30 People Share Common Food Trends That They Dislike
"Tails on shrimp that aren't meant to be eaten by hand."
Put someone's eating habits under close scrutiny—whether it's a friend, family member, or even a stranger—and you may come to realize just how particular they can be about their food. Even those who claim to be undiscriminating may have preferences that are very specific.
For some individuals, tomato juice is regarded as an abomination, something that should never have been introduced to culinary practices. There are those who absolutely cannot tolerate celery being secretly added to their dishes.
And then there are people who are highly particular about how their salad is presented, showing disappointment if it arrives at the table uncut. Redditor u/ahfansaerdet recently initiated a lively debate in the r/Cooking online community by posing a question to all members about their dislikes in dishes, particularly those ingredients or culinary practices that are generally beloved or widely accepted by chefs and food enthusiasts.
The response was overwhelming! Members of the community were more than willing to share their thoughts, revealing their personal dislikes and preferences. We have gathered a comprehensive list of everyone's major culinary dislikes, so continue reading to learn about these individual tastes and perhaps even discover that you share some of them.
Ready? Let's go:
1. Someone asked:
Reddit2. Uncut lettuce in salads. For the love of all that's good, just cut the damn leaves so they fit on the fork and into my mouth without getting dressing everywhere.
animoot,Dim Hour3. Cilantro—I have the gene.
DGentPR,Tomasz Olszewski
Cultural Influences on Food Preferences
Dr. Karen Smith, a cultural psychologist at UCLA, explains that food preferences are deeply influenced by cultural narratives and societal expectations.
Her studies reveal that individuals often develop aversions to food trends based on perceived social norms and group identities.
This suggests that our food dislikes can reflect broader social dynamics and personal identities.
4. Tarragon, marzipan, or other almond-flavored items. I can handle almost anything else, but those two items—ugh, even the smell makes me feel bad.
Slowshrinkingwoman,Lars Plougmann
5. Cherry tomatoes just dumped into a salad whole so that they roll around your plate as you chase them with your fork. Halve them, people!
amydiddler,micheile henderson
6. Big slices of onion in my salad. I'm going to have to pluck it all out to chop it up to distribute the flavor. Just put chopped onion in a cup on the side.
Runbunnierun,Chan Walrus
Research in social psychology shows that food preferences can create in-group and out-group dynamics.
According to findings published in the Journal of Social Issues, people may bond over shared food preferences while feeling alienated by differing tastes.
This social aspect of food consumption can lead to feelings of exclusion or belonging depending on the context.
7. Fennel. I think it tastes awful and ruins otherwise well-flavored dishes.
HackTheNight,Pixabay
8. My big one will always be using celery in a dish or cuisine that doesn't normally use celery.
Yes, Mom, it adds crunch. It also makes the whole damn dish taste like celery.
Bunktavious,Karolina Grabowska
9. Raisins in oatmeal cookies, carrot cake, and stuffing. All my favorite things, and I end up spending half the time digging raisins out.
CautiousTranslator79,Denisse Leon
Addressing Food Preferences in Social Settings
When navigating social situations with differing food preferences, open communication is key.
Encouraging dialogue about food choices can help bridge gaps and foster understanding.
Additionally, being mindful of others' aversions can create a more inclusive atmosphere.
10. Chicken and waffles. Chicken, I get. Waffles, I get. But the two of them together make as much sense to me as serving baked beans on lemon icebox pie.
TableTopFarmer,Hamza Bounaim
11. Whole olives (with pit) on pizza… just why??
vinamiu,Carissa Gan
12. Artichokes. What a pain in the a**. And also a pain to cook for little payoff. But they’re so delicious!
114631,Kim Daniels
It's also beneficial to explore new foods together as a way to bond and expand palates.
Research suggests that shared experiences involving food can enhance social connections and create lasting memories.
Engaging in cooking activities together can further enhance this bonding experience.
13. Celery.
Prince_Nadir
14. Lavender, roses, and orange blossom in food.
InterabangSmoose
15. Chicken stews, sauces, or casseroles with bone-in chicken pieces.
ahfansaerdet
Embracing Diversity in Food Choices
Ultimately, embracing a wide range of food preferences can enrich social interactions.
