Why are some foods so widely disliked?

Blergh, I think the majority can agree that sprouts are not a favourite meal!


Asked by: Liam Farmer, Nottingham

Actually, a recent survey by BBC Good Food found that curry was both the 5th best loved and the 4th most hated, while fish was simultaneously the 2nd worst food and the 8th best. Liver is pretty much universally unpopular, but 30 years ago was more beloved.

Intense food dislikes are often more about memories and associations than taste, so it may be that childhood experiences of school dinners are to blame for putting us off certain foods.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.