Nobody actively seeks to have an unhealthy diet, but the sad reality is that foods packed with fats and sugar taste better. While nutritious and delicious foods exist in abundance, many miss the mark entirely. From chewy greens to gelatinous chia seeds, changing our diets for the better can mean challenging our tastebuds. Here are 21 nutritious foods people are refusing to eat.
Tofu
Tofu is a soybean staple of Asian cuisine that’s packed with vegan protein, often making a great meat substitute. But despite its nutritious reputation, many people struggle with the texture and flavor, which can be spongy and bland. What’s more, soy is a common allergen that puts tofu firmly off the menu for many healthy eaters.
Chia Seeds
These seeds can be sprinkled atop granola or made into creamy puddings and are known for delivering a nutritious punch with minimal calories. But many people aren’t too fond of Chia seeds, regardless of how they’re presented. They develop a clear, slimy film and gelatinous texture that is offputting for many.
Brussel Sprouts
These tiny cabbages are rich in fiber and vitamin C, but they are one of the most hated veggies in the world. As it happens, there’s a scientific reason behind our love-hate relationship with Brussel sprouts. If you hate sprouts, you might have a genetic variant that makes you more sensitive to their bitterness.
Beets
The humble beet is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but that doesn’t stop would-be healthy eaters from refusing to eat them. Some enjoy their oddly sweet yet bitter flavor, while others despise the beet’s earthiness.
Tempeh
Tempeh is nutrient-rich, containing high levels of calcium and B12, but this fermented soybean product isn’t widely appreciated. Many people refuse to eat tempeh due to its texture, flavor, or price.
Durian Fruit
Known throughout Asia as the king of fruits, Durian has a mixed reputation that often precedes it. Despite its immune-boosting properties, this fruit is notorious for smelling disgusting, with some attributing the aroma to rotting flesh. This alone is enough to put most people off.
Kale
This leafy green powerhouse is known for its myriad health benefits, but not for its great taste. While dubbed as a superfood that’s filled with vitamins and minerals, many people can’t get past its bitter, earthy flavor.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a favorite of athletes and often features in weight-loss plans for its nutritiousness. But a large majority are put off by its appearance, lumpy texture, sour taste, and lactose content.
Kimchi
This traditional Korean side dish consists of fermented cabbage and is widely used as a healthy probiotic. While it’s somewhat fashionable nowadays, many people can’t get behind the fermented foods trend. Kimchi’s powerful chili hints and sour taste are enough reasons for people to refuse it.
Matcha
Originating in Japan, this vibrant green drink has a devoted following and is appearing on indie cafe menus across the country. But Matcha isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Despite being rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, the bitter seaweed flavor is an acquired taste.
Seaweed
Another staple of Asian cuisine, seaweed contains a huge array of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron. We Westerners, however, are far less likely to eat seaweed, even if we live by the coast. The slimy texture, smell of the beach, and cooking challenges prevent many people from trying seaweed.
Eggplant
Eggplant is known as a difficult vegetable to love despite its health benefits and versatility. Whether it’s creamed into Baba Ganoush, roasted, or showered with seasoning, people often can’t get beyond the bitter flavor and spongy texture.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another nutrient-dense vegetable that people find hard to embrace in their diets. No matter whether they’re smothered in butter or pulverized into a soup, the earthy flavor can be too much to bear.
Turmeric
This golden spice is hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its color and taste can be intimidating, especially to anyone used to wearing white clothes. Its signature orange color has a tendency to stain, which prevents people from adding it to dishes.
Liver
A favorite food of our grandparents’ generation, eating liver is making a comeback for its high-quality protein offerings. But an overwhelming number of people struggle to eat liver, mainly due to its unpalatable texture and strong taste.
Quinoa
This ancient grain has a reputation for being a boring addition to any meal, lacking in flavor without a dressing or dose of seasoning. Those refusing to eat quinoa are, unfortunately, missing out on numerous health benefits, including high levels of iron, magnesium, and fiber.
Sardines
When they haven’t been bathed in salt, the humble sardine is a surprisingly healthy fish, packed with omega-3 and Vitamin D. This doesn’t stop sardines from being considered offensive to many, whether it’s due to the flavor or ocean conservation concerns.
Anchovies
Known for promoting brain and heart health, anchovies are another small fish with a mighty punch of nutrition. They’re also divisive among healthy eater, with many finding their overwhelming flavor disgusting.
Okra
Known in some countries as Ladies Fingers, Okra may lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, but it isn’t widely liked. Some people have gone as far as to name it “the foulest food” they’ve ever known, repulsed by its slimy texture and strange taste.
Brown Rice
Replacing well-loved white rice with its whole-grain counterpart is a common way to lose weight and cultivate a healthier diet. Though it’s a simple food, brown rice contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any dish. But the harsh reality is that brown rice simply doesn’t taste as good as white rice. While it may be healthier, many people refuse to eat it, lamenting the bland taste and grainy texture.
Nuts and Seeds
From hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds to the larger Brazil and pecan nuts, this food class is famously healthy. And because nuts and seeds are so nutritious, they are also expensive here in the US. Many people refuse to buy them because of the high price point rather than the lack of flavor.
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