list of most hated meats.
Pickles
Pickles, with their sour, vinegary taste, are a polarizing food that many people avoid. While they add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor to sandwiches, their strong brine flavor can be overwhelming. Despite their popularity in certain dishes, pickles remain a divisive food in America.
Oysters
Oysters are a seafood delicacy that many people find repulsive due to their slimy texture and briny taste. Often eaten raw, oysters are either loved for their fresh, oceanic flavor or hated for their slippery consistency. Despite being a source of important nutrients like zinc, oysters remain one of the most controversial shellfish.
Lima Beans
Lima beans are often avoided due to their mealy texture and bland flavor. While they are a good source of protein and fiber, many people find their taste unappealing, particularly when overcooked. Despite their nutritional benefits, lima beans are frequently listed among the most disliked vegetables.
Caviar
Caviar, often considered a luxury food, is disliked by many due to its fishy taste and slippery texture. Made from the roe of sturgeon fish, caviar is an acquired taste that doesn’t appeal to everyone. Despite its association with fine dining, caviar remains one of the least popular gourmet foods among Americans.
Joe Frankel
Joe Frankel is a seasoned writer with a degree in Philosophy who enjoys covering entertainment and money topics. He's a coffee aficionado who enjoys roasting his own beans and making cold brew at home.