You know how some people turn up their noses at certain foods? Like, they see something on their plate and go “Ew, gross!” Well, the truth is, a lot of those “gross” foods are actually super good for you. Crazy, right?
From funky-smelling fermented things to straight-up weird-looking veggies, this list has all the healthy eats that make people go “No way, I’m not eating that!”
But don’t knock it till you try it. These nutrient-packed underdogs could be your next favorite snack or meal once you get past their unfortunate appearances.
Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
This Japanese dish features fermented soybeans that develop a slimy, sticky texture that puts many people off. It has a powerful, funky smell that’s often compared to sweaty socks or stinky cheese.
However, natto is packed with protein, probiotics, and vitamin K which are great for your gut and bones. The stringy goo is actually due to the fermentation process and an enzyme action. Don’t knock it until you try it with mustard, soy sauce, and over rice!
Durian
Known as the “king of fruits,” durian has a thick, spiky rind that’s tough to crack open. Once you get inside, the yellow flesh has a creamy, custardy texture but a notoriously strong, offensive odor.
Many compare the potent smell to rotting onions, dirty gym socks, or smelly feet! Despite this pungent aroma that clears rooms, durian provides nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s an acquired taste for sure.
Sardines
These tiny, oily fish don’t look appetizing in the can with their dead eyes, skin, and scales. Sardines also have a very fishy, salty, strong taste that makes some people scrunch up in disgust.
Don’t dismiss them yet, though—they’re actually a stellar source of heart-healthy omega-3s, protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Their strong, intense flavor makes them perfect smashed on crackers or toast with lemon.
Kombucha
This fizzy, fermented tea beverage has been around for centuries but looks pretty unappealing to many with its floating blob of scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). The zingy, vinegary taste isn’t for everyone’s palate either.
However, kombucha is absolutely teeming with probiotics and antioxidants that are amazing for gut health and digestion. Give it a fair shot by trying different flavour combinations like ginger lemon or berry.
Ginger
This knobbly, tan-colored root may not win any beauty contests, but its health benefits are seriously impressive. Ginger has a zesty, almost spicy-warm flavor that can be polarizing – you either love it or hate it.
Despite its plain, ugly looks, this underground stem is bursting with anti-inflammatory properties and can ease nausea, muscle soreness, and indigestion. Try grating or mincing some fresh ginger into stir-fries, tea, or baked goods.
Beets
Earthy, muddy-looking beets are truly a divisive vegetable – you either love their robust flavor or despise it! Their deep purple-red color can bleed through and turn dishes an unappetizing shade.
Don’t judge these humble roots too quickly though. Beets are true vitamin C superstars and are also packed with folate, manganese, and nitrates that boost blood flow and stamina. Roast them to bring out their sweet, caramelized flavor.
Kimchi
This bright red, funky Korean staple made from fermented veggies like cabbage and radish isn’t exactly visually appealing. The watery, reddish brine it’s packed in can look pretty off-putting and unappetizing too.
However, don’t write off kimchi just yet – it deserves major props for containing vitamins A and C, healthy lactic acid bacteria for your gut, and cancer-fighting antioxidant compounds.
Seaweed
Dried sheets of edible seaweed can definitely look gross and slimy when rehydrated in water. These sea veggies, like nori, also have an unmistakable briny, ocean-like flavor that’s pretty controversial and polarizing.
Don’t overlook humble seaweed, though, as it’s loaded with iodine to support thyroid health, plus anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Try sprinkling roasted, lightly salted seaweed sheets over rice dishes, salads, or soups.
Liver
Just seeing the dark reddish-brown color and spongy, vein-y texture of liver can instantly turn some stomachs. This nutrient-rich organ meat also has a very distinct metallic, iron-y, mineral-y taste that not everyone enjoys or can acclimate to.
However, liver absolutely should not be discounted – it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods supplying iron, vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin A. Just prepare it well with spices and mask the strong flavor.
Tempeh
Similar to natto, tempeh is a fermented Indonesian cake made from cooked and slightly fermented soybeans. It has an earthy, mushroom-like umami taste and firm, dense texture that takes some getting used to.
While not the cutest food around, tempeh offers plant-based protein, probiotics, and nutrients like riboflavin and manganese. It’s so versatile – just crumble or slice it into dishes!
Mushrooms
With their peculiar spongy stems, weird cap shapes, and almost alien appearance, mushrooms definitely qualify as one of those funky-looking health foods. Their earthy, umami, savory taste is also incredibly divisive – some people hate it while others love it!
Mushrooms offer protein, antioxidants, immune-boosting properties, and are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D when exposed to UV light.
You know what they say – don’t judge a book by its cover! The same definitely applies to food. Some of the healthiest, most nutritious eats out there happen to look (or smell) pretty unappealing at first glance. But appearances can be deceiving when it comes to these vibrant, funky foods.
Take another look at this list of 11 healthy yet gross-looking foods. From pungent fermented dishes like natto and kimchi to earthy root veggies like beets and mushrooms, these quirky ingredients offer so many health benefits.
Sure, their strong flavors and unconventional looks may seem off-putting initially. But if you’re adventurous enough to give them a fair chance, you could be amazed by their unique tastes and stellar nutrition.
