Your top 10 most hated foods, with a twist

[Husky25]

Aside from what I wrote above, there is a food technique (for lack of better word), that I cannot stand and anyone who suggests it deserves a Fishy Throat Punch®. That technique is the food imitation.

Make no mistake. I'm not talking about what I recommended in my above post above in subbing one hard cheese, grain, or cured meat for another. No. That is called substitution and there are rules. I mean trying to pass off a food for something it clearly is not. Worse is when there is an intent to deceive.

Yes, most of us should be more than a little more health conscious, but I don't care how good you think your bocaburger is. Experience tells me it will not satiate my craving for charred cow. Also, don't tell me that I really shouldn't have that big roll with my burger and that a burger wrapped in lettuce is just as good. It's not. There is something missing and you are probably going to overeat in search for it.

There is a whole industry dedicated to Eat This Not That. The problem is they lose credibility when they say to sub mustard for my barbecue sauce or tomato soup for Italian wedding. I actually got into Sharitake noodles for a time, but I found they were really only acceptable in Asian infused dishes, but not in high quantity or on their own.

Other suspects:
Tofu (which is fine when it's called for, i.e. miso soup. Not as a chicken or pork substitute).
Cauliflower pizza crust
Spiralized zucchini or sweet potato and calling it macaroni
Anything-intended-to-synthesize pork bacon

 

[8893]

Aside from what I wrote above, there is a food technique (for lack of better word), that I cannot stand and anyone who suggests it deserves a Fishy Throat Punch®. That technique is the food imitation.

Make no mistake. I'm not talking about what I recommended in my above post above in subbing one hard cheese, grain, or cured meat for another. No. That is called substitution and there are rules. I mean trying to pass off a food for something it clearly is not. Worse is when there is an intent to deceive.

Yes, most of us should be more than a little more health conscious, but I don't care how good you think your bocaburger is. Experience tells me it will not satiate my craving for charred cow. Also, don't tell me that I really shouldn't have that big roll with my burger and that a burger wrapped in lettuce is just as good. It's not. There is something missing and you are probably going to overeat in search for it.

There is a whole industry dedicated to Eat This Not That. The problem is they lose credibility when they say to sub mustard for my barbecue sauce or tomato soup for Italian wedding. I actually got into Sharitake noodles for a time, but I found they were really only acceptable in Asian infused dishes, but not in high quantity or on their own.

Other suspects:
Tofu (which is fine when it's called for, i.e. miso soup. Not as a chicken or pork substitute).
Cauliflower pizza crust
Spiralized zucchini or sweet potato and calling it macaroni
Anything-intended-to-synthesize pork bacon

I thought I was going to agree with your premise, and I was waiting for the biggest offender: "sea legs," i.e., the stuff places try to pass off as some sort of seafood salad crap.

But the things you've targeted are things I most often see in the context of people who are making dietary choices for allergy, health or ethical reasons. No one is claiming that veggie burgers are hamburgers or that spaghetti squash is pasta. But if you're a vegetarian or have celiac, you need to find workarounds, and those things work for a lot of people (including people in my family). If you are deceived by any of them, I've got to wonder who deserves the throat punch.

 

[meyers7]

As fat as I am, one wouldn't realize how picky I am (or so I've been told by my wife) (hey I know what I like why bother with something I don't?)

1. Brussel sprouts. The stench of them cooking makes me nauseated.
2. Eggplant. Just gross. Reminds me of mucus.
3. This is a strange one. Peanut butter cookies, cakes, pies, syrups, etc. I love peanut butter though. I could live on PBJ sandwiches. Love Reece's. Can eat PB right out of the jar. Just don't put it in stuff. If you put PB cookies in with other cookies, I can't even eat them....the smell has contaminated them.
4. Cauliflower. Used to love it as a kid, but no more.
5. Coconut. Might be more texture than taste??
6. beets, turnips, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers if I can avoid them, lot's of non green vegetables really.
7. most shell fish (although I do like shrimp) oysters, mussels, etc. yuck. slimy mucus.
8. Maple. don't really like real maple syrup, maple bacon. or again the smell of it
9. Chickpeas or any product therein, i.e. hummus.
10. I like chopped up tomatoes in salads, tacos etc. Like tomato based sauces. Don't like slices of tomatoes or like grape tomatoes.

Bunches of other things that I'm sure I wouldn't like so I never even bother trying them.

 

[Husky25]

I thought I was going to agree with your premise, and I was waiting for the biggest offender: "sea legs," i.e., the stuff places try to pass off as some sort of seafood salad crap.

