Ever wondered what foods spark outrage across the country? The food each state can’t stand to eat in America reveals surprising culinary dislikes that locals can’t stomach, even in food‑loving states.
From olives that offend Southern taste buds to anchovies rejected in the Midwest and turkey bacon snubbed out West, these least‑loved foods say a lot about regional flavors and food traditions.
Based on data and cultural insights, this list highlights what each state truly avoids on their plates. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, discover why some foods get the cold shoulder from coast to coast.
1. Alabama – Beets
In Alabama, locals have no love for beets. Even the famous Alabama white BBQ sauce can’t hide the earthy, sometimes bitter taste of this root vegetable.
Residents much prefer hearty Southern classics like fried chicken, collard greens, or banana pudding over a bowl of beets. Dwight Schrute fans beware, beets just aren’t welcome at most Alabama tables.
2. Alaska – Turkey Bacon
For Alaskans, turkey bacon simply doesn’t cut it. In a state famous for hunting, fishing, and fresh meats, turkey’s poultry substitute can’t match the richness of real pork bacon.
Locals see it as missing the smoky flavor and satisfying crunch they love, leaving turkey bacon at the bottom of Alaska’s food preference list.
3. Arizona – Beets
Earthy and slightly sweet, beets don’t pair well with Arizona’s love for bold and spicy Southwestern cuisine.
Residents prefer vibrant salsas, tangy lime, and fresh chili peppers over this humble root. It’s no surprise that beets rank as Arizona’s most disliked food, often considered bland and out of place next to tacos and enchiladas.
4. Arkansas – Anchovies
Tiny, salty, and fishy, anchovies don’t win hearts in Arkansas. Locals famously avoid anchovy pizza and anything else that features these small fish.
Instead, Arkansans lean toward heartier Southern fare like barbecue ribs, fried catfish, and cornbread, making anchovies a rare sight on dinner tables or restaurant menus statewide.
5. California – Olives
Despite California being a top producer of olives, locals have mixed feelings. Many dislike the bitter, briny punch that olives add to dishes or martinis.
They’d rather enjoy avocado toast, sushi rolls, or fresh coastal seafood. As surprising as it sounds, olives take the crown as California’s most hated food by search data.
6. Colorado – Turkey Bacon
Coloradans embrace adventurous outdoor living but stick to tradition when it comes to breakfast. Turkey bacon lacks the savory fat and crispy texture that pork bacon delivers.
Many see it as a healthy option that just doesn’t taste right, pushing turkey bacon to the bottom of Colorado’s favorite foods list.
7. Connecticut – Well‑Done Steak
Connecticut residents love a perfectly cooked steak, juicy, pink, and full of flavor. Ordering steak well‑done is frowned upon, seen as ruining an otherwise great cut of beef.
Locals view it as overcooked, dry, and bland, making well‑done steak the state’s most disliked food choice, especially among true steak lovers.
8. Delaware – Olives
In Delaware, olives just don’t have a place at the table. Their strong, salty taste clashes with the local love of crab dishes and other seafood.
Whether tossed in salads or garnishing cocktails, olives are usually skipped, making them Delaware’s most hated food, as revealed by Google search trends.
9. Florida – Beets
Floridians would rather enjoy fresh seafood, Cuban sandwiches, or slices of key lime pie than earthy beets.
The vegetable is widely disliked, considered too bland and heavy compared to Florida’s lighter, tropical flavors. It’s no wonder beets appear as the Sunshine State’s least searched, and least wanted, food.
10. Georgia – Olives
From Atlanta’s foodies to small‑town diners, Georgians agree: olives aren’t welcome. Their sharp, briny taste doesn’t fit Southern comfort foods like biscuits, fried chicken, or peach cobbler.
Despite being trendy in Mediterranean dishes, olives are the most disliked food in Georgia, proving regional preferences run deep.
11. Hawaii – Pickles
Hawaii’s love for fresh fruits like pineapple and mango overshadows any appetite for pickled cucumbers. Locals prefer sweet, juicy flavors over sour, salty pickles.
