15 Popular Foods People Pretend to Enjoy More Than They Do and Why We All Do It
Some foods seem to be everywhere—on menus, in recipes, and splashed across social media. While they get a lot of hype, not everyone genuinely enjoys them as much as they claim.
It’s easy to feel pressured into pretending you like these foods, whether for tradition, trends, or fitting in.
This article explores some popular foods people often feel pressured to enjoy, even if their real feelings don’t match the buzz.
Kale
Kale is often hailed as a superfood, making it feel like a must-eat. It’s packed with nutrients and appears in countless health-focused recipes.
But its bitter, tough texture can make it more of a chore to eat than a treat. Many people add kale to smoothies or salads just because it’s trendy, not because they actually enjoy the taste.
Growing kale can be tricky, and some gardeners avoid it after one try. The leaves can be too coarse or bitter, which often leads to people pretending to like it more than they do.
If you want to give kale a chance, try cooking it differently—massage it in salad, sauté with garlic, or blend it well in a smoothie. For more on why people pretend to like kale, you can check out this article on foods people pretend to love.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has become a staple on many menus and social feeds. You might find yourself ordering it because it’s trendy or seen as healthy.
But not everyone loves its texture or flavor as much as the hype suggests. The creamy avocado combined with toasted bread can come off bland or oily to some.
Many people feel pressure to say they love avocado toast even if it doesn’t excite their palate. You can always customize it with toppings to better suit your taste or simply skip it if it’s not your thing.
For more on why avocado toast is one of the foods many find overrated, see this article on 15 foods that are totally overrated.
Quinoa
If you’ve jumped on the health trend, quinoa might feel like a must-have in your diet. It’s often praised for being a “superfood” that’s packed with protein and nutrients.
Quinoa can be pretty bland or even gritty if not cooked right. You might find yourself pretending to enjoy it just because everyone says it’s good for you.
Its rising popularity also made it more expensive, which can be frustrating when you don’t love the taste that much. Sometimes, there are cheaper, tastier grains out there that don’t get nearly as much attention.
You can always explore other options that fit your taste better while still being nutritious. For more insights on this, check out 10 Overrated Foods People Are Pretending to Enjoy.
Sushi
Sushi pops up everywhere as a trendy food choice. People often say they love sushi because it’s seen as sophisticated and healthy.
Sometimes, you might find yourself pretending to enjoy it just to fit in or seem worldly. Sushi carries a social appeal that goes beyond taste alone.
The unique flavors and textures can be an acquired taste. If you’re not a fan of raw fish or seaweed, that’s completely normal.
If you want to be honest with yourself, it’s okay not to love every food trend, even sushi. Your taste buds should guide what you truly enjoy.
Brussels Sprouts
You might have heard many people say they love Brussels sprouts, but a lot of folks only pretend. These small, green veggies often get a bad rap for their bitter taste.
Over the years, farmers have bred less bitter varieties, making Brussels sprouts more enjoyable to more people. Roasting them is one of the best ways to bring out their natural sweetness.
Still, even with these improvements, social pressure can make you feel like you’re supposed to like them more than you actually do. It’s common to see people join the Brussels sprouts fan club just to fit in or follow food trends.
If your taste buds don’t totally agree, that’s okay. You don’t have to force liking something that’s just not your thing.
Stinky Tofu
If you’ve ever heard about stinky tofu, you might wonder why anyone would eat something that smells so strong. The odor can be intense and off-putting, often compared to raw sewage or something spoiled.
When you taste it, the flavor is quite different from the smell. It’s usually fermented and deep-fried, giving it a crispy outside and a softer inside.
Trying stinky tofu can be a challenge, especially if you are not used to fermented foods. Some people say it tastes better once you get past the smell.
You don’t have to pretend to love it if you don’t enjoy the experience. Many admit to finding the smell unbearable even though the food is popular in some cultures and street markets.
Pickled Herring
Pickled herring is a classic dish in many cultures, especially around the holidays. You might find yourself trying it to join in on family traditions or to seem adventurous with your food choices.
The tangy, vinegary flavor combined with a strong fish taste can be challenging if you’re not used to it. Many people pretend to like it because of its cultural significance or social expectations.
If you’re honest with yourself, pickled herring isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to love it just because it’s popular or considered a delicacy in some circles.
For those curious about it, eating pickled herring can be more about the experience than actually loving the flavor. This is a case where a food’s reputation sometimes outshines how much people genuinely enjoy it.
Artisanal Cheese
You might find yourself nodding along when someone praises artisanal cheese, even if you’re not totally sure why. Its complex flavors can be a bit overwhelming at first bite.
People often say they love it because it sounds fancy or because it’s popular in foodie circles. Sometimes, you may actually like the idea of artisanal cheese more than the taste.
The strong, sometimes pungent aroma isn’t for everyone, and some varieties have a texture that feels unusual if you’re used to milder cheeses. It’s common to pretend to enjoy artisanal cheese to fit in at social gatherings or appear sophisticated.
