Not All Foods Are Built The Same
Do you know a picky eater in your life? While trying to find foods that they'll actually enjoy and eat can be hard, there are certain foods that you can tell right away if they'll love or hate. There are good ol' faithfuls like pizza and ice cream that never disappoint, and questionable, divisive foods like olives and Brussels sprouts that even the general public is split on. So to help make things easier for you, here are 10 foods most picky eaters hate, and 10 they'll always love.
1. Sardines
Known (or rather, hated) for their intense fishy flavor, smell, and oily texture, sardines are a commonly hated food among picky eaters. They often come canned, enhancing their strong taste and scent, making them even less appealing to those who already dislike seafood.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that just consistently get a bad rep. Hated for their bitter taste and sometimes sulfurous smell, it's understandable why Brussels sprouts are so disliked. For this vegetable, it all comes down to preparation - specific methods can make them much more palatable and even tasty!
3. Liver
We're not surprised liver made it on this list of hated foods. Liver, when coming from beef, chicken, or pork, is notorious for its awfully strong, iron-rich taste and peculiar texture. Just the name of it is offputting to many, let alone picky eaters!
4. Blue Cheese
With its notable pungent smell and gross-looking moldy appearance, blue cheese is one of those divisive food items that people love or hate. For picky eaters, its strong, tangy flavor and crumbly texture are not ideal, making it a common poorly-received food.
5. Beets
A lot of people will tell you that tthey find beets unappealing because of their earthy flavor and dense texture. Whether they're roasted, boiled, or raw, some people just can't get over the taste (which some say tastes like dirt), which makes it hard to win everyone over.
6. Olives
Another "love-it-or-hate-it" food, olives of both green and black varieties have a unique combination of saltiness, bitterness, and tanginess. Those combinations of flavors just aren't the most approachable, and their briny taste can be especially challenging for those with sensitive taste buds.
7. Mushrooms
For a lot of picky eaters, they commonly place mushrooms on their list of disliked foods thanks to their texture which is described as slimy or rubbery. On top of that, their earthy taste isn't a particularly favored one, making this a food that needs a lot of dressing up to make more palatable.
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8. Eggplant
For many, eggplant has a distinctive mouth feel that becomes quite mushy when cooked, immediately turning it into a texture turn-off. It certainly doesn't help that it has mildly bitter taste too, but what really ruins it at the end of the day is its spongy texture.
9. Oysters
When it comes to no-go foods for sensitive eaters, oysters definitely make the top of the list. With their slimy texture and briny taste, it's certainly a food that can't please everyone. And the idea of eating them raw, which is their most popular serving method, makes them even harder to accept and enjoy for someone who likes to play it safe.
10. Durian
Although it's not a common American food, durian is infamous around the world. Known for its stinky, strong odor, it's even been compared to rotten onions or feet. The smell alone can be enough to deter picky eaters, which in all honesty, we can't blame them for. This fruit's tough for even the most adventurous of eaters.
1. Pizza
A crowd-pleaser that's hard to disappoint with, pizza comes with so many different toppings and flavors that can suit even the pickiest of eaters. Besides, the combination of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and dough is a classic that just works together so well. Who could possibly hate those three things?
2. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are commonly ranked as a favorite for simple eaters likely due to their mild flavor that's paired with an array of sauces you get to pick. From ketchup to barbecue sauce, choose whatever you like the best! And with such a delightfully crispy exterior, it's a fun texture to enjoy too.
3. Macaroni and Cheese
No dish screams comfort as well as mac and cheese. This warm, creamy, and soothing dish features the winning combination of melted cheese and soft pasta. With a flavor profile so straightforward and delicious, it's easy to make it appealing to groups of all ages.
4. French Fries
Do you know anyone who dislikes a good french fry? Because we sure don't! A frequent favorite that's beloved for its crispy outside and soft inside, you get to enjoy a perfect balance of saltiness alongside the sweet, tanginess of ketchup. It's a staple snack that's good alone or featured next to many dishes like burgers or sandwiches.
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5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Once again, who can resist the delightful combination of melted cheese and bread? With golden, buttery bread and ooey cheesy goodness, grilled cheese sandwiches are a staple comfort food. It has simple flavors and a satisfying texture that easily make it a popular choice for many picky eaters.
6. Spaghetti and Meatballs
For a heartier option that's still beloved, spaghetti and meatballs spotlight a rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs that Americans find heartwarming and filling. The dish consists of familiar flavors which are often well-received by those who don't like more complex dishes. It's a dish that gives you exactly what you expect.
7. Hot Dogs
What's more simple than a hot dog in a bun? When the toppings and condiments are all up to you, it makes it easy to sell to a picky eater. Just make sure to leave out a spread of options, like ketchup, mayo, mustard, and relish, and we're sure everyone will find something they enjoy.
8. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Instantly reminding people of their childhoods, the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved flavor combination that many people grew up with. Most people have fond memories of this dish, making it a comforting choice picky eaters won't run away from. It's familiar, it tastes good, and there aren't any unusual textures.
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a sweet treat, you can never go wrong with a delicious chocolate chip cookie, especially if it's fresh out the oven. Adored for their sweet, buttery flavor and melty chocolate chips, it's a simple, easy-to-make dessert option that people rarely complain about.
10. Ice Cream
With an endless variety of flavors to choose from, ice cream tends to be a universally-enjoyed dessert that hits no matter what season it is. Not only can you enjoy different forms of it, whether eaten in a cup or in a cone, there are also so many unique toppings you can add. It's truly the most perfect treat for all ages.
