20 Worst-Tasting Foods People Keep Buying Anyway

We can send rovers to Mars and build computers that fit in our pockets.

Yet, we also willingly purchase foods that taste like a science experiment gone wrong.

Is it a triumph of marketing over our own taste buds?

Or perhaps a deep-seated hope that this time, the bitter gourd will magically taste like chocolate cake.

Our optimism is truly a marvel of modern biology.

1. Anchovies

Anchovies are tiny, salty fish often found on pizzas or in Caesar salads.

But here’s the catch: their strong, briny flavor and chewy texture can be off-putting to many.

Anchovies top the list of most hated foods because their intense taste overwhelms the palate for some people, especially those who prefer milder flavors.

2. Licorice

Licorice candy has a unique, anise-like taste that not everyone enjoys.

Many find it too sweet or medicinal, with a flavor that lingers unpleasantly on the tongue.

It’s a polarizing treat that some people just can’t stomach.

3. Durian

Durian is a tropical fruit famous for its pungent smell, often described as rotten onions or stinky feet.

But here’s the deal: while some love its creamy texture and sweet taste, many are turned off by the overwhelming odor.

This fruit is banned in certain public places due to its strong smell.

4. Bitter Gourd (Bitter Melon)

Bitter gourd lives up to its name with a sharp, bitter taste that many find unpleasant.

But here’s the catch: despite its bitterness, it is prized for health benefits, especially for blood sugar control.

Its strong flavor limits its appeal, but it remains a staple in some cuisines.

5. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is creamy and tangy, but its texture and eggy flavor can be off-putting to some.

I made a classic mistake once by adding too much mayo to a sandwich and regretted it instantly.

People tend to either love it or hate it, with little middle ground.

6. Guava

Guava is a tropical fruit with a sweet yet slightly sour taste and a unique texture full of seeds.

But here’s the deal: some say it tastes like bubble gum, which is not appealing to everyone.

Its unusual texture and flavor make it a love-it-or-leave-it fruit.

7. Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards are the bird’s muscular stomach, used in many traditional dishes worldwide.

But here’s the catch: their chewy texture and strong flavor can be hard to enjoy for some.

They are considered a delicacy by many but a challenge by others.

8. Candy Corn

Candy corn is a Halloween staple with a waxy texture and overly sweet taste.

I made a classic mistake thinking it would be a nostalgic treat, only to find it too sugary and artificial.

Most people eat it only out of tradition or during sugar emergencies.

9. Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener popular as a sugar alternative.

But here’s the deal: many complain about its bitter, metallic aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly.

Despite this, it remains a common choice for those avoiding sugar.

10. Eggplant

Eggplant has a mild, slightly bitter flavor and a spongy texture that some find unappealing.

You’re better off cooking it just right to avoid bitterness and enjoy its creamy texture.

It’s a vegetable that divides kitchens, loved by some and disliked by others.

11. Olives

Olives are small fruits that grow on trees. They are often served in salads or on top of pizzas.

But here’s the catch: many people find their salty and bitter taste too strong. The texture can also feel a bit mushy.

You’re better off trying different kinds, as some are milder than others. Still, their sharp, briny flavor is a dealbreaker for many.

12. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese gets its name from the veins of blue or green mold running through it.

It has a very sharp and salty taste.

But here’s the catch: the smell is often compared to stinky socks, which turns many people away before they even take a bite.

That powerful smell is a major hurdle for most people.

13. Cilantro

Cilantro is a leafy green herb used in many dishes, especially Mexican food.

For some people, it tastes fresh and bright. For others, it tastes just like soap.

That’s why it is one of the most debated herbs. It all depends on your genes.

A genetic trait makes cilantro taste like soap to a lot of people.

14. Oysters

Oysters are a type of shellfish often eaten raw from the shell.

They have a very slimy and slippery texture that many find hard to swallow.

I made a classic mistake by trying one without any lemon or hot sauce. The raw, sea-water taste was too much for me.

The gooey, slithery feeling is a challenge for many eaters.

15. Tofu

Tofu is made from soybeans and is a popular food for people who don’t eat meat.

On its own, many people think it tastes like nothing at all. It can also have a spongy texture.

You’re better off cooking it with lots of sauce and spices to give it flavor.

Many find it bland and squishy without a lot of help.

16. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts look like tiny green cabbages.

They have a bad reputation for being bitter and smelly, especially when they are boiled.

I made a classic mistake of boiling them once, and my whole kitchen smelled for hours. Roasting them is much better.

Bad childhood memories of bitter, mushy sprouts still haunt many adults.

17. Liver

Liver, usually from beef or chicken, is an organ meat that some people grew up eating.

But here’s the deal: it has a very strong, metallic flavor that is hard to get used to.

The texture can also be dense or even a little gritty.

Its bold, iron-like taste is too much for many people to handle.

18. Beets

Beets are a root vegetable known for their deep red color.

They have a very earthy taste. In fact, many people complain that they taste like dirt.

That’s why some people can’t stand them, no matter how they are prepared.

The “tastes like dirt” complaint is a very common one.

19. Coconut Water

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young, green coconuts.

It is sold as a healthy, natural drink to help you stay hydrated.

But here’s the catch: it doesn’t taste sweet like coconut candy. It has a slightly salty, thin flavor that many find strange.

Its unsweet, slightly savory flavor takes many by surprise.

20. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a type of fungus used in tons of recipes.

They have an earthy flavor, but the main complaint is about their texture.

When cooked, they can become slimy or rubbery, which many people dislike.

For most haters, the real problem is the slippery, squishy texture. Want me to share recipes that make them taste great?