But in reality, many people find themselves sticking to simpler, creamier cheeses behind closed doors. If you’re curious, it’s worth trying different kinds slowly, at your own pace.
You might find a few flavors that do appeal to you without feeling pressured to like all of them.
Matcha Latte
Matcha lattes have become a staple at coffee shops everywhere. Their vibrant green color makes them incredibly Instagram-worthy, which is part of why they’re so popular.
But liking the look and hype doesn’t always match up with enjoying the taste. Traditional matcha has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that some people find hard to love.
If you’re new to matcha lattes, you might find the taste a bit grassy or earthy, especially compared to sweeter drinks you’re used to. Many people pretend to enjoy it just to keep up with the trend or because it’s seen as a healthy choice.
There’s a difference between traditional matcha and the sweeter, creamier versions you get in cafés. The latter is often more palatable but still may not win over every palate.
For a better experience, try pairing matcha with foods that balance its flavor. For more on matcha and its appeal, you can check out this discussion about people who like matcha.
Kombucha
Kombucha seems to be everywhere lately, from coffee shops to grocery store shelves. It’s often praised for its health benefits and trendy probiotic content.
But if you’re honest, you might find the taste a bit strange. Kombucha has a tangy, slightly vinegary flavor that can be off-putting at first.
Many people drink it because it feels good to be healthy, not necessarily because they love the taste. You might feel like you should enjoy it, thanks to its popularity, but secretly, you’re just getting used to the buzz.
If you’re new to kombucha, trying different brands or flavors might help. Some are sweeter or milder, which can make the experience more enjoyable.
Still, you’re not alone if you only pretend to enjoy kombucha. For more on foods people pretend to enjoy, check out 10 Foods Everyone Secretly Pretends to Like In Public.
Greek Yogurt
You might find yourself reaching for Greek yogurt because it’s hailed as a health superstar. It’s packed with protein and probiotics, which can be good for your digestion and immune system.
Still, not everyone truly enjoys its tangy and thick texture. Sometimes, people eat it just to keep up with health trends or because it feels like the “right” choice.
Many pretend to like it straight from the cup but prefer it with added flavors or mixed into recipes. Trying different ways to enjoy Greek yogurt might help you appreciate it more.
You can blend it into smoothies, use it as a creamy base for dips, or add it to savory dishes. For some, the appeal of Greek yogurt is more about the image than the flavor itself.
Learn more about how people pretend to enjoy Greek yogurt at 15 Savory Ideas to Eat Greek Yogurt.
Raw Kale Salad
Raw kale salad is often seen as a healthy choice. You might find yourself ordering it or making it at home to feel like you’re eating clean.
But many people don’t actually enjoy the taste or texture. Kale leaves can be tough and bitter, which can make the salad less enjoyable.
You might find yourself adding lots of dressing or toppings just to make it palatable. This is common for those who feel obligated to eat kale because of its reputation.
If you want to enjoy raw kale salad, try massaging the leaves with a bit of oil and lemon juice first. This softens the texture and reduces bitterness.
Even then, it might take some getting used to before it becomes a favorite. If you dislike it, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of other greens to try instead.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is often seen as a healthy breakfast staple. It’s packed with fiber and can keep you full for hours.
But let’s be honest—many people don’t actually enjoy the taste or texture. It can be bland or mushy, especially if you stick to plain oatmeal.
You might add sugar, fruit, or nuts to make it better, but sometimes it feels like you’re only eating it because you “should.” The truth is, it’s more about habit or health goals than pure enjoyment.
Some also eat it because it’s trendy. You see it featured in wellness posts everywhere, which makes it feel like you have to like it.
Yet plenty of people secretly prefer other breakfasts. If oatmeal isn’t your favorite, that’s okay.
You don’t have to pretend to love it just because it’s popular or healthy.
Cream Tea Scones
A traditional cream tea scone is often dry and crumbly. These scones sometimes need a generous spread of jam and clotted cream to bring out any real flavor.
You might find yourself pretending to enjoy them for the sake of tradition or the afternoon tea experience. They’re considered a classic accompaniment, but their texture isn’t always the most appealing on its own.
If you’re new to cream tea scones, it’s worth trying them with plenty of toppings. You’re not alone if you reach for jam and cream just to make them interesting.
Tofu
Tofu is often praised by those seeking healthy or plant-based options. You might find yourself telling friends you enjoy it, even if the texture or bland flavor doesn’t really do much for you.
It’s true that tofu absorbs flavors well. If it isn’t prepared with care, it can end up tasting plain or rubbery.
Sometimes, people pretend to like it because it’s associated with health benefits or environmental choices rather than pure taste. If you’re honest, you might admit that tofu can feel like a culinary challenge rather than a favorite meal.
For more about foods people often pretend to enjoy, see 15 Foods People Secretly Dislike but Pretend to Love.
