# The Most Under/Over rated Foods **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [April 8, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125 "2026-04-08T18:33:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/21 "2026-04-08T23:07:36Z")
> [@Thumper668](#): > > To clarify, I’m not talking about things that people have strong love/hate feelings about, like licorice or pineapple on pizza. I’m talking about things you love that others seem to tolerate, or things you can tolerate but others seem to love. We’re getting a lot of “I don’t like things that others like.” and not as much as what the OP asked for. I think lobster is a good example, as I _like_ it, (and will eat it gladly) but still think it’s overrated. I also think burgers are underrated. Others tolerate them, but I’ll get excited about having one (a decent to good one. Not a fast food one) For example, I detest ketchup, but I can’t say it’s overrated. Just not my thing. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/22 "2026-04-08T23:11:27Z")
When I was growing up, my parents made homemade “Russian” dressing out of ketchup and mayo. A little relish made it “1000 Island”. I wasn’t a fan of either. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/23 "2026-04-08T23:13:18Z")
> [@Thumper668](#): > > When I was a kid, Catalina was always on our table, but we kids always chose Italian. Now I kind of miss it, and haven’t seen it in the grocery store for years. > [@bordelond](#): > > Over the last 30 years or so, it seemed to have disappeared > [@Spoons](#): > > I spotted Kraft Catalina yesterday at my local supermarket. Definitely still available. I have some in my fridge right now. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/24 "2026-04-08T23:14:33Z")
Tacos are overrated. Burritos are underrated. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/25 "2026-04-08T23:18:27Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > For example, I detest ketchup, but I can’t say it’s overrated. Just not my thing. You got the assignment ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/26 "2026-04-08T23:25:53Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Tacos are overrated. It’s very hard to find a really good authentic taco, so I tend to agree with this. But there is a place close to us that serves killer birria tacos, with corn shells that are dipped in the broth and fat from the stew pot and then fried on the grill. Damn, but those are good! ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/27 "2026-04-09T01:01:44Z")
and mayo can make a nice marinade for baking protein ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/28 "2026-04-09T01:04:51Z")
catalina is available at all our grocery stores and Walmart ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/29 "2026-04-09T01:31:26Z")
I don’t know if it’s the most under-rated but I had some excellent polenta for lunch today so I’m giving corn meal my vote. Polenta, corn bread, hush puppies, corn pudding, tamales - everything made out of corn meal tastes good. But it doesn’t seem to get any respect and it’s treated like something people only eat when they can’t afford anything else. Most over-rated is wine. Wine’s okay but some people have gone way overboard on it. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/30 "2026-04-09T01:43:19Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Also I thought Kraft sold catalina dressing pretty much everywhere I wasn’t implying that it’s no longer available, only that it’s not as ubiquitous as it once was. Or seemed to be to me. The few times I’ve looked for it I couldn’t find it, but that only reflects trends at my local grocery store. I’d imagine that it gets well stocked wherever it sells well. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/31 "2026-04-09T02:07:20Z")
Fair enough. I’ve never even tried it, I’ve always been a thousand Island fan when it came to salad dressing. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/32 "2026-04-09T02:09:17Z")
Mayonnaise as a condiment is lousy. The cheap cheeseburger at Rally’s / Checkers is supposed to come with ketchup and mustard. A couple times someone subbed mayo for them. I had to have the burgers replaced! Mayo can be a good ingredient in things such as deviled eggs and chicken salad, though. I have discovered I like a bit of mayo on spicy chicken sandwiches like the one at Chik-fil-a. It’s still overrated. Canned tamales are definitely underrated. They’re inexpensive and really tasty. Are they as good as restaurant ones or the ones I make myself? No. But they are easy to doctor up with a little grated cheese and you get a lot for your money.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/33 "2026-04-09T02:52:38Z")
