Society Has Given Food A Gender
All that really matters when it comes to food should be whether or not it tastes good or is good for your body. Yet somehow, society has managed to latch its claws onto something that should be straightforward. These days, different foods have picked up a reputation for being feminine, so much so that men are told to feel awkward liking them. Maybe it's because they're bite-sized, presented nicely, or colorful, but whatever the reason, these outdated stereotypes shouldn't make guys feel strangely self-conscious about enjoying them. Especially these 20 foods that are delicious in their own right.
1. Pink Lemonade
If the word "pink" is in its name, let's just say most men steer clear of it. It's truly a wonder why regular lemonade never gets questioned, yet the moment you throw a "girly" color in front of it, its entire reputation is suddenly changed. The color might be different, but it's really the same refreshing drink everyone knows and loves.
2. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast became all the rage on the internet, and to this day, it remains a popular breakfast and brunch dish. But for whatever reason, everyone just decided there was something inherently "feminine" about it. Maybe it's because it's associated with trendy brunch spots, pretty plates, or carefully arranged toppings, but whatever the case, guys feel oddly out of place when ordering it.
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3. Cupcakes
There's something about mini cakes covered in colorful frosting and decoration that often gets treated as distinctly made for women. A majority of people, men and women, love and crave cake, yet the moment it's presented in this form? Suddenly, it becomes a sweet treat some men are afraid to admit might be their favorite.
4. Cosmopolitans
Everyone knows the common stereotype that men have to like beer and not girly drinks, and of all the cocktails out there, cosmopolitans give off the strongest girly reputation. Its pink color, delicate glass, and history of pop culture references sadly make it one some men are reluctant to order. They're definitely missing out though!
5. Macarons
Dainty, sweet, and often pastel-colored, these three things alone make some men think it's enough to lie, or at the very least, avoid macarons. It definitely doesn't help that they're frequently displayed in elegant boxes and pretty packaging. Somehow, how food looks can convince people it's not masculine enough, as if food has a gender to begin with.
6. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
For something high in protein, it's a little surprising why men don't like admitting they enjoy a Greek yogurt parfait. What's not to love, when you get layers of yogurt, berries, granola, and honey? But even if this is a healthy and tasty light breakfast choice, the word parfait tends to be associated with women, which is apparently reason enough.
7. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Whenever fall hits, everyone's social media page is filled with posts about the return of the pumpkin spice latte. Even though it should just be treated as a cozy, seasonal drink, its connection with fall outfits, cozy coffee shop culture, and girly reputation have made some men reluctant to say they also count down to its return every year.
8. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Because chocolate-covered strawberries are strongly associated with being a romantic gift that men are supposed to give women on Valentine's Day, it leaves the impression that men are supposed to give them away, not eat them. But really, who would judge you for liking chocolate and strawberries?
9. Starbucks Frappuccinos
A frappuccino covered in whipped cream, syrup, and colorful toppings isn’t exactly the most understated coffee order, and for guys who are afraid of getting unwanted comments on their drink choice, they'd rather opt for a plain latte. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that sometimes you want your coffee to taste more like dessert.
10. Frozen Yogurt
Fro-yo is essentially the same thing as ice cream, yet why is there more reservation about liking it? Maybe it has to do with walking into a frozen yogurt shop and being worried that getting fruit, sprinkles, and cookie pieces comes across as too feminine. It really shouldn't be something guys have to feel self-conscious about sadly.
11. Açai Bowls
Another beloved social media trends, açai bowls are tasty breakfast meals covered in banana slices, berries, coconuts, and very neatly arranged granola. It's what the kids call "aesthetically-pleasing," and that's likely what make men stay away.
12. Pink Donuts
If Homer Simpson loves a pink donut, so can you! Again, colors somehow play tricks on our minds sometimes, making men believe that a pink sprinkled donut is somehow less manly than the blue one right next to it. They taste the same at the end of the day, yet this one color difference is enough to guide their decision.
Fahim mohammed jaseem on Unsplash
13. Caprese Salad
Simple yet satisfying, it's a little surprising that something made from just mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze can create such a strong reputation for itself, but that's how society works. Not only are salads wrongfully treated as "girly" meals, the lack of meat in the dish is supposed to "lack appeal" for men as well.
14. Cotton Candy
Bright, sugary, and unbelievably fluffy, those aren't three qualities a lot of men like being associated with. Even though cotton candy is a nostalgic treat associated with fairs and theme parks, men can feel a little awkward carrying around this giant cloud in public.
15. Smoothie Bowls
Drinking it from a cup is okay, but displayed prettily in a bowl? Now that's taking things a step too far. Even though smoothie bowls can be very healthy to enjoy for breakfast, its presentation ends up mattering far more than its taste, especially in public settings.
16. Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Afternoon tea is already treated as a highly girly activity, so any food associated with it is obviously going to be treated as such too. It's a shame though, because tiny cucumber, egg salad, and smoked salmon sandwiches are genuinely delicious, regardless of what they're closely tied to or their dainty nature.
17. Charcuterie Boards
Not even the protein and meat is enough to save the charcuterie board's reputation. After all, being so closely associated with girl's nights, pretty presentation, and small bites has given it an image that feels distinctly feminine. It's really just crackers and cheese, something we all grew up eating, but putting time into arranging them suddenly changes the narrative.
18. Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles is simple and mild, so you may be wondering why men are afraid to like such a plain dish. The truth is, this one's all because of social media; repeatedly posted as a "girl dinner" and men online complain that there's no protein in it, it's become a dish that's very heavily seen as being made for women.
19. Strawberry Milk
Chocolate milk might get a free pass but strawberry? Not only does it turn the milk a pinkish color, but because strawberries are seen as a feminine fruit, this one sadly does not get approved. Sure, plenty of guys might love that sweeter, fruity flavor, but are they going to admit it?
Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash
20. Cake Pops
Once again, cake in its usual form might be acceptable, but once it takes on a more dainty look, it's suddenly awkward for men to enjoy. Cake pops take the best parts of cake, with their frosting and colorful coatings, and is really just a cheerful dessert, but unfortunately the brain outweighs the taste buds on this one.
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