But the things you've targeted are things I most often see in the context of people who are making dietary choices for allergy, health or ethical reasons. No one is claiming that veggie burgers are hamburgers or that spaghetti squash is pasta. But if you're a vegetarian or have celiac, you need to find workarounds, and those things work for a lot of people (including people in my family). If you are deceived by any of them, I've got to wonder who deserves the throat punch.

There is a difference between people who legitimately have Celiacs (for whom I have every sympathy. I dated a girl in my much younger years who could not keep anything down because of it.) and someone who thinks gluten is the base evil of all existence, just because they heard it somewhere. For example, I recall a commercial a number of years ago for Chex cereal. At the end, the actor-mother stated something to the effect of, "and the best thing about it is that Chex is gluten free," as if to say it is by far a healthier option breakfast cereal for her children. Chex may be gluten free. Chex might be a marginally healthier alternative than to, say, Frosted Flakes. Chex is in no way, shape, or form healthier than Frosted Flakes solely because it is gluten free.

It is my position that the Celiacs sufferer has no choice. Certain vegetarians and vegans are a slightly different proposition. In general, I have no problem with anyone who wants to live that way...until one of two things happen (and if the first occurs, the other is not far behind it, typically if the the sole reason is ethical objection.).

1) Proselytization. I'm very libertarian in this regard. I won't judge your "quirks" (out loud) if you keep your comments to yourself about mine.
2) The person attempts to synthesize the texture and flavor of the very substance they made a conscious decision they can do without.

Finally, I said, "intent to deceive." That is not on the consumer.

 

[8893]

34 posts and no mention of kale? Color me shocked.

 

[G0UCONN]

As fat as I am, one wouldn't realize how picky I am (or so I've been told by my wife) (hey I know what I like why bother with something I don't?)

1. Brussel sprouts. The stench of them cooking makes me nauseated.
2. Eggplant. Just gross. Reminds me of mucus.
3. This is a strange one. Peanut butter cookies, cakes, pies, syrups, etc. I love peanut butter though. I could live on PBJ sandwiches. Love Reece's. Can eat PB right out of the jar. Just don't put it in stuff. If you put PB cookies in with other cookies, I can't even eat them....the smell has contaminated them.
4. Cauliflower. Used to love it as a kid, but no more.
5. Coconut. Might be more texture than taste??
6. beets, turnips, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers if I can avoid them, lot's of non green vegetables really.
7. most shell fish (although I do like shrimp) oysters, mussels, etc. yuck. slimy mucus.
8. Maple. don't really like real maple syrup, maple bacon. or again the smell of it
9. Chickpeas or any product therein, i.e. hummus.
10. I like chopped up tomatoes in salads, tacos etc. Like tomato based sauces. Don't like slices of tomatoes or like grape tomatoes.

Bunches of other things that I'm sure I wouldn't like so I never even bother trying them.

Speaking of seafood...

 

[Excalibur]

34 posts and no mention of kale? Color me shocked.

I don't mind it, but only certain preparations. Sauteed it's ok so long as there's a citrus or vinegar element with it. Raw, or toasted, it tastes (as stated in my kid's Audubon Arts camp play last summer) like lost hopes and dreams.

 

[8893]

I don't mind it, but only certain preparations. Sauteed it's ok so long as there's a citrus or vinegar element with it. Raw, or toasted, it tastes (as stated in my kid's Audubon Arts camp play last summer) like lost hopes and dreams.

I'm with you, but I noticed that a lot of people hate it and am surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet because it has been so trendy in the past few years.

 

[Deepster]

Wow, I had no idea how picky so many are. Did you all grow up on chicken nuggets & pizza or old school with forced spinach & other kid hated veggies.

Agreed. What a bunch of babies. There’s nothing in this thread I don’t like so far. The one thing I can’t seem to get down is head cheese and I think that’s pretty normal.

 

[storrsroars]

Agreed. What a bunch of babies. There’s nothing in this thread I don’t like so far. The one thing I can’t seem to get down is head cheese and I think that’s pretty normal.

Actually, depends on what country's head cheese you're eating. Some of it isn't bad. IMO, the greater the aspic content, the grosser it gets. I dated a 2nd gen Norwegian for awhile whose dad used to eat blocks of sylte for breakfast. The key is to have a good, strong mustard to dip in. No worse than eating a true mortadella.

