Over the past decade, we’ve seen countless food trends come and go, some more memorable than others. While some lived up to the hype, others were just overrated fads that quickly lost their appeal. From rainbow foods to juice cleanses, these trends often focused more on looks than taste or health benefits. Here are some of the food trends that we think were seriously overrated.

A person takes a photo of a variety of colorful foods arranged on a blue table using a smartphone.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
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Avocado Toast

Two slices of toasted bread topped with mashed avocado on a kitchen counter, surrounded by various food containers.
Photo credit: Pexels.

Once hailed as the ultimate breakfast, this simple dish of mashed avocado on toast became overly hyped and overpriced, losing its original charm and novelty.

Activated Charcoal

A small bowl of water on charcoal pieces with a delicate pink flower next to it.
Photo credit: YayImages.

Promoted for its supposed detox benefits, activated charcoal found its way into everything from ice cream to lemonade, despite questionable health claims and odd taste.

Rainbow Foods

A colorful bagel with rainbow sprinkles and a cream cheese filling rests on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Eye-catching and Instagram-worthy, rainbow-colored foods like bagels and grilled cheese focused more on aesthetics than taste, making them more style over substance.

Unicorn Frappuccino

A colorful layered drink in a clear plastic cup, topped with whipped cream and a unicorn horn and ears decoration, set against a blurred background.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

Starbucks’ limited-time colorful drink became a social media sensation, but its sugary, artificial flavor left many unimpressed and questioning its appeal beyond the visuals.

Kale Everything

Fresh chopped kale in wooden bowls with garlic and other ingredients in the background
Photo credit: YayImages.

From salads to smoothies, kale was touted as a superfood miracle. However, its bitter taste and tough texture led many to wonder if it was worth the hype.

Turmeric Lattes

Tumeric powder and leaves on a dark background.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Also known as golden milk, this drink promised anti-inflammatory benefits. Despite its bright color and health claims, the strong, earthy flavor didn’t win over everyone.

Coconut Everything

Coconut oil in a jar on a wooden table.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.com

Coconut oil, water, and snacks were marketed as health wonders. While versatile, the coconut craze often overlooked the high calorie and saturated fat content of some products.

Juice Cleanses

Four bottles of colorful smoothies in a row against a light background.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Touted for weight loss and detox, juice cleanses became a fad despite lacking scientific backing and often leading to nutrient deficiencies and hunger pangs.

Acai Bowls

Overhead view of colorful smoothie bowls garnished with slices of kiwi, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and granola.
Photo Credit: Yayimages.

These vibrant smoothie bowls with acai berries were praised for their antioxidants. However, the high sugar content and calorie-laden toppings made them less healthy than perceived.

Matcha Everything

Green tea ice cream in a bowl with mint leaves.
Matcha Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Matcha found its way into lattes, desserts, and even savory dishes. While it has health benefits, the intense, sometimes bitter flavor wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Sriracha on Everything

A white bowl filled with red hot sauce, with a green-tipped bottle dispensing more sauce into it.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

The spicy sauce became a staple condiment, used on almost any dish imaginable. The trend often masked flavors rather than complementing them, leading to sriracha fatigue.

13 Cult-Favorite Foods That Don’t Live Up To The Hype

A chocolate-glazed, crumble-topped pastry, iconic among New York City foods, on a piece of parchment paper.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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.

Read it Here: 13 Cult-Favorite Foods That Don’t Live Up To The Hype

12 Ways You’re Annoying The Barista Without Even Knowing It

A person preparing a cup of coffee using an espresso machine.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Are you accidentally annoying your barista? Many of us commit small blunders at the coffee shop without even realizing they’re faux pas. This guide will walk you through 12 unexpected ways you might be frustrating the person behind the counter, so you can enjoy smoother visits and better brews.

Read it Here: 12 Ways You’re Annoying The Barista Without Even Knowing It

Select images provided by Depositphotos.

Founder and Writer at  | About

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.

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