Let’s be real: some of America’s iconic foods are seriously overrated. You know the ones—the foods with the “must-try” status but leave you wondering why you bothered getting them at all. We’ve all been there, and this Reddit thread inspired us to expose these 12 overrated American foods we keep pretending to love, but really…we don’t.
12. Bagels with Cream Cheese
While considered a classic, bagel with cream cheese can be pretty basic and repetitive. Come to think of it…if you try getting one bagel with cream cheese, you kind of tried them all. And because it doesn’t go beyond the basics, bagel with cream cheese can feel lackluster compared to bagels with veggies or spreads with more complex flavors.
11. Artichokes
Artichokes have their fans, and we’re not one of them. This appetizer is overhyped as a “luxury” food, but the price doesn’t match the experience and also the flavor. As one Redditor puts it, artichokes require lots of effort for the “taste of sad.” Artichokes have a slightly bitter taste and an underwhelming flavor overall. Definitely not as exciting as other veggies.
10. Clam Chowder
Clam Chowder is another American food that has a limited flavor range. The combination of potatoes, cream, and clams can feel a bit one-note, especially when compared to soups with layered flavors (hello, French onion soup). And since clam chowder is heavy and rich, it can leave you feeling sluggish or too full after finishing a bowl.
9. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is such an overhyped fall icon. The cultural obsession with all things pumpkin can make you feel like this pie is a must-have. But really, its overall flavor profile isn’t for everyone. While the pie is generally sweet, the pumpkin itself is mild and can be lost in too many spices. Some people might feel like the pie is just sugar and spice, and nothing else.
8. Matcha Latte
Ever sampled a hay from the barn? That’s matcha for one Redditor who firmly believes that its flavor is off-putting. It’s true, though, matcha can be quite bitter and doesn’t always combine well with the creaminess of a latte. While matcha has antioxidants, these can be overpowered by the added sugars mixed into the lattes served by coffee chains. That’s how they mask the bitterness of matcha.
7. Oversized Burgers
Super tall burgers are getting a bad rap, and we get it. As one Redditor quipped, any sandwich that must be taken apart to be eaten isn’t worth it. Instead of happily munching on your burger, you will inevitably get a burger salad, which is fine if you ordered a burger salad in the first place. Anything that’s oversized isn’t also ideal for a balanced diet.
6. Cronuts
While cronuts are a hybrid of two classic treats (croissant and donut), they’re not necessarily the best of both worlds. For some, the frying process is a turn-off, making the pastry too greasy. The combination of the flaky croissant dough and sugary donut can also feel overly rich, with no distinct flavor profile that justifies the hype.
5. Dragonfruit
If you tried a dragonfruit once for something different and ended up disappointed, you’re not alone. A Redditor shared about trying different kinds of dragonfruit—unripe, squishy, and in different colors—only to find out they all taste bland. And yet here we are with a growing number of dragonfruit-flavored drinks. We agree that the fruit’s color is very pretty, though.
4. White Chocolate
Ever saw a person who chose white chocolate over milk and dark chocolates? No? Us too! It’s very rare to find someone who likes white chocolate because it’s essentially just a sugary treat. It lacks the cocoa solids that define the darker variations. That’s why some people feel that it’s not truly chocolate in the traditional sense and has a one-dimensional flavor profile.
3. Kale
While kale has a reputation for being a superfood, its bitter taste and tough texture don’t appeal to everyone. Yes, you can turn kale into a smoothie, salad, or even chips, but all these require extra prep work. Raw kale? Just no. Kale is nutritious but what’s even healthier is variety. Don’t forget other great greens like broccoli, spinach, and Swiss chard.
2. Loaded Milkshakes
Loaded milkshakes are more about the Instragrammable aspect of the food than the actual balance of flavors and enjoyment. These milkshakes can also be ridiculously sweet, with all that sprinkles, candies, cookies, whipped cream, and other toppings all piled up. Getting a sip without everything falling apart is definitely a huge challenge.
1. Truffle-Flavored Anything
Foodies agree that adding truffle to any food is one way to jack up prices. And if we talk about the flavor that truffle adds, there’s nothing spectacular either. As for the smell, a restaurant worker revealed that truffle can make their whole kitchen stink; synthetic truffle oil can also have a harsher, less pleasant aroma than the actual truffles.