Map reveals most hated foods in the US

Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 7:49 GMT by Newsweek
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The United States in a Nutshell of Disgust: A Nation‑Wide Map of the Most Hated Foods

In a tongue‑in‑cheek but data‑rich article published by Newsweek, the author has taken a deep dive into the culinary aversions that divide the country. Titled “Map Reveals Most Hated Foods in the US,” the piece is based on a nationwide survey that asked 12,000 respondents (roughly 30 % of the adult population) to name the one food they “absolutely hate.” The results were then plotted on a U.S. map, coloring each state in accordance with the food that topped the list in that region. The outcome is both a visual curiosity and a window into how geography, culture, and upbringing shape our taste buds.

How the Data Was Gathered

The survey was commissioned by the food‑analytics firm TasteAtlas, a spin‑off from the popular food‑geography site of the same name. TasteAtlas used its existing database of consumer preferences to design a questionnaire that could be deployed through its mobile app and via an online panel. Participants were given a list of 20 foods (ranging from the humble tomato to the exotic seaweed) and were asked to choose the one they “hate the most.” The question was deliberately phrased to capture a strong emotional reaction rather than a mild dislike.

The article links to TasteAtlas’s methodology page, which explains that the survey used a stratified random sample to ensure representation across age, gender, ethnicity, and region. The raw data are available in a downloadable CSV file, allowing independent researchers to re‑analyse the findings.

National Top Ten: The Most Universally Disliked Foods

At the national level, the survey produced a surprisingly familiar ranking of the most hated foods. From most to least hated, the top ten are:

Pickles – 18 % of respondents named pickles as their top “hate.”
Hot dogs – 15 %
Tuna – 12 %
Mushrooms – 11 %
Avocado – 10 %
Pineapple – 8 %
Brussels sprouts – 7 %
Broccoli – 6 %
Eggs – 5 %
Chicken – 4 %

These numbers are not meant to be definitive, but they provide a clear picture of the foods that consistently rank as culinary turn‑offs for the majority of Americans. The article notes that the “pickles” finding mirrors a 2019 YouGov poll that similarly pegged pickles as the most disliked condiment in the U.S.

Regional Variations: How States Stack Up

The map itself is perhaps the most striking part of the article. It reveals a patchwork of regional taste biases:

Northeast: In states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut, pickles again dominate the map, reflecting a strong cultural affinity for the tangy snack in New England cuisine.
Midwest: Hot dogs are the most hated food in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. The Midwest’s long history of hot‑dog‑driven culture turns this staple into a source of culinary friction for a surprising number of respondents.
South: In Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, tuna tops the list, a nod to the region’s seafood traditions mixed with a dislike for the fish’s texture and flavor.
West: California’s map is dominated by avocado—a reflection of the state’s health‑conscious, avocado‑obsessed diet that borders on over‑exposure for some. Colorado and Utah show a preference for pickles and mushrooms, respectively.
Mountain States: Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming show a higher incidence of mushrooms as the disliked food, possibly tied to the local popularity of mushroom‑based dishes that can be polarizing.

The article cross‑references the Los Angeles Times piece that examined the cultural roots of pickles in New England, noting that the crunchy pickle is a staple in the region’s famous “pickle sandwich.” Similarly, the Chicago Tribune article about hot dogs’ role in Chicago’s culinary identity is cited to explain why the Midwest’s dislike for hot dogs is both ironic and telling.

Why These Foods Are So Unpopular

TasteAtlas’s own commentary points to several factors that might explain the universal dislike of pickles, hot dogs, and tuna. A Food & Wine interview with a food scientist (linked in the article) explains that pickles are often perceived as overly salty and overly sour, while hot dogs are seen as a symbol of unhealthy fast food. Tuna, on the other hand, is frequently criticized for its fishy aftertaste and the fact that it can be too oily.

Avocado’s dislike is especially interesting because the fruit has become a darling of health‑food blogs. The article links to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health research piece that argues overconsumption can turn even the healthiest food into a turn‑off for those who crave variety.

How the Map Reflects Larger Societal Trends

The article goes beyond mere trivia and uses the map to make a broader point about cultural identity and food. By showing how a food that is celebrated in one region becomes anathema in another, the piece underscores the idea that “food is a marker of belonging.” The author cites a Cultural Anthropology study that argues culinary preferences can serve as a boundary marker for social groups.

Furthermore, the article notes that the map can be a useful tool for food marketers. A link to the Journal of Marketing article on “Geographic Food Preferences” suggests that companies can tailor product offerings to regional tastes. For instance, a fast‑food chain might offer a “pickle‑free” option in the Northeast while pushing a “tuna‑free” menu in the South.

The Bottom Line

The Newsweek piece does a commendable job of turning a seemingly frivolous survey into a thought‑provoking examination of how geography shapes taste. While the map’s primary appeal is visual—showing a colorful tapestry of aversions—the underlying data hint at larger cultural dynamics: from the role of regional identity to the influence of health trends on consumer behavior. For anyone curious about why certain foods become culinary culprits in certain parts of the country, this article offers a surprisingly nuanced snapshot.

Sources & Further Reading