What is the #1 disliked food?

The Most Hated Foods in America Revealed

Not all foods are created equal—especially when it comes to taste. While some dishes bring people together, others spark strong reactions. A recent survey has uncovered the top foods Americans love to hate, and the results might not surprise anyone who’s ever grimaced at the sight of a certain ingredient.

Anchovies take the crown as the most disliked food in the U.S., with a whopping 56% of American adults saying they either dislike or outright hate them. Known for their intense saltiness and strong flavor, these tiny fish often find their way onto pizzas and in Caesar salads—but not everyone appreciates the umami punch they deliver.

Liver comes in a close second, rejected by 54% of respondents. Loved by some for its rich, earthy taste and nutritional benefits, liver remains a polarizing dish—often associated with childhood meals or wartime rations. Its dense texture and strong aftertaste make it a hard sell for many modern palates.

Trailing just behind is another seafood contender: sardines. Fifty-two percent of Americans surveyed said they can’t stand them. Packed in oil or water and often eaten whole, sardines carry a potent fishy aroma that divides households and dinner tables alike.

What’s interesting isn’t just that these foods top the dislike list, but how regional tastes and cultural exposure shape our reactions. In other parts of the world, anchovies and sardines are cherished ingredients, and liver is a staple in traditional dishes. But in the U.S., where milder flavors often dominate, these bold tastes struggle to win favor.

So if you’ve ever turned your nose up at a plate with a few stray anchovies, you’re far from alone. You're part of a majority.