By fostering an environment of acceptance, individuals can learn from each other's culinary experiences and broaden their understanding of different cultures.
Exploring diverse cuisines can also promote empathy and appreciation for others' backgrounds.
16. Raisins.
CarissaMag
17. Okra... vile, slimy weed.
weelluuuu,Pietro Jeng
18. Calling something "triple chocolate" when one of them is white chocolate. I'm sure white chocolate has a purpose, but I just cannot stand it personally. It tastes like sickly sweet fat to me.
LLSquaredtimes2,Diliara Garifullina
In conclusion, recognizing the cultural dimensions of food preferences can lead to more fulfilling social interactions.
By being open to trying new foods and understanding others' preferences, individuals can enhance their social connections and create a more inclusive environment.
19. Getting a salad that's not chopped is infuriating to me.
jsmcb
20. Truffle oil. I'm so glad the big truffle oil fad has mostly died down. Everything smelled and tasted like a stale armpit for a while.
what_the_a,Addilyn Ragsdill
21. Caribbean jerk places in my area all seem to just chop their jerk chicken with a cleaver in the most brutal way possible. While I love the flavor, I'm not fond of chicken bone fragments embedding themselves in my gums.
Obstinate_Turnip,Omar Mahmood
22. When lettuce isn’t bite-sized—unless it’s *deliberately* served whole and meant to be cut up (say, a grilled lettuce salad). But something like romaine or something in a classic Caesar, etc., I really shouldn’t have to cut it up more.
114631,Kai Pilger
23. When you order a meat dish and half of it is fat.
I had pork adobo yesterday, and at least half the meat was pure fat. Immediately ruined the meal for me.
kitteh_pants,Alexandra Tran
24. Nuts in bread. I like bread, I like nuts, but don't put them together, please. Bread is soft; it's weird to have crunchy bits floating around in it.
EvilDonald44,Taylor Kiser
25. I don’t like the taste or texture of chicken fat.
chocolatepoppy,Streets of Food
26. Those super huge sushi rolls that have like four layers of c*ap on top of them.
Do I attempt to stuff this entire thing into my mouth at once and hope I don't choke? Do I try to take a bite out of it and have the rest of it completely fall apart and become impossible to eat? Fancy sushi has caused way too much anxiety in my life.
27. Tails on shrimp that aren't meant to be eaten by hand.
Classic-Salamander29,Megan Bucknall
28. Green peppers. To me, they taste like dirty feet smell. So gross.
AshDenver,Mark Stebnick
29. I get that it looks nice, but I want maximum crunch from the breading and not soggy bread seconds into my meal.
drinkahead
30. Raw onion.
I realize that I am probably on an island on this one, but for me, raw onions are one of those things that I just really, really dislike. I find the texture off-putting, and once I bite into it, it just takes over completely, and that is the only thing I can taste. I have the same reaction to green peppers (cooked or raw) as far as taste goes. Not sure if it's a genetic thing (like people who think cilantro tastes like soap or people who have asparagus pee), but something about raw onions and/or green peppers is just repugnant to me.Oddly, cooked onions I am fine with, as I am with yellow, red, and orange peppers.
monkey_monkey_monkey,mali maeder
31. The amount of mayo used at a lot of sandwich and burger shops; I typically just go without. Nothing is worse than a big glob of mayonnaise. (And especially if it's hot, even worse).
drumgirlr,Rajesh TP
People have all sorts of likes and dislikes when it comes to food. Some can't stand certain common ingredients, while others have very specific ways they want their food prepared. The discussion in the r/Cooking online community showed just how different everyone's tastes can be.
What's interesting is that even though we all have our own personal preferences, it's something we all share. It's a fun reminder that food isn't just about eating; it's also a way we express ourselves. Whether we love or hate certain dishes, these choices show just how unique and diverse we all are.
Psychological Analysis
This discussion highlights how food preferences extend beyond personal taste and reflect broader cultural narratives.
Recognizing these influences can promote empathy and understanding in social settings, enhancing overall interactions.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, our food preferences are shaped by cultural influences and social dynamics.
By appreciating these factors, individuals can foster more inclusive social interactions that celebrate diversity.
