Everyone loves to hear about the latest food trends that are taking over Instagram feeds and gourmet menus, but sometimes the reality doesn’t quite match the hype. Let’s take a look at some cult-favorite foods that have people divided. From the health-food heroes to the must-try desserts, these trendy eats might not be worth the accolades—or the price tag.
Kale Chips
Touted as a healthier snack option, kale chips are often criticized for their lack of flavor and the fact that they can’t quite match the satisfying crunch of regular potato chips. If you find them bland and a bit disappointing, you’re not alone.
Truffle Oil
Truffle oil is added to dishes to bring a luxury feel, but it can actually overpower food with a synthetic taste that doesn’t quite capture the subtle elegance of real truffles. The argument is usually that it’s more hype than substance. A little also goes a long way and restaurants seem to not know limits.
Boba Tea
Popular worldwide, especially among younger crowds, boba tea can be a hit or miss. The chewy tapioca pearls aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and the sweetness level can sometimes be too much. If you have texture issues with foods, you’ll probably want to stay away from this one.
Avocado Toast
A simple concept—avocado on bread—has become a staple in trendy cafes, often with a hefty price tag. While it’s enjoyed by many, some can’t help but wonder why it costs so much for something so simple to make at home.
Craft Beer
Craft beer enthusiasts love the unique flavors, but for some, these beers are just too bitter or overly complicated. It’s a booming industry, but not everyone wants in on it and thinks the IPA craze has gone a bit too far.
Açaí Bowls
Açaí bowls are packed with nutrients, but they’ve been knocked for being pricey and sometimes too sweet. They’re a hit in the health community but might not be worth the hype for everyone. If you’re not careful with toppings, a simple bowl meant to be healthy can take up an entire day’s worth of calories, too!
Matcha
Matcha is everywhere—from lattes to desserts. Its health benefits are impressive, but the strong, grassy flavor isn’t for everybody. Many, including myself, find it hard to enjoy, despite its popularity.
Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice, the honorary flavor of fall, shows up in everything from coffee to cookies. It has its loyal fans, but others feel it’s overused and too cloying, overshadowing the natural flavors of food. Half the time there’s not even real pumpkin involved, it’s just overly sugary syrups flavored with spices. The hype is way overblown.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood that’s gotten a lot of attention for its health benefits. But not everyone is a fan of its nutty texture and earthy taste, which can be a letdown in dishes where it replaces rice or pasta.
Sushi
Sushi is a favorite for many around the globe, but it definitely isn’t for everyone. The idea of eating raw fish turns some people off, and they don’t find it appealing, regardless of its acclaim. Plus, there’s always the parasite concern with raw fish. Is it really worth the hype?
Coconut Water
Marketed as a hydrating miracle drink, coconut water has surged in popularity. However, its flavor is often described as an acquired taste that many find unpleasantly sweet and nutty. Flavored coconut waters fare a bit better in popularity. The key to enjoying this popular item is to drink it chilled with lots of ice.
Kombucha
Kombucha has been praised for its probiotic benefits, but not everyone is on board with its vinegary tang and fizzy texture. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of drink that doesn’t always convince the skeptics.
Cronuts
A hybrid of a croissant and a doughnut, the cronut burst onto the food scene with much fanfare. However, some find that it doesn’t quite live up to the hype, describing it as overly greasy and not as flavorful as expected.
Not A Fan Of Kale? Here Are 10 Nutritious Leafy Greens To Enjoy Instead
If kale’s not your thing, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the world of leafy greens is vast and varied. From the peppery punch of arugula to the robust bitterness of collard greens, there’s a whole spectrum of flavors and textures to explore. These greens add a splash of color and a burst of nutrients to your meals but can also be great substitutes in any recipe calling for kale.
Read it Here: Not A Fan Of Kale? Here Are 10 Nutritious Leafy Greens To Enjoy Instead
13 Of The Most Nutrient-Dense Foods You Can And Should Be Eating
When it comes to eating, we’ve all got a “calorie budget,” but let’s be honest, some of us are better at managing it than others. If you want to make the most of what you’re eating, you have to be diligent about investing those calories in the right places and getting the best bang for your buck with the foods you choose. Here are 13 of the most nutrient dense foods available. They give you the most nutritional value per bite and are what you should be focusing on when you load up your plate each day to maximize your health span.
Read it Here: 13 Of The Most Nutrient-Dense Foods You Can And Should Be Eating
12 Foods Containing The Most Pesticides That You Should Buy Organic
It turns out that the crunch of an apple or the sweetness of strawberries might come with an unwanted extra: pesticides. These chemicals, aimed at keeping pests and diseases at bay, tend to linger more on some fruits and veggies than others. Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists the “dirtiest,” most heavily sprayed foods. Here’s what to avoid this year or choose their organic counterparts.
Read it Here: 12 Foods Containing The Most Pesticides That You Should Buy Organic
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
