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 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 flavour, 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.
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2. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that just consistently get a bad rep. Hated among picky eaters who find their bitter taste and sometimes sulfurous smell disgusting, it's understandable why Brussels sprouts are so disliked. For this vegetable, it all comes down to its preparation - specific methods can make them much more palatable and even tasty!
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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!
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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 flavour and crumbly texture are not ideal, making it a common poorly-received food.
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5. Beets
For some, especially picky eaters, beets can be unappealing because of their earthy flavour 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.
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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 flavours just don't quite sit well with most picky eaters. Their briny taste can be especially challenging for those with sensitive palates.
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7. Mushrooms
For a lot of picky eaters, they commonly place mushrooms on their list of disliked foods thanks to their texture which they describe as slimy or rubbery. On top of that, their earthy taste isn't a particularly favoured one for sensitive eaters, making mushrooms a hard one to please.
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8. Eggplant
Eggplant has a distinctive texture that usually becomes quite mushy when cooked, which is a texture turn-off for many picky eaters. It has a mildly bitter taste, but its spongy texture is what really sends it.
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9. Oysters
When it comes to no-go foods for picky 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 enjoy.
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10. Durian
Although it's not a common American food, durian is infamous around the world. Known for its stinky, strong odour, it's even been compared to rotten onions or feet. The smell alone can be enough to deter picky eaters, which in all honesty, makes a lot of sense.
1. Pizza
Pizza is a big crowd-pleaser mainly due to its easy customizability, with so many different toppings and range of flavours that can suit even the pickiest of eaters. Besides, the combination of gooey cheese, tomato sauce, and bread crust is a classic - who wouldn't love that?
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2. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are commonly ranked as a favourite among picky eaters likely due to their simple, mild flavour which is paired with sauces of their choice. Not to mention, they have a delightful crispy exterior and juicy interior that is the ideal texture for many!
3. Macaroni and Cheese
No dish screams comfort as well as mac 'n cheese! Warm, creamy, and cheesy, who wouldn't love the combination of cheese and soft pasta? The flavour profile is straightforward, making it appealing to groups of all ages, including those with picky palates.
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4. French Fries
French fries are a frequent favourite, beloved for their crispy exterior, soft interior, and dippable nature. With the perfect balance of saltiness, fries are great staple snack. Found alongside many iconic meals, they're a familiar and enjoyable choice for most picky eaters.
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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 flavours and a satisfying texture that make it a favourite for many picky eaters.
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6. Spaghetti and Meatballs
For a heartier option that's still beloved, spaghetti and meatballs have a rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs that Americans find heartwarming and filling. The dish consists of simple and familiar flavours which are often well-received by those who don't like more complex dishes.
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7. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a quintessential American food that is also easily customizable. They have a straightforward taste that you can pair with your preference of toppings, from ketchup and mustard to relish and mayo, making them an easy choice for picky eaters to enjoy.
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8. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Reminding people of their childhoods, the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved flavour 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.
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 flavour and melty chocolate chips, it's a simple, easy-to-make dessert option that's loved by many.
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10. Ice Cream
Ice cream, with its endless variety of flavours, is a universally beloved dessert that's a crowd-pleaser. Simply pick the flavour you like best and enjoy its creamy goodness! It's the perfect treat for all ages and groups, including the pickiest of eaters.
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