19 Foods That Are Either Totally Loved or Completely Hated
Is there a specific food you won’t eat, even if it were the last food left on earth? It might sound dramatic, but wait until you see some foods that people either totally love or completely hate.
Everyone has their own palates, shaped by what you’ve eaten, what’s normal to eat around you, and what you regularly eat. You may not like certain foods simply because you haven’t had access to them. That’s why I say I’ll try any food once. It’s how I got to know the best food of my life and also how I’ve eaten some pretty terrible things.
To give you some examples, we’ve listed several food options that you can either love or really hate. Here are the foods that are quite controversial for some people.
1. Pineapple Pizza
Does pineapple deserve the hate it gets from “authentic” pizza lovers who can’t believe the fruit is now considered a topping? If you’re one of the haters, blame it on Sam Panopoulos, the Greek immigrant in Canada who introduced the fruit as a topping in his restaurant.
Pineapple is a sweet and tart fruit that’s refreshing to eat. However, when it’s placed on a pizza, it suddenly splits the world into two sides. Some believe the fruit adds sweetness to the snack, while others say it’s a texture issue. I hope I don’t offend anyone by sharing, but I can certainly enjoy the occasional pineapple on my pizza.
2. Durian
Durian is a tropical fruit that grows in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. While incredibly nutritious, it has this strong smell that will make you want to reconsider eating it.
I traveled through Southeast Asia last year, and the Durian craze is real. It is forbidden to take Durian up to your room in many hotels, you can’t travel with it on public transport, and so on. As I said, I’ll try anything once, so I’ve tried durian and let’s just say it’s not something I will ever again eat in my life.
3. Sushi
I mean, who doesn’t know sushi? It’s rice topped with raw fish, seafood, or vegetables. It seems simple, but sushi masters developed their skills for years before being qualified to prepare the dish. Especially in Japan, it’s a very big tradition.
If you’re not a fan of fish or eating anything raw, you won’t like sushi, or so the misconception goes. You can get ones with cooked ingredients like crab, get a vegetarian version with egg, or go for the cucumber and avocado ones. I personally can’t get enough of sushi, I could eat it all day every day.
4. Century Egg
A century egg is a Chinese delicacy that has both delighted and disgusted diners for generations. Its appearance is very different from regular eggs, which may be why some find it unusual.
People’s opinions about century eggs often come down to their looks, smell, and texture. The dark brown and green jelly-like appearance can be unappetizing, along with its pungent ammonia-like smell. I tried it while I was doing a food tour in Thailand, and I have to say, never again. I personally don’t really enjoy the jelly texture, and I can’t get over the smell.
5. Foie Gras
Foie gras is a French delicacy made from the fatty liver of duck or goose. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it has a buttery taste and texture that people either love or hate. It’s often prepared with crackers and bread, like a pâté.
Some do not like this delicacy mainly because it’s expensive. Others oppose its production, which involves force-feeding the birds and isn’t always so ethical. I have to admit I’ve never had foie gras, but it doesn’t look too appetizing to be honest.
6. Caviar
Caviar has this connotation that it’s for wealthy people. It can be quite expensive and often comes in a small serving can that can be finished in minutes, which is one of the reasons some dislike it.
Caviar or fish eggs have a silky texture and are pleasant to look at. Popping them in your mouth can be enjoyable, but its fishy taste might be too much for some. I personally love both fish eggs and caviar, but it’s often an acquired taste for most people.
7. Vegemite
Vegemite is a staple in Australia, and you won’t find it in many other places around the globe. It’s a thick, shiny brown paste often spread on buttered toast for breakfast.
Made from yeast, Vegemite has a meaty flavor despite containing no meat. Its salty, strong taste can be intense for those not used to it. The taste is a little too strong for my liking, but I can appreciate a small bite or thin layer.
8. Escargot
Escargot sounds complicated, but it just means ‘snails’ in French. It’s a snail delicacy served in their shells, often cooked in butter and garlic. The dish is popular all over Europe, particularly in Algeria, Greece, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
The French dish easily absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with, so it’s typically buttery and garlicky. The first and only time I ate escargot was in Austria, when we visited an eco snail farm, and they prepared the snails for us. Escargot never did sound very appetizing before, but with the garlic and butter, I liked the taste and would certainly eat it again.