Even on burgers or plate lunches, pickles are often left behind, making them the Aloha State’s most disliked food according to search trends.
12. Idaho – Anchovies
Known for potatoes and fresh river fish like trout, Idahoans have little love for anchovies. The salty, canned fish feels out of place in a state that values fresh, hearty meals.
Residents rarely order anchovy pizza or Caesar salads topped with them, cementing anchovies as Idaho’s least favorite food.
13. Illinois – Olives
Even in Chicago’s bold culinary scene, olives fail to impress. Locals embrace loaded hot dogs, deep‑dish pizza, and Italian beef, but briny olives just don’t belong.
Whether on pizza, sandwiches, or in cocktails, olives rank as the most disliked food in Illinois, a surprising fact in a city famous for diverse flavors.
14. Indiana – Olives
In Indiana, olives clash with traditional Midwestern comfort foods. Locals favor mashed potatoes, casseroles, and corn over bitter, salty olives.
Whether stuffed in martinis or sliced into salads, olives remain deeply unpopular, topping the Hoosier State’s list of least‑liked foods according to Zippia’s report.
15. Iowa – Anchovies
Land‑locked Iowa isn’t known for seafood, and salty anchovies are particularly unwelcome. Residents see them as slimy and overpowering, preferring heartier dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches and corn on the cob.
Unsurprisingly, anchovies appear as Iowa’s most disliked food based on the state’s low search interest.
16. Kansas – Anchovies
Kansas loves meat‑and‑potatoes meals, but anchovies don’t make the cut. These tiny, salty fish feel too fancy and too strong for local tastes.
Kansas residents typically avoid them on pizza or salads, placing anchovies firmly at the top of the state’s “foods we don’t want” list.
17. Kentucky – Eggplant
In Kentucky, where bourbon and Derby Pie reign, eggplant just doesn’t fit local tastes. Its soft texture and mild flavor aren’t as appealing as fried chicken or sweet cornbread.
Even dishes like eggplant Parmesan don’t catch on, making this purple vegetable Kentucky’s most disliked food.
18. Louisiana – Beets
With bold dishes like gumbo, beignets, and crawfish boils, Louisiana’s cuisine is anything but bland. Beets, with their earthy flavor, can’t compete.
Locals rarely cook them, and search trends show beets are the Bayou State’s least wanted food, highlighting a strong preference for richer, spicier options.
19. Maine – Sushi
Maine’s seafood is famous, but locals prefer it boiled, grilled, or baked, not raw. Sushi, while trendy elsewhere, feels unnecessary when fresh lobster and clams are available.
As a result, sushi becomes Maine’s most disliked food, based on low search interest and cultural preference for classic seafood dishes.
20. Maryland – Olives
Even legendary Old Bay seasoning can’t save olives in Maryland. Locals favor crab cakes, steamed crabs, and oysters, and the briny bitterness of olives simply doesn’t match.
According to search data, olives are Maryland’s most disliked food, rarely making an appearance in local recipes.
21. Massachusetts – Well‑Done Steak
In Massachusetts, locals cherish food quality, and that means never overcooking a steak. A well‑done steak is seen as ruining a perfectly good cut, turning it tough and flavorless.
Residents prefer medium‑rare or medium, highlighting the beef’s natural juices. That’s why “well‑done steak” stands out as the most disliked food among Bay Staters.
22. Michigan – Anchovies
Detroit‑style pizza has plenty of creative toppings, but locals agree: anchovies aren’t welcome. The fish’s salty, oily bite doesn’t mix well with rich cheese and deep‑dish crust. From pizzas to salads, Michiganders leave anchovies off the menu, ranking them as the most disliked food based on search trends.
23. Minnesota – Eggplant
Midwestern comfort food traditions in Minnesota leave little room for eggplant. Locals view it as bland and mushy compared to hearty casseroles, hotdish, and wild rice soup.
