15 Foods That People Either Love or Absolutely Hate

Food has a funny way of dividing people into two parts. Some flavors are bold, some textures are unusual, and some smells are downright polarizing. While certain foods have near-universal appeal, others seem to be either adored or despised—no middle ground there. Here are 15 foods that spark fierce debates at the dinner table.

Cilantro – Fresh Herb or Soap on a Plate?

Cilantro is a staple in many cuisines, but for some people, it tastes like soap. This isn’t just picky eating—it’s genetics. A specific gene makes certain people extra sensitive to aldehydes (it’s the compounds that give cilantro its distinct taste). While some love its fresh, citrusy punch, others can’t stand even the tiniest sprinkle.

Blue Cheese – A Funky Delight or a Rotten Nightmare?

Aged, moldy, and intensely pungent, blue cheese is an acquired taste. Fans love its sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture, but for others, the strong smell alone is enough to ruin a meal. If you’ve ever opened a container of blue cheese near someone who hates it, you’ve probably seen them recoil in horror.

Black Licorice – Sweet or Just Plain Strange?

Black licorice has a bold, slightly bitter, almost medicinal flavor that divides candy lovers. While some enjoy its deep, herbal sweetness, other people find it overpowering and unpleasant. It does not help that licorice root is also used in cough syrup—hardly the best association for a treat, isn’t it?

Olives – Salty Perfection or Too Intense?

Olives have a briny flavor that’s essential in Mediterranean cooking, but they’re not for everyone. Some people love their salty and slightly bitter taste, and they prefer to eat olives straight from the jar. Others find them too sharp, too intense, and just plain unpleasant. For the second group, olives are more like little bursts of salt they’d rather avoid (they don’t see it as snacks).

Pineapple on Pizza – A Sweet and Savory War

Few food arguments get people as fired up as this one. People who love pineapple on pizza say that they prefer the mix of sweet pineapple and savory cheese, calling it the perfect balance of flavors. Others think fruit has no business being on pizza and refuse to touch a slice. No matter which side you’re on, one thing’s for sure—this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.

Mushrooms – Earthy and Delicious or Weirdly Spongy?

Mushrooms bring a rich, umami depth to many dishes, but their texture is a deal-breaker for a majority of food lovers. Their slightly rubbery, spongy feel makes certain people squirm, while others can’t get enough of their meaty bite and deep flavor. For mushroom haters, even a tiny piece hidden in a dish is enough to ruin the whole meal.

Pickles – The Perfect Crunch or a Sour Overload?

Pickles are one of those foods you either crave or can’t stand. Some people love their crunchy, vinegary bite, and they like to pile them onto sandwiches or even drink the juice straight from the jar. Others find them way too sour and overpowering, picking them off their food the second they appear. There’s no in-between—you’re either all in or completely out.

Anchovies – Bold Flavor or Total Overkill?

Anchovies don’t do subtle—they’re salty, fishy, and almost impossible to ignore. Some people love the deep umami kick they add to pizza and pasta, while others think they completely take over the dish in the worst way. For anchovy haters, even one fillet is enough to ruin an entire meal.

Mayonnaise – Creamy Goodness or Slimy Disgust?

Mayo is a kitchen staple, but it’s also one of the most divisive condiments. Its rich, creamy texture makes sandwiches and salads extra smooth, but for those who hate it, the sight of a thick glob of mayo is enough to make their stomach turn. Some even refuse to eat anything that’s been touched by it! And it does contain too much oil.

Tofu – A Blank Canvas or a Flavorless Sponge?

Tofu fans love how it absorbs all flavors, making it a go-to for most vegetarian and Asian dishes. But for those who are anti-tofu, the texture is too soft, too mushy, or just weird. If you don’t use the right kind or amount of seasoning, it’s a bland, squishy block that doesn’t do much for the taste buds.

Coconut – A Tropical Delight or a Texture Nightmare?

Coconut adds a sweet and tropical touch to desserts and savory dishes, and lots of people want to eat it every single day. But the texture is the real problem for the “hate it” group—shredded coconut can feel dry, fibrous, and oddly chewy, making every bite a struggle. Even the flavor is divisive, with some loving its rich sweetness and others thinking it tastes more like suntan lotion.

Hard-Boiled Eggs – Protein Power or Sulfur Bomb?

Hard-boiled eggs are easy, filling, and packed with protein, but that doesn’t mean everyone loves them. The strong, sulfur-like smell is a dealbreaker for some, and the dry, crumbly yolk doesn’t help their case. While some people swear by them as a nutritious snack, others can’t get past the odor—or the texture—and avoid them whenever possible.

Durian – The King of Fruits or the Worst Smell on Earth?

Durian is famous for its sweet, custard-like flesh—but also for its overwhelming smell, which has been compared to rotten onions and sweaty socks. While fans love its rich flavor, many places have banned it from public spaces because of the intense odor. If you can get past the smell, you might love it—or you might run the other way.

Spam – A Savory Staple or Processed Horror?

Some people love Spam, especially in Hawaii and parts of Asia, where it’s a key ingredient in popular dishes. But not everyone’s convinced. The soft, slightly rubbery texture, the extreme saltiness, and the way it slides out of the can in one solid block? For plenty of people, that’s a hard pass. While fans see it as comfort food, others just can’t get past the processing.

Raisins in Cookies – A Sweet Surprise or a Betrayal?

Nothing divides cookie lovers like biting into what you think is a chocolate chip cookie—only to discover it’s full of raisins. Some enjoy their chewy sweetness, but for others, raisins ruin a perfectly good dessert. It’s not that people hate raisins in general—it’s that they just don’t belong in cookies.