I've had weirder meat products, the only one I couldn't put down was the vastedda sandwich at Ferdinando's in Red Hook.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Actually, depends on what country's head cheese you're eating. Some of it isn't bad. IMO, the greater the aspic content, the grosser it gets. I dated a 2nd gen Norwegian for awhile whose dad used to eat blocks of sylte for breakfast. The key is to have a good, strong mustard to dip in. No worse than eating a true mortadella.

I've had weirder meat products, the only one I couldn't put down was the vastedda sandwich at Ferdinando's in Red Hook.

Yes, I've had head cheese and haggis - I wouldn't describe either as delectable, but done right you can see why it hits for its niche.
I think all of the coconut haters are pissed about grabbing the wrong Russell Stovers candy & obviously have never had a proper macaroon (almond macaroons from The Nantucket Bake Shop are best I've ever had).

A higher end example is Fishy doesn't like veal, well don't order it at the Olive Garden where it probably isn't really veal, definitely isn't fresh & will be leathery. You order veal at a very good, old school Italian restaurant where you know they've paid thru the nose for the most innocent & tender baby calf & its not been in the freezer ever since Godzilla stepped on Bambi.

 

[storrsroars]

A higher end example is Fishy doesn't like veal, well don't order it at the Olive Garden where it probably isn't really veal, definitely isn't fresh & will be leathery. You order veal at a very good, old school Italian restaurant where you know they've paid thru the nose for the most innocent & tender baby calf & its not been in the freezer ever since Godzilla stepped on Bambi.

Fishy doesn't even qualify as an American with the list he put out. Pasta? Meatballs? Tomato sauce? Corn on the cob?

 

[Dogdeacon]

Fishy doesn't even qualify as an American with the list he put out. Pasta? Meatballs? Tomato sauce? Corn on the cob?

True that, and he's probably eating corn on the cob in November - June and wondering why it sucks. Then come August when its time to pick up fresh corn directly from the farm and eat it that night he's cowering in the corner with a sippy cup of apple juice.

 

[Cheddie]

Broccoli - George H.W.Bush, I feel you
Kale - not as a side, in a smoothie, or as chips
Salty foods - on a lower sodium diet, and too salty foods are inedible
Liver - wouldn't touch it as a kid, won't now
Pecan pie
On the other hand, as I've gotten older - ok, old - I've eaten things I'd never dream of eating as a young man ... bone marrow, kangaroo, sea urchin, crocodile, ostrich, pork cheek, etc.

 

[JCSuperstar]

Looks like most of mine have already been hit:

Swedish Meatballs
Meatloaf
Mushrooms (Egg foo young is the worst with this, they're so stealthy in there)
Raisins in anything other than the red box they came in (not in curry, or a bagel, or any recipe)
Shredded Coconut
Whole peppercorns in cured meats ruin the whole slice
Shrimp when you don't de-vein the thing first (looks like they caught this one after Thanksgiving feast)
Circus Peanuts
Sun dried tomatoes
Cucumbers (tastes like dirty milk-water)

 

[HuskyHawk]

34 posts and no mention of kale? Color me shocked.

Tastes like dirt.

 

[HuskyHawk]

There is a difference between people who legitimately have Celiacs (for whom I have every sympathy. I dated a girl in my much younger years who could not keep anything down because of it.) and someone who thinks gluten is the base evil of all existence, just because they heard it somewhere. For example, I recall a commercial a number of years ago for Chex cereal. At the end, the actor-mother stated something to the effect of, "and the best thing about it is that Chex is gluten free," as if to say it is by far a healthier option breakfast cereal for her children. Chex may be gluten free. Chex might be a marginally healthier alternative than to, say, Frosted Flakes. Chex is in no way, shape, or form healthier than Frosted Flakes solely because it is gluten free.

It is my position that the Celiacs sufferer has no choice. Certain vegetarians and vegans are a slightly different proposition. In general, I have no problem with anyone who wants to live that way...until one of two things happen (and if the first occurs, the other is not far behind it, typically if the the sole reason is ethical objection.).

1) Proselytization. I'm very libertarian in this regard. I won't judge your "quirks" (out loud) if you keep your comments to yourself about mine.
2) The person attempts to synthesize the texture and flavor of the very substance they made a conscious decision they can do without.

Finally, I said, "intent to deceive." That is not on the consumer.

Gluten is a protein. By any logical definition, except for those with Celiacs, gluten is the most healthy thing you can get from wheat. The other components are simple carbohydrates and oil/fat.

 

[J187Money]

Don't really hate any foods - my biggest beef is when things get TOO spicy and then they are just hot without having any flavor (at least to my palate). There are a lot of things I avoid because I prefer other things but I won't act like a child and not eat something.