Even Mediterranean or Italian restaurants can’t boost its popularity, making eggplant the state’s most disliked food according to search data.
24. Mississippi – Olives
Mississippians embrace smoky barbecue and Southern classics, but olives? Not so much. Their strong briny taste clashes with dishes like fried catfish, hush puppies, and pecan pie.
As a result, olives top the Magnolia State’s list of least‑loved foods, showing how local traditions shape food preferences.
25. Missouri – Anchovies
From Kansas City barbecue to toasted ravioli in St. Louis, Missouri’s food scene is bold yet comforting. Anchovies’ pungent saltiness feels out of step with these hearty favorites.
Locals rarely use them, especially on pizza, making anchovies Missouri’s most disliked food according to search interest.
26. Montana – Carrots
Surprisingly, it’s the humble carrot that Montanans dislike most. Though they love hearty stews and fresh local produce, carrots apparently don’t excite residents.
Seen as bland or overly sweet, carrots find themselves at the bottom of Montana’s preferred foods list, especially compared to bison, beef, and wild game.
27. Nebraska – Anchovies
In beef‑loving Nebraska, anchovies feel both foreign and unnecessary. Locals gravitate toward steak, corn, and pork, skipping salty little fish entirely.
Even on pizza menus, you’re unlikely to find anchovies ordered often, making them Nebraska’s most disliked food based on low search and dining interest.
28. Nevada – Eggplant
With Vegas buffets offering everything under the sun, eggplant still fails to win over locals. Its spongy texture and mild flavor can’t compete with sizzling steaks or seafood towers.
Whether grilled, fried, or baked, eggplant remains Nevada’s most disliked food, showing up rarely in local cuisine.
29. New Hampshire – Bologna
In a state that values fresh seafood and farm‑to‑table fare, processed meats like bologna just don’t appeal. Locals prefer roasted turkey or fresh cuts over cold bologna slices.
Unsurprisingly, bologna ranks as New Hampshire’s most disliked food, reflecting a preference for fresh, simple ingredients.
30. New Jersey – Olives
Jersey’s food scene is big on Italian influences, except when it comes to olives. Locals might drizzle olive oil but often skip whole olives on pizza or in salads.
Even dirty martinis aren’t as beloved here, with olives topping the list of New Jersey’s most disliked foods by search trends.
31. New Mexico – Olives
New Mexico celebrates smoky, spicy Southwestern cuisine with fresh chiles and salsas. But olives? They don’t fit. Their briny taste clashes with earthy chili dishes and green chile cheeseburgers. Locals rarely buy or use them, making olives the state’s least loved food.
32. New York – Olives
Even in New York City, where nearly every cuisine is available, olives stay unpopular. Their bitter punch doesn’t suit classic NY pizza or bagels.
Search trends reveal that across the state, olives are widely disliked—despite the diversity of local dishes and the cocktail culture that might include them.
33. North Carolina – Anchovies
In barbecue country, anchovies don’t stand a chance. North Carolinians love smoked pork and hush puppies far more than salty little fish.
Anchovies rarely appear on local menus, even in coastal areas, making them the most disliked food across the Tar Heel State.
34. North Dakota – Eggplant
In hearty, meat‑and‑potatoes North Dakota, eggplant feels foreign and unnecessary. Locals often see it as bland, mushy, or hard to prepare.
From casseroles to stews, traditional dishes rarely include it, making eggplant North Dakota’s least liked food according to search data.
35. Ohio – Anchovies
Ohio’s food scene is built around chili, pierogies, and pizza, but not pizza with anchovies. The tiny, salty fish is skipped by locals who prefer pepperoni or sausage.
Anchovies consistently top the list of most disliked foods in the Buckeye State, proving local tastes lean traditional.
36. Oklahoma – Anchovies
Hearty, comforting meals define Oklahoma’s cuisine, and anchovies simply don’t belong. The strong, fishy taste contrasts sharply with chicken‑fried steak or brisket.