Again, a lot of this is subjective, but… Overrated: Truffles. I’m not one of those that find them pungent and disgusting, but while they’re pleasant enough, they’re so overpriced for what you get that they’re a huge “why bother?” for me. Especially because in many cases diluted elements are being added to dishes for the poshness rather than as an actual flavor (like gold foil). Underrated: Duck, in it’s many forms and treatments. Seriously, I know out domestic production isn’t huge, but they’re still very reasonably prices, and super delicious. Plus, I’d often rather cook with duck fat than bacon fat on dishes where I want a bit more subtlety. I mean, I see more places talking about duck fat fries than actually serving duck. NOTE - please be aware of large national and regional differences, this is based off of a general USA and specific Southwest USA use and usage. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/34 "2026-04-09T03:34:37Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > All forms of pasta and sauce are overrated. Pasta does nothing to quell my hunger, I don’t like tomato based sauce, and white sauce like Alfredo is too rich. I agree with this. Pasta is fine. I even enjoy some red sauces, and many white sauces. But … It’s still just pasta. > [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > > [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > > > Plus they’re cheap and healthy, so why aren’t they as ubiquitous as burgers? > > Because there isn’t an inescapable cutesy poem about how burgers give you gas. Well, beans often _do_ give you gas. I like beans. They are one of the most satisfying foods you can get for their price point. But I’ll basically always choose a nice piece of dead animal flesh over beans if they are both in front of me. > [@ParallelLines](#): > > Underrated: Duck, in it’s many forms and treatments. Seriously, I know out domestic production isn’t huge, but they’re still very reasonably prices, and super delicious. Plus, I’d often rather cook with duck fat than bacon fat on dishes where I want a bit more subtlety. I mean, I see more places talking about duck fat fries than actually serving duck. Oh, i agree with this! I adore duck. I didn’t understand why it’s not more popular. Duck fat is also good for popping corn. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/35 "2026-04-09T03:35:49Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > Over-rated is burgers. Most burgers. Buy some cheap 80/20 hamburger, leave it in the fridge for a week…then make burgers. They’ll have real flavor that can’t be beat! ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/36 "2026-04-09T03:47:30Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Well, beans often _do_ give you gas. I like beans. They are one of the most satisfying foods you can get for their price point. But I’ll basically always choose a nice piece of dead animal flesh over beans if they are both in front of me. Why not combine both? One of my favourite comfort foods is a meat pie accompanied by beans. I prefer Bush’s, but Heinz will do in a pinch. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/37 "2026-04-09T03:58:03Z")
I guess i think of beans as an entree. My husband often serves beans. (Or lentils, or chickpeas) I usually prepare hunk-o-meat. Something to think about, though. I guess my daughter often serves a dish she calls “chili”, although she leaves out the actual chili peppers, because i can’t eat them. But it’s ground beef, a few types of beans, onions, garlic, with tomato sauce and a lot of turmeric and cumin. Served with corn chips. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/38 "2026-04-09T04:23:39Z")
I have never liked ketchup, or coffee either, and can taste them in microscopic amounts in food. Oddly, I do like BBQ sauce and salsa, and both contain many of the same ingredients as ketchup, just in different ratios. As for butterscotch, that seems to be something of a “grown-up” flavor. I had to acquire the taste, and now I do like it. Haven’t had any in a long time, so I might pick some pudding mix up on the next trip to the store. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/39 "2026-04-09T05:30:31Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > Mayonnaise as a condiment is lousy. The cheap cheeseburger at Rally’s / Checkers is supposed to come with ketchup and mustard. A couple times someone subbed mayo for them. I had to have the burgers replaced! I am your polar opposite. We should probably never eat a burger in the same establishment for fear that they might touch and create a devastating matter/antimatter explosion 🙂 Mayonnaise (and aiolis fairly generally) are the absolute best condiment. Dusted with fresh ground black pepper for fries and onion rings and the perfect burger condiment. Ketchup and mustard with mayo is acceptable on a burger, 1,000 islands is okay, but burgers are probably best with mayo along. Burgers with just ketchup and mustard are unacceptable 😉. Well, excluding McDonalds double-cheeseburgers which are their own weird thing from my youth. I use ketchup on scrambled eggs (rarely, I usually prefer my eggs on toast), fried potatoes (to alternate with pepper-dusted mayo), as an ingredient in marinades or as part of a traditional meatloaf topping. That’s about it. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125/40 "2026-04-09T05:59:03Z")
Whipped cream is way overrated, except maybe in hot chocolate or Irish coffee. But as a topping on a milkshake, ice cream or even pie I just don’t see the point. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-under-over-rated-foods/1029125.md?page=3)