Picky eaters aside, there are plenty of polarizing foods out there that don’t appeal to people. And, interestingly enough, those very same foods are some other people’s favorites. We’re talking about foods with zero in-between: You either love them, or you can’t stand the sight (let alone the taste) of them. Here are eight of the most prevalent polarizing foods that have both a fan base and a cadre of haters.
1. Fruitcake
This stuff is in countless Christmas movies and cartoons. It pops up in grocery stores around the holidays every year. But who is buying and eating this? We the people want to know. We’re just saying, the shelf chock-full of these at the store doesn’t seem to dwindle too quickly.
2. Anchovies
There are people who love these slimy suckers on pizza. There are people who will even eat them right out of the tin. And then there are those who would prefer to not even hear that they’re a main ingredient in Caesar dressing. There is no in between.
3. Oysters
You might enjoy the feeling of luxury when eating a plate of oysters before a good surf and turf dinner. Or maybe you think eating oysters is akin to slurping snot out of a shell. This one isn’t a food many are “meh” about.
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4. Black Licorice
Black licorice has such a strong and distinct flavor that there are only two reactions when taking a bite: “Blech!” or “Yum!” It’s probably the most divisive candy in existence.
Related: I Tried All of Trader Joe’s Gummy Candy, and the Best Rivals Sour Patch Kids
5. Beets
The rise of the Greek salad has given beets a better rep than they once had, but there are still plenty of naysayers who refuse to eat (or even try!) them. There are plenty of ways to use their juices in cooking though, including as a substitute for red food dye.
Related: The Surprising Side Effects of Eating Beets, According to Science
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6. Candy Corn
If black licorice causes the most uproar and debate in the candy world, candy corn is hot on its heels. This stuff has a cult-like following on one end and a plethora of picketers plotting its downfall on the other.
Related: The Most Unnecessary Flavors From Classic Food Brands
7. Blue Cheese
Pungent and bursting with a flavor profile that is entirely its own, there is no way to choke down blue cheese if you don’t like it. Its flavor is so prominent that you’re either the president of its fan club or the one behind the petition to do away with the cheese for good.
Related: The Best Trader Joe’s Cheeses, According to a Professional Cheesemonger
8. Cilantro
Cilantro was dealt an unfair deck. Some people really enjoy its strong taste, while others are literally genetically wired to not like it because, to their tastebuds, it registers as soapy-tasting. This herb is one of the culinary world’s strangest anomalies.