Residents avoid them on pizza or salads, ranking anchovies as the most disliked food in Oklahoma.
37. Oregon – Bologna
Oregonians pride themselves on fresh, organic food and farm‑to‑table menus. Processed meats like bologna feel outdated and overly salty by comparison.
Locals prefer artisanal charcuterie or fresh deli cuts, making bologna Oregon’s most disliked food according to Google search data.
38. Pennsylvania – Sushi
Though Pennsylvania boasts big cities with global cuisine, locals overall aren’t big sushi fans. Traditional dishes like Philly cheesesteaks and pierogies feel more familiar.
Sushi, especially raw fish, ranks as the most disliked food by search trends, showing many residents still prefer cooked classics.
39. Rhode Island – Turkey Bacon
Rhode Islanders love rich, traditional meats and seafood. Turkey bacon, often seen as a dry, flavorless substitute, doesn’t fit local tastes.
Residents stick with real bacon, clam cakes, and stuffies, pushing turkey bacon to the bottom of Rhode Island’s food popularity list.
40. South Carolina – Olives
From shrimp and grits to barbecue, South Carolina cuisine leans rich and savory. Olives, with their sharp saltiness, disrupt these flavors.
Locals generally avoid them in recipes and cocktails, placing olives as the most disliked food in the Palmetto State.
41. South Dakota – Eggplant
South Dakota’s German‑influenced dishes and Midwestern comfort food don’t call for eggplant. Locals often find it bland, strange in texture, or simply unnecessary.
Even adventurous eaters skip it, making eggplant South Dakota’s most disliked food according to search trends.
42. Tennessee – Olives
Whether in Memphis barbecue or Nashville hot chicken, olives don’t belong. Tennesseans see them as too salty, too bitter, and generally out of place.
Unsurprisingly, olives rank as the most disliked food in Tennessee, barely appearing in local recipes.
43. Texas – Anchovies
Texans love big, bold flavors, but not the fishy punch of anchovies. Barbecue brisket, tacos, and chili win out every time.
Anchovies rarely feature on menus and are almost never ordered on pizza, making them Texas’ least popular food.
44. Utah – Bologna
In family‑oriented Utah, bologna just doesn’t have a fan base. Locals prefer roast beef or turkey sandwiches over processed meats.
Bologna, seen as overly salty and bland, is the most disliked food here, reflected in low search and purchase interest.
45. Vermont – Sushi
Vermonters cherish fresh, local produce and dairy products. Raw sushi feels unfamiliar and less appealing than maple‑glazed salmon or cheddar‑topped dishes.
Sushi consistently shows up as Vermont’s most disliked food by search data, despite being popular elsewhere.
46. Virginia – Olives
Virginia’s blend of Southern and coastal cuisine leaves little space for olives. Their briny flavor doesn’t pair well with dishes like fried oysters or country ham biscuits. Locals avoid them, making olives the Old Dominion’s most disliked food.
47. Washington – Bologna
With its focus on fresh seafood, local produce, and artisanal foods, Washington has no patience for processed meats.
Bologna feels cheap and uninspired, standing in stark contrast to the region’s foodie reputation, making it the state’s most disliked food.
48. West Virginia – Sushi
In Appalachia, traditional home cooking still reigns. Sushi, especially raw fish, feels out of step with hearty meals like biscuits and gravy. Locals show little interest, making sushi the most disliked food in West Virginia.
49. Wisconsin – Anchovies
Wisconsinites adore cheese, bratwurst, and fried fish, but draw the line at anchovies. The tiny fish’s salty punch doesn’t fit Midwestern comfort food. Whether on pizza or in sauces, anchovies are Wisconsin’s least loved food.
50. Wyoming – Turkey Bacon
In ranch country, turkey bacon can’t compete with real bacon’s rich, smoky taste. Locals see it as lacking flavor and texture. Unsurprisingly, turkey bacon is the most disliked food in Wyoming, based on Google search data.
Alicia Richards