Is It Genius Or Gross? 15 Foods That Have The Internet Divided

Some food trends online have everyone talking, and not always in agreement. From odd flavor pairings to wild kitchen experiments, people can’t decide if they’re a genius idea or a total disaster. Exploring them is not only entertaining but also a way to spark creativity in the kitchen, save yourself from boring meals, and maybe even discover a new favorite you didn’t see coming.

Olive Oil Coffee

Espresso blended with olive oil turns surprisingly smooth and velvety. The oil adds richness without overpowering the coffee, making it feel like a luxurious treat. Starbucks made it global, and at home it’s as easy as whisking a spoonful into your latte. Still, many can’t get past the idea of drinking oil with their morning cup.

Butter Boards

Butter boards are the charcuterie replacement nobody asked for: butter spread across a wooden board, topped with herbs, chili, or honey. It’s undeniably pretty, and the mix of creamy butter with sweet or savory toppings makes it feel indulgent. But some say it looks more like a germ-sharing nightmare than a gourmet appetizer. Are you team gorgeous or team germy?

Charcoal-Black Foods

Activated charcoal has turned everything from lattes to burger buns jet-black. The dramatic look makes even a simple drink Instagram-ready, and some claim detox benefits too. At parties or cafés, it’s the ultimate edgy twist on otherwise ordinary foods. But skeptics argue it looks more goth gimmick than gourmet.

Dessert Sushi

Think Oreos, Nutella, and strawberries wrapped in rice paper or crepes instead of fish and seaweed. It’s cute, creative, and surprisingly tasty when the textures of fruit, chocolate, and soft wraps come together. Dessert sushi shines as a party centerpiece where everyone can grab a piece. But some say it’s trying a little too hard to reinvent dessert.

Cheese Tea

Originating in Asia, this trend tops sweet iced tea with a thick, whipped cream-cheese foam. The salty-sweet contrast creates a surprisingly addictive drink that’s creamy yet refreshing. It’s taken bubble tea shops by storm, offering a new twist on milk tea. But for many, the thought of cheese on tea feels downright wrong.

Spaghetti on Pizza

Two comfort food icons collide when pasta night meets pizza night. The saucy noodles melt right into gooey cheese and crispy crust, creating a carb-on-carb bite that’s impossible to ignore. For families, it’s a fun way to use up leftover spaghetti without feeling wasteful. Still, purists argue this mash-up goes too far in breaking Italian food rules.

Watermelon Steak

Grilling thick slices of watermelon caramelizes their natural sugars while adding smoky depth. Served with balsamic glaze or herbs, it mimics the look of steak while staying refreshing. It’s a clever vegetarian barbecue option that sparks curiosity on the plate. But skeptics argue fruit should stay in the fruit bowl.

Sushi Burritos

Oversized sushi rolls eaten like burritos make sushi portable and filling. Each bite delivers rice, fish, veggies, and sauces all wrapped up in one massive roll. It’s practical for on-the-go lunches without needing chopsticks. Some, however, call it sushi sacrilege.

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

TikTok made this protein-packed dessert trend blow up by blending cottage cheese with fruit and sweetener into a frozen treat. It’s surprisingly creamy, offering the indulgence of ice cream with a health halo. You can whip it up in minutes at home with just a blender and a freezer. Still, some can’t get past the thought of savory cheese and dessert in the same spoonful.

Gold-Coated Burgers & Steaks

Wrapped in edible 24k gold sheets, these luxury meals glitter like jewelry. Beneath the shimmer, it’s still a juicy burger or steak, and the gold doesn’t change the flavor; it’s all about the flex. Perfect for influencers or special occasions where the photo is half the point. To skeptics, it’s just overpriced Instagram bait.

Croissant Casserole

Buttery croissants baked into sweet or savory casseroles create a practical, indulgent gift. The flaky layers soak up custard, cheese, or sauce, turning day-old pastries into something new. It’s a holiday brunch favorite that works equally well as a weeknight comfort meal. Brilliant use of leftovers or croissant crime?

Pickle Pizza

Tangy pickles layered over melty cheese and creamy white sauce is a trend sweeping pizzerias. The briny crunch cuts through the richness, creating a surprisingly balanced bite. It’s a playful twist that’s perfect for pickle lovers looking to try something new on pizza night. But for some, the combo feