Food is a universal experience, yet our tastes are deeply personal. While one person’s delicacy may be another’s nightmare, certain foods have consistently sparked strong reactions across the globe. Whether it’s due to their taste, texture, smell, or appearance, some foods have earned a reputation for being universally disliked. Here’s a list of 40 of the most hated foods in the world—some of which might surprise you.
1. Anchovies
Known for their intense saltiness and fishy taste, anchovies are divisive, especially as a pizza topping.
2. Black Licorice
Its bitter and medicinal flavor makes it a love-it-or-hate-it candy worldwide.
3. Liver
Despite its nutritional value, the metallic taste and rubbery texture put many people off.
4. Brussels Sprouts
Often disliked for their bitter taste, improperly cooked Brussels sprouts can turn even the biggest veggie fans away.
5. Okra
Its slimy texture when cooked makes okra a challenge for many to enjoy.
6. Blue Cheese
The pungent smell and strong taste of blue cheese leave many cringing.
7. Cilantro (Coriander)
Genetics play a role here, as some people perceive cilantro as tasting soapy.
8. Natto
A Japanese delicacy, natto (fermented soybeans) has a sticky texture and strong smell that many find off-putting.
9. Oysters
The slimy texture and briny flavor of raw oysters aren’t for everyone.
10. Durian
Dubbed the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian’s potent smell has led to it being banned in some public places.
11. Sardines
Similar to anchovies, sardines are disliked for their strong fishy taste and aroma.
12. Mayonnaise
Some people hate the creamy, tangy texture and flavor of this common condiment.
13. Tofu
Criticized for its bland taste and texture, tofu often leaves people unimpressed unless it’s well-prepared.
14. Celery
The fibrous, watery texture and slightly bitter taste of celery make it an unpopular vegetable.
15. Mushrooms
Their earthy flavor and spongy texture can be unappealing to some.
16. Black Pudding (Blood Sausage)
Made with animal blood, black pudding’s ingredients can turn many people off before they even taste it.
17. Tripe
A type of edible stomach lining, tripe is often criticized for its chewy texture and strong smell.
18. Spam
This processed canned meat is often dismissed as overly salty and artificial-tasting.
19. Eggplant (Aubergine)
Its mushy texture when cooked often turns people away.
20. Bitter Melon
As the name suggests, its intense bitterness is not for everyone.
21. Kimchi
Though beloved in Korea, the fermented nature and spiciness of kimchi can be too much for some.
22. Wasabi
The intense heat of this green paste can overpower the palate, leaving many cautious.
23. Pickles
Their strong vinegar flavor is polarizing, with some people loving them and others despising them.
24. Lutefisk
This traditional Nordic dish made from dried fish and lye has a gelatinous texture and strong flavor that’s hard to handle.
25. Olives
The briny, sometimes bitter flavor of olives makes them a frequent entry on people’s least-favorite food lists.
26. Grapefruit
Its sharp bitterness is a turn-off for those who prefer sweeter fruits.
27. Haggis
A Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, haggis’s ingredients and texture are often unappealing to non-locals.
28. Fennel
With a strong licorice-like flavor, fennel is not everyone’s favorite herb or vegetable.
29. Capers
These briny flower buds pack a punch of flavor that’s too strong for some people.
30. Beets
Their earthy, sometimes metallic taste makes beets a tough sell for certain palates.
31. Sea Urchin
This seafood delicacy has a creamy, briny flavor that’s not universally loved.
32. Fruitcake
Often criticized for being overly dense and sweet, fruitcake is a holiday treat many avoid.
33. Bell Peppers (Green)
The slightly bitter flavor of green bell peppers often overshadows their sweeter red, yellow, or orange counterparts.
34. Caviar
These luxury fish eggs are too salty and fishy for some tastes.
35. Balut
A fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, balut is considered a delicacy in parts of Southeast Asia but is off-putting to many.
36. Kale
Despite its status as a superfood, kale’s bitter taste makes it unpopular with some.
37. Horseradish
The intense, spicy kick of horseradish is overwhelming for those with sensitive palates.
38. Pâté
This spread made from ground meat and liver is often criticized for its texture and strong taste.
39. Rice Pudding
The texture of rice pudding, combining soft grains with creamy custard, doesn’t appeal to everyone.
40. Sardine Ice Cream
Yes, this exists! Novelty ice creams like sardine-flavored varieties are made for the adventurous but are unlikely to win mainstream approval.
Food preferences vary widely across cultures and individuals, but these 40 foods consistently spark strong reactions. Whether it’s the taste, smell, or texture, these culinary items have earned a place on the list of the world’s most hated foods. While some people may avoid them at all costs, others embrace them as delicacies. It’s a reminder of the diversity of human taste—and that there’s no such thing as a universally loved or hated food.
