What Does it Mean for A Food to Be “Underrated”? What Foods do Americans Think Are Underrated?

In the vast world of food, some dishes get all the attention while others sit quietly in the background, waiting for their time to shine. But what makes a food “underrated” or “overrated”? While “overrated” foods are often hyped beyond their true value, “underrated” foods are those hidden gems that bring surprising flavor, nutrition, or versatility without the recognition they deserve. According to recent surveys and data, there’s a clear divide in the foods Americans tend to love, ignore, or simply take for granted. Let’s dive into the world of underrated and overrated foods—and why some should get more attention while others deserve a little less.

Overrated Foods: The Crowd Pleasers That Could Use a Break

Certain foods enjoy cult-like popularity, but surveys show that not everyone is on board. Avocado toast, for example, took the top spot as an overrated food in a 2023 survey by YouGov. While it’s hard to deny the appeal of creamy avocado on crusty bread, many argue it’s not worth the hype (or the price). The same goes for truffle oil, another ingredient that has made its way into everything from fries to mac and cheese, yet tends to overpower dishes with its intense aroma. Other frequent offenders include cupcakes and bacon-wrapped anything, which, according to survey data, have become predictable crowd-pleasers that some people feel are overused and overplayed.

What It Means for Food to Be ‘Underrated’

When it comes to underrated foods, these are often items with rich flavors, health benefits, or incredible versatility that somehow don’t capture the spotlight. Often overlooked in favor of trendier options, underrated foods can be budget-friendly, nutrient-dense, and highly adaptable in the kitchen. Being “underrated” doesn’t mean these foods are unpopular; it simply means they deserve a bit more love. A 2024 poll from the International Food Information Council highlighted foods that nutritionists and food enthusiasts feel are unjustly ignored, making a strong case for bringing these hidden gems to the forefront of our diets.

Underrated Foods That Deserve More Recognition

Sweet potatoes, for instance, are packed with nutrients, offering a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, yet they’re often sidelined in favor of regular potatoes. Similarly, lentils, an affordable source of protein, are incredibly versatile in soups, salads, and even burgers, but are often overlooked. A recent survey by YouGov found that mushrooms, too, are highly underrated, especially with their umami-rich flavor that can elevate a range of dishes. Brussels sprouts, once maligned, are now on the upswing but still fly under the radar compared to other trendy greens like kale. The takeaway? These foods might lack the flashy marketing of their overrated counterparts, but they pack serious benefits and flavor.

What Surveys Reveal About Our Food Preferences

According to the 2023 YouGov survey, many Americans are beginning to recognize the benefits of more underrated foods, but the allure of trendy or “comfort” foods remains strong. While truffle oil and bacon have strong opponents, foods like oatmeal and yogurt were ranked as deserving more appreciation for their health benefits and versatility. It seems that foods commonly seen as “basic” or “old-fashioned” might be prime candidates for a popularity boost, especially as people look for healthy, accessible options that don’t break the bank.

Why We Overlook Certain Foods—and How to Give Them a Chance

Part of the reason certain foods go underappreciated is that they lack the “Instagram appeal” of more visual or exotic options. For instance, while oatmeal might not be the flashiest breakfast, its versatility and nutrition make it a worthy addition to any diet. By expanding our focus beyond the trend-driven hype, we can discover foods that may surprise us with their rich flavors and adaptability. Embracing foods like cauliflower, which can transform into anything from rice to pizza crust, or giving eggplant a chance to shine in dishes beyond eggplant Parmesan, can help bring these underrated options the attention they deserve.