9. Licorice Candies
Have you tried licorice candies before? Despite the name, this candy barely has licorice root in it (from the licorice plant) and hardly has any health benefits.
Licorice candies have a potent and unique flavor that takes some getting used to. Their chewy texture isn’t for everyone, making it an unpopular snack. I try not to take that personally, as I grew up in the Netherlands, where licorice is extremely common. But even here, some people don’t like it, but I’ll never skip licorice if I can help it.
10. Nattō
If you’ve seen those trendy videos claiming Japan lives in the future, natto is a snack with little sticky beans on a plate. The dish is packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds, making it a popular healthy choice for breakfast in Japan.
The traditional fermented soy food has a sticky, slimy consistency that easily puts people off. Its mild, bitter flavor reminds you of cottage cheese, with a sharp, nutty smell.
11. Kimchi
Experience what your favorite K-pop idols eat by trying kimchi, a traditional Korean dish. Made with napa cabbage that’s salted and fermented in chili flakes, this side dish can easily be identified with its red color and spicy taste. It is a great palate cleanser despite its distinct taste.
Kimchi has a strong sour smell and tastes you need to get used to before enjoying it. I really like to enjoy it with Korean BBQ, but you can combine it with a lot of other meals as well.
12. Anchovies
Have you tried anchovies before? Packed with omega-3, vitamins, and proteins, they’re incredibly healthy. You’d think people would crowd the markets for them, but many have an aversion to their taste.
That’s especially because of their extremely salty and fishy flavor. I love both fish and salt, so more me they’re a food I love. But they can be very overpowering if you pair them with something.
13. Black OIives
Do you often pick out the black circles on your pizza? I know a lot of people who don’t like black olives. They are a great source of iron, which helps distribute oxygen in the body. However, some people don’t like to eat it, even if they are tiny pieces of their pizzas.
While black olives are less bitter than green olives, some don’t love their unique taste. Interestingly, that same taste is what others use to elevate a dish. I personally don’t mind black olives, but I do love green olives more.
14. Seaweed
When you think about seaweed, you might imagine a slimy green underwater plant, and you’d be right. It’s similar to what you may have stepped on during a vacation.
Some seaweeds are edible, and in Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, they’re considered healthy foods. They are added to meals, bringing nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. However, their grassy taste can be a turn-off for some people. For the people who love it, they enjoy the umami flavor that the seaweed gives off.
15. Eggnog
Have you ever tried an eggnog on Christmas? If you’ve shared the holiday tradition of drinking festive eggnog, then you know that the drink can be boozy.
Dairy-based eggnogs consist of heavy cream, milk, sugar, and whipped egg (and sometimes a lot of alcohol). Some people don’t like the idea of a raw egg in their drink but to each their own.
16. Haggis
Scotland’s national dish, haggis, is a meat pudding that will make even meat lovers hesitate. It consists of leftover sheep parts, including liver, lungs, and heart, mixed with ground sheep fat and a few spices. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes.
The idea of eating the heart of an animal can be off-putting. Add that to the fact that haggis can taste gamey and earthy, and it’s definitely a dish not for everyone.
17. Tofu
Tofu is one of the most popular protein sources you can get. Made of condensed soy milk, tofu can be cooked in various ways, from fried to mixed into soups.
Tofu doesn’t have an unusual taste; it barely tastes like anything at all. It’s one of the reasons you might not like a tofu dish; if it’s not seasoned correctly, it can be quite bland. However, you’ll get to appreciate it if you try it in its creamy form in soups and stews.
18. Oysters
Joey from Friends described oysters as “a giant booger,” and it’s really difficult not to think of it that way. However, this slimy blob is packed with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12, which is great for brain health.
Oysters can be eaten cooked or raw, and once you taste it, you’ll notice the taste it brings from the ocean. It’s fresh but can be overwhelmingly salty, which is one of the things that puts people off.
19. Tripe
Tripe refers to the lining found in the stomach of a pig, sheep, or cow that’s often braised and added to soups and stews. It is high in protein and collagen, but also cholesterol, so you need to watch out if you like eating it.
Tripe has a springy, sponge-like texture that some people don’t like. However, it easily absorbs flavors, so its taste depends on the ingredients you cook it with.
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