Strange fact - prior to 2017 I had never had a Brussels sprout. Now they are my go to vegetable.

 

[8893]

Gluten is a protein. By any logical definition, except for those with Celiacs, gluten is the most healthy thing you can get from wheat. The other components are simple carbohydrates and oil/fat.

Some people have a sensitivity without having Celiac.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Some people have a sensitivity without having Celiac.

I think most of them are imagining it. Yes, I know some of them, and I still think that. It's an all too convenient scapegoat.

 

[Deepster]

I think most of them are imagining it. Yes, I know some of them, and I still think that. It's an all too convenient scapegoat.

A scapegoat for what? Intestinal discomfort?

 

[8893]

I think most of them are imagining it. Yes, I know some of them, and I still think that. It's an all too convenient scapegoat.

I think you're nuts. I've seen and experienced the cause and effect.

I can't for the life of me understand why it would bother anyone that someone else feels better when they don't eat certain foods.

Consider yourself blessed that you don't have such issues.

 

[HuskyHawk]

A scapegoat for what? Intestinal discomfort?

I think you're nuts. I've seen and experienced the cause and effect.

I can't for the life of me understand why it would bother anyone that someone else feels better when they don't eat certain foods.

Consider yourself blessed that you don't have such issues.

"Gluten Free" has become a "health" buzzword, and there are many thousands of people who have no issues with Gluten but who try to ear "Gluten Free" because they think it is healthier. It isn't. People can choose to eat what they want, but I think they need better information about what gluten is.

 

[storrsroars]

"Gluten Free" has become a "health" buzzword, and there are many thousands of people who have no issues with Gluten but who try to ear "Gluten Free" because they think it is healthier. It isn't. People can choose to eat what they want, but I think they need better information about what gluten is.

I developed some very good GF pastry items when I ran my shop as I had GF customers I really liked and who supported us big time in the early days.

But I had plenty of customers who'd ask "What's GF here?" one day and then show up another time and get a cookie. Who knows what they're after.

At a nicer restaurant, it's just totally uncool to fake an allergy or intolerance. Better restaurants will accommodate any allergy, but doing so slows up the kitchen and affects their profit margin, while also slowing service for other customers.

 

[8893]

"Gluten Free" has become a "health" buzzword, and there are many thousands of people who have no issues with Gluten but who try to ear "Gluten Free" because they think it is healthier. It isn't. People can choose to eat what they want, but I think they need better information about what gluten is.

I don't think you're in any position to know what is healthier for someone else's body. Like I said, there are a lot of people who have a sensitivity but not Celiac, which is a serious allergic reaction that can be determined through testing (although not all testing is the same). When people are experiencing intestinal discomfort that is not otherwise explained, they often experiment by removing certain items from their diets, and gluten is frequently one of them. I did exactly that and I felt better. A lot better. Then I got tested and it was determined that I do not have Celiac. I started reintroducing gluten products with varying success and ultimately determined that it was mostly beer that was making me feel like crap. Why? I have no idea. But I know for sure it does and I have since confirmed it several times; and I have also determined that certain styles are more likely to cause discomfort than others, and that quantity matters.

I went through a similar thing with lactose, but lactose is a little different. For starters, we all enter this world lactose intolerant because the size of the molecules of cow's milk is much larger than the size of the molecules that comprise mother's milk. Most people learn to tolerate it during infancy, but more than half lose the ability as they age, causing various levels of intestinal discomfort depending on how much and what form of lactose they are ingesting, and how their bodies react to it. I now have a pretty good handle on what and how much I can ingest without issue. Am I lactose intolerant? No. But I definitely have a sensitivity to it in certain forms and quantities.

Back to the gluten though, I think you may be observing what, to me, seems to be a result of the Paleo Diet fad, which is huge for a lot of Crossfit people in particular. Paleo food is also gluten free, and is usually identified as such as well. I do not believe that Paleo or any other diet fad is healthier than a properly balanced diet that focuses on whole (i.e., non-processed) foods, but I know a lot of people try to eat Paleo because they believe otherwise.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Yikes, this has gone off the rails in very typical boneyard fashion.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I don't think you're in any position to know what is healthier for someone else's body. Like I said, there are a lot of people who have a sensitivity but not Celiac, which is a serious allergic reaction that can be determined through testing (although not all testing is the same). When people are experiencing intestinal discomfort that is not otherwise explained, they often experiment by removing certain items from their diets, and gluten is frequently one of them. I did exactly that and I felt better. A lot better. Then I got tested and it was determined that I do not have Celiac. I started reintroducing gluten products with varying success and ultimately determined that it was mostly beer that was making me feel like crap. Why? I have no idea. But I know for sure it does and I have since confirmed it several times; and I have also determined that certain styles are more likely to cause discomfort than others, and that quantity matters.

