20 Overhyped Foods That Aren’t as Good as Everyone Says

Just because a food is trendy doesn’t mean it’s actually good. I’ve fallen for the hype before—shelling out way too much money for something that looked amazing on Instagram but tasted… meh. From overpriced ingredients to overrated dishes, some foods get way more love than they deserve.

These 20 so-called “must-try” foods might be flashy, famous, or even labeled as “superfoods”, but do they really live up to the hype? Some are wildly overpriced, others don’t taste nearly as good as they look, and a few are just plain disappointing.

1. Milkshakes

Milkshakes promise a creamy, dreamy delight but sometimes end up as a sugar overload. The simple blend of milk and ice cream gets weighed down with absurd toppings—think candy bars and donuts—that make it more of a dessert on steroids than a classic treat.

Though the Instagram-worthy appearance tempts many, one sip might leave you questioning the fuss. Social media has played a massive role in amplifying their presence, making it more about the visuals than the taste.

2. Super Tall Burgers

Super tall burgers look impressive but are more frustrating than satisfying. These towering creations often require unhinging your jaw or dismantling the layers just to take a bite.

While they may boast of multiple flavors, the experience can be a soggy mess of conflicting tastes. The art of burger-making gets lost in the quest for height and excess.

3. Cupcakes

They used to be the go-to treat for celebrations, but cupcakes’ allure is fading. Often touted for their cute factor, they can be a letdown in the taste department.

The towering swirl of frosting can overpower the cake, leading to a sugar high rather than a satisfying bite. Once a bakery staple, they’re now often mass-produced, losing the homemade charm.

4. Caviar

The epitome of luxury, caviar can leave many palates perplexed. While it’s revered for its status, the taste can be an acquired one. Its briny, fishy essence may not justify the exorbitant price tag for everyone.

Often served in lavish settings, caviar is more about prestige than flavor. The delicate pearls of fish roe are celebrated among connoisseurs but are not universally loved. Exploring other seafood delicacies might offer more bang for your buck.

5. Nutella

Nutella has taken the world by storm, but is it really worth the hype? This chocolate hazelnut spread is undeniably delicious, yet its nutritional value is often overlooked.

Packed with sugar and palm oil, it’s more of a dessert than a healthy snack. While its versatility is commendable—from toast to pastries—it may not be the wholesome treat it’s marketed to be.

6. Kale

Kale has been hailed as a superfood, yet its taste can be divisive. Bitter and tough, its raw form isn’t for everyone, often requiring massaging or cooking to become palatable.

While nutritionally dense, the relentless marketing as a miracle green sets unrealistic expectations. The health benefits are real, but so are those of other leafy greens.

7. Sushi

Once an exotic delicacy, sushi now saturates the dining scene. While its artful presentation captivates, not all sushi is created equal. Quality and freshness vary, influencing taste and experience.

The popularity surge means a lot of subpar sushi offerings, leaving enthusiasts skeptical. Authentic sushi relies on subtlety, not just fish on rice. Seek out reputable sushi chefs for the true experience. Sometimes, less is more, with simplicity and quality defining the real sushi delight.

8. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast took brunch menus by storm. I admit, it is visually appealing, but it’s often overpriced for what you receive—a simple dish dressed up for Instagram.

Though avocados are nutritious, the toast’s hype has elevated it to an undeserved pedestal. The trend has led to absurd variations, overshadowing its simple roots.

9. Quinoa

Quinoa’s rise to fame as a super grain brought mixed reactions. Touted for its protein content, the taste and texture can be an acquired one.

The craze sometimes overshadows other grains that are equally nutritious and flavorful. Quinoa’s slightly bitter taste and unique texture don’t appeal to everyone.

10. Acai Bowls

Acai bowls burst onto the health scene as a nutrient-packed breakfast option. Despite their visual appeal, they often come loaded with hidden sugars and calories.

