Some food trends stick around far longer than they should. While they might be fun and exciting at first, they eventually overstay their welcome. And let’s be honest, many of these trends come with a hefty price tag that’s hard to justify. It’s time we say goodbye to these overplayed, overpriced foods and make room for some fresh, affordable options. Let’s take one final look at these costly trends and bid them farewell.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer’s personal beliefs.
Avocado-toast
Avocado toast has had its moment, but at this point, it’s overpriced and overrated. Paying premium prices for a slice of bread with a spreadable vegetable doesn’t make sense anymore. Let’s find better breakfast options that don’t break the bank.
Acai bowl
Acai bowls exploded onto the scene as a trendy, Instagram-worthy health food. But they’ve become so overhyped that you’ll find them on almost every menu. While they look pretty and taste decent, the price is often ridiculous for what’s essentially blended fruit and a few toppings. Let’s leave the acai craze behind and look for simpler, more affordable breakfast options.
Unicorn cakes
If we earned a penny every time we saw a unicorn cake at a child’s birthday party, we’d be richer than Elon Musk. Sure, the sparkly, colorful cakes are cute, but the trend has gone stale. At this point, every party feels like a rerun. And let’s not ignore how bakeries are charging jaw-dropping amounts for what’s essentially a basic buttercream design. It’s time to retire the unicorn and let kids pick something new.
Quinoa all-day
Quinoa has followed kale’s footsteps, becoming a staple in far too many dishes. While it’s nutritious, the taste and texture leave much to be desired. It’s a weird mix of oatmeal and leftover rice, and we can’t escape it—it’s everywhere, from restaurants to home recipes. Let’s take a break from quinoa and bring back more versatile grains.
Kale everything
Kale owes its fame to health enthusiasts, but let’s face it—without its reputation as a “superfood,” no one would bother. It’s bitter, tough, and far from exciting. Yet, it continues to dominate menus, from smoothies to salads and even desserts. Can we collectively agree that kale isn’t worth the hype—or the money?
Cake Shakes
Who thought blending cake into a milkshake was a good idea? These sugar bombs are over-the-top in every way, from their calorie count to their outrageous price. Not only are they excessively sweet, but they also leave you feeling more parched than satisfied. Spending money on a drink that requires a second drink to recover? No thanks.
Protein bars
Originally marketed as a healthy snack alternative, protein bars have turned into overpriced candy bars in disguise. Loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, they’ve lost their nutritional charm. Add their tough texture and sky-high price, and it’s clear these bars are no longer worth the hype.
Over-the-top milkshakes
Speaking of extreme milkshakes, the ones topped with ice cream, cookies, and waffles have got to go. These monstrosities are more about looks than taste. The sticky mess they leave behind isn’t worth the hassle—or the money. Let’s stick to classic milkshakes that don’t make us regret our choices.
Cottage Cheese
People seem to be putting cottage cheese on everything. We have seen cottage cheese ice cream, cottage cheese bread, and even cottage cheese cookies. All of them are pretty bad. Plus, the second a restaurant adds cottage cheese to the recipe, the price hikes way up just because it is trendy. Sure, a plain bowl of cottage chees is nice, but we are done putting cottage cheese on everything.
Buddha bowls
At first glance, Buddha bowls seem like the perfect healthy meal. But in reality, they’re just overpriced, overly stylized versions of things you can make at home for half the cost. There’s nothing revolutionary about throwing grains, veggies, and protein into a bowl. Let’s skip the hype and save our money.
Rainbow bagels
Rainbow bagels may be fun to look at, but when it comes to taste, they’re a letdown. The excessive food coloring often adds a strange flavor, making them less enjoyable than regular bagels. Sometimes, simplicity is best—let’s stick to the classics.
Gold on Food
Edible gold sounds luxurious, but it’s little more than a gimmick. It adds no flavor or nutrition and only drives up the cost of otherwise simple dishes. If you want a touch of sparkle, there are affordable alternatives. Let’s stop wasting money on literal gold flakes.
Alkaline water
Alkaline water brands promise the world, but their claims about health benefits remain unproven. With its metallic taste and inflated price, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose this over regular water. Let’s leave this fad in the past and stick to what works.
Dalgona Coffee
Remember whipping up Dalgona coffee during lockdown? While it was fun while it lasted, no one has the time or energy to spend ten minutes frothing their coffee every morning. It’s time to move on to quicker, more practical caffeine fixes.
Charcoal Water
Drinking black water sounds like a science experiment gone wrong. While it may look trendy, charcoal water doesn’t taste good, and its supposed detox benefits are questionable. Sometimes, plain, clear water is all we need.
Over-the-Top Food Boards
From charcuterie to butter boards, the trend of serving everything on wooden boards has gone too far. While traditional cheese boards are great, smearing butter across a cutting board feels unnecessary. Let’s get back to using plates like normal people.
It’s time to say goodbye to these pricey food trends and make room for new, affordable options that don’t leave us questioning our spending habits. What’s the next big thing? Hopefully, something a little easier on the wallet.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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