I went through a similar thing with lactose, but lactose is a little different. For starters, we all enter this world lactose intolerant because the size of the molecules of cow's milk is much larger than the size of the molecules that comprise mother's milk. Most people learn to tolerate it during infancy, but more than half lose the ability as they age, causing various levels of intestinal discomfort depending on how much and what form of lactose they are ingesting, and how their bodies react to it. I now have a pretty good handle on what and how much I can ingest without issue. Am I lactose intolerant? No. But I definitely have a sensitivity to it in certain forms and quantities.

Back to the gluten though, I think you may be observing what, to me, seems to be a result of the Paleo Diet fad, which is huge for a lot of Crossfit people in particular. Paleo food is also gluten free, and is usually identified as such as well. I do not believe that Paleo or any other diet fad is healthier than a properly balanced diet that focuses on whole (i.e., non-processed) foods, but I know a lot of people try to eat Paleo because they believe otherwise.

Everybody decides for themselves. I'm rather libertarian that way. Just think that false information shouldn't be the basis of decisions. With gluten there are loads of morons who think it is some artificial additive and they want it out. It's not just paleo or low carb. There is a lot of misinformation about what gluten is. Here's another one. I have a friend who's daughter stays gluten free (maybe she is celiac, I don't know). She insists on having Tito's Vodka because it says "gluten free", even though (a) most spirits aren't even made from wheat anyway and (b) it is impossible for gluten to show up in any distilled alcohol even if it was made from wheat. Smart marketing by Tito's.

In your case, with beer...consider yeast. It's something also present in many gluten containing foods like bread. If the other gluten products that bothered you had yeast (unlike say, chocolate chip cookies) it might be the answer. Just speculating since you said you didn't know why. I tend to think I also have some issues that may stem from yeast. And yes, it seems to be a cumulative effect. It's difficult to run a truly controlled experiment on yourself though. We are all our own Dr. Google now.

I'm with you on lactose, it affects nearly all of us for the reasons you mentioned, depending on each person and quantity. If I have rich mac & cheese or clam chowder, plus ice cream later, I'll be feeling it for sure.

 

[8893]

Everybody decides for themselves. I'm rather libertarian that way. Just think that false information shouldn't be the basis of decisions. With gluten there are loads of morons who think it is some artificial additive and they want it out. It's not just paleo or low carb. There is a lot of misinformation about what gluten is. Here's another one. I have a friend who's daughter stays gluten free (maybe she is celiac, I don't know). She insists on having Tito's Vodka because it says "gluten free", even though (a) most spirits aren't even made from wheat anyway and (b) it is impossible for gluten to show up in any distilled alcohol even if it was made from wheat. Smart marketing by Tito's.

In your case, with beer...consider yeast. It's something also present in many gluten containing foods like bread. If the other gluten products that bothered you had yeast (unlike say, chocolate chip cookies) it might be the answer. Just speculating since you said you didn't know why. I tend to think I also have some issues that may stem from yeast. And yes, it seems to be a cumulative effect. It's difficult to run a truly controlled experiment on yourself though. We are all our own Dr. Google now.

I'm with you on lactose, it affects nearly all of us for the reasons you mentioned, depending on each person and quantity. If I have rich mac & cheese or clam chowder, plus ice cream later, I'll be feeling it for sure.

Thankfully, yeast does not appear to be the culprit for me, as I can still eat pizza, which is pretty much my favorite food. I do limit the occasions one which I allow myself to have it, however, for diet (i.e., weight control) reasons, because I love it so much that I have a hard time stopping myself at a reasonable portion.

I also agree with you that there is a lot of misunderstanding about gluten.

 

[Mano]

Thought of a couple others besides Tofu and peeps:

Raisins - JCSuper mentioned them and I agree. Just too sickly sweet with an unappealing texture for me. I don’t mind other dried fruits but have never liked raisins.

Cottage cheese - Gross, just gross.

 

[Dove]

I gotta admit...I am really starting to dislike turkey. I never buy ground turkey anymore. Chicken now. And for paninis....no turkey, chicken. And at Thanksgiving I have to smother the bird meat in gravy and I never get 2nds anymore.

Maple has been mentioned. Outside of syrup I hate maple.

Agree, too, on canteloupe/honeydew....:shudder: