Keeping it Complicated
If you find yourself adhering to some of the weird quirks and rules on this list, then you’re probably a picky eater. Whether you avoid certain foods, or have strange rituals that dictate your habits, here are 10 of the oddest food behaviors out there.
1. Only eating specific brands of food
It’s okay to have a favorite snack or brand of food. If you only like that and never want to try similar products, that might mean you are a picky eater. Sometimes we get hypnotized by one thing and are likely to miss out on some great other brands.
2. Refusing to eat onions
If you refuse to have even a sprinkle of onions in or on your food, many people might think that’s very weird. Onions are many people’s favorite topping or side. Refusing to eat them, even if there’s a minimal amount in the dish, probably means you are a very picky eater.
3. Avoiding food from the freezer
If you absolutely refuse to eat anything that comes out of the freezer, you might be missing out on some great dishes, as well as not saving your money. Freezing food is a great way of prolonging its expiration date. Not even wanting to give anything that was previously frozen a try is a sign that you are a picky eater.
4. Refusing to eat leftovers
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, signs that you are a picky eater is refusing leftovers. From sandwiches, soups, and casseroles to even cake, there are many things we buy or make more of than we will eat in one sitting. It shows instantly that you are a very picky and particular eater.
5. Never eating soup
Soups are great for many things: they are warm, make our tummy feel great, and we eat them when we feel a bit ill. Refusing to eat or even try soup is a clear sign of a picky eater. Soups are packed with amazing flavors, which picky eaters are missing out on.
6. Disliking any form of salads
Salads are an amazing side or even a main dish if you are on a specific diet. Refusing to eat them in any way, shape, or form could brand you as a picky eater. With many possibilities in the salad world, there is probably a combination even the most passionate salad haters should give a go.
7. Being very specific about sauce quantity
If you are being very specific about how much sauce you should put on something, you might be a picky eater. Whether it’s too much or too little, sauce is a great way of enhancing the dish. You might want to try putting the sauce on the side as a first step.
8. Using the same spices for all food
There are hundreds and hundreds of different spices available to us today. It can be very boring using the same ones for every single dish. By sticking to your salt and pepper, you are likely missing out on a plethora of flavors out there.
9. Overcooking your food
Some things need to be cooked, others can be eaten raw, but stuff like steaks, for instance, are arguably better when cooked to a specific temperature. If you like everything cooked for half an hour longer than the recipe asks for, you might be a very picky eater. Liking your steaks well-done is fine; it’s okay to be wrong.
10. Disliking soft foods
Soft foods, such as bananas, mashed potatoes, avocados, or even pudding, are some people’s favorite foods and ingredients. If you don’t like anything mushy or soft as your meal, it could be a preference, or it could mean you are picky. If you want to give something softer a try, try making a chocolate pudding with crushed-up bits of cookies and cream for texture. You’re welcome.
11. Refusing to eat bruised fruits and veggies
Bruised fruits and veggies do not mean they are bad or rotten. A bruise happens when they are being picked or packed for shipping. Refusing to even cut the bruised part off and use the rest of it is a definite sign of a picky eater.
12. Only eating fries if they are perfectly crispy
Fries are many people's favorite food. They are crunchy, salty, and crispy. If they are just a bit less crispy than you’d prefer, and you absolutely will not eat them this way, you are definitely a picky eater.
13. Avoiding foods that are too juicy
Foods that are juicy, such as watermelons, milk cakes, or even a nice braised brisket, are mouthwatering to many. If you don’t like them, however, it shows that you are a picky eater. You might be missing out on a variety of amazing flavors by refusing to try them.
14. Refusing to eat reheated food
There are many frozen aisle foods that people love. Whether it’s a full meal, leftovers from yesterday's dinner, or just a backup frozen dish for a lazy evening, there are many options to choose from. Refusing to reheat and eat them can be wasteful, and it also shows your pickiness.
15. Only ordering out
Cooking at home is a very rewarding feeling. If you order out exclusively, not only are you wasting money, but you might come across as a picky eater. With an infinite number of recipes available online, there’s absolutely no harm in trying to whip something up yourself.
16. Never trying anything new
Having a favorite food is great and absolutely expected. If you only stick to your favorite things while never wanting to try anything, you are probably a bit pickier than others. There are so many dishes from different cultures and cuisines; it would be a shame to not want to try anything new.
17. Disliking raw fruits and vegetables
Raw fruits and vegetables are the absolute best way to get the most vitamins and nutrients into your body. Refusing to eat them altogether can be a sign that you are picky when it comes to your foods. Try making a fresh fruit salad with a French vanilla whipped cream topping—it might change your mind.
18. Refusing to eat desserts with fruit in them
If you absolutely love desserts but cannot stand fruits on them, even as a garnish, you might be one of the most picky eaters out there. Fruits add a nice freshness and vibrancy to the dessert, enhancing it visually and texturally. Give it a go; you might actually come to enjoy it.
19. Only liking basic ice cream flavors
Ice cream is an amazing dessert, especially when used in something like bananas foster or a baked Alaska. If you are only sticking to your basic flavors, you are definitely missing out. With flavors such as pistachio, rocky road, matcha, blue sky, and so many more, it would be a shame to be picky and not try them.
20. Refusing to try foods with exotic-sounding names
With the internet at our disposal, it has never been easier to cook or order absolutely anything you can think of. Some people are a bit picky when it comes to trying a new food that they don’t know the name of. It can be very easy to find out by asking or googling it, though, if you want to expand your palate.