The perception of a detoxifying superfood can be misleading. The acai berry’s benefits are real, but the bowls offered at cafes may not reflect this purity. Making your own allows control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more authentic acai experience.

11. Truffle Oil

The quick fix for gourmet flair, Truffle oil, often disappoints. Synthetic truffle aromas can overshadow the dish, leaving a pungent aftertaste rather than enhancing flavors.

While it’s marketed as a luxury, many products lack real truffle content, relying on aromas instead. The result is an overpowering essence that doesn’t replicate fresh truffles’ complexity. Real truffle experiences are rare and distinct; opt for these when possible.

12. Cronuts

Cronuts promised a revolutionary pastry experience but often deliver an overly sweet, greasy confection that’s more gimmick than gourmet. The combination of a croissant and donut sounds delightful yet can result in a culinary identity crisis.

The hype overshadowed the simplicity of each individual pastry, leading to a trend-driven indulgence. Many find them too rich to enjoy fully, overshadowing the expected delight.

13. Frosé

The frozen rosé wine, also known as frosé, screams summer vibes but can disappoint in flavor. Often more slush than wine, it loses the delicate notes that make rosé special.

Marketed as the chic summer drink, it leans heavily on presentation over taste. The addition of sweeteners or fruit juices further dilutes the wine experience many seek. For a refreshing summer sip, I recommend sticking to a chilled glass of rosé.

14. Edible Gold Leaf

Edible gold leaf epitomizes opulence, but does it enhance flavor? The answer is no. Used more for aesthetic appeal, the gold doesn’t contribute to taste, only to the Instagram feed.

Its use in dining is a classic case of style over substance, elevating cost without adding culinary value. Gold’s inedible nature means it passes through without benefit. If you ask me, true luxury is found in flavors and preparation, not garnishing with precious metals.

15. Activated Charcoal Foods

Activated charcoal foods gained attention for their striking appearance and supposed detox benefits. Yet, their health claims are often overstated.

The charcoal can interfere with medication absorption, which is more concerning than cleansing. While visually intriguing, the flavor profile can be lacking, overshadowed by novelty. Enjoy these foods as an occasional treat rather than a health staple.

16. Turmeric Lattes

Turmeric lattes, or golden milk, promise anti-inflammatory benefits with a vibrant color. Yet, for many, the taste is less than appealing.

The spice’s earthy flavor can be overwhelming, especially when not balanced well. The hype around its health benefits sometimes overshadows the enjoyment of a simple cup of coffee or tea.

17. Juice Cleanses

I’ll just say this: the path to wellness doesn’t have shortcuts. Juice cleanses claim to detoxify, but often they strip away more than just toxins. The lack of fiber and essential nutrients during such diets can do more harm than good.

Often marketed with promises of quick results, they can lead to short-lived benefits and long-term disappointments. The high sugar content of some juices further contradicts their health claims. A balanced diet with whole foods offers more sustainable health improvements.

18. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats emerged as a convenient breakfast solution but can fall short on excitement. The texture, often mushy, doesn’t appeal to everyone and can feel more like a chore than a treat.

While they save time, the taste might not justify the compromise. The internet’s love affair with overnight oats sometimes overshadows other satisfying breakfast options.

19. Matcha-Flavored Products

Today we infuse everything in matcha. Matcha-flavored products swept the globe, but are they all that? The distinct earthy bitterness of matcha doesn’t always translate well in mass-produced goods.

Oftentimes, what’s sold as matcha is heavily sweetened, losing the tea’s authentic charm. The allure of matcha can sometimes be more about the trend than the taste.Seek out quality matcha and traditional preparations for a true experience.

20. Hákarl

Hákarl is an Icelandic delicacy, but its infamous taste can be challenging. The fermentation process gives it a strong ammonia aroma, often described as an acquired taste.

While it holds cultural significance, the flavor can be polarizing for those unfamiliar. It’s a rite of passage for adventurous eaters but not necessarily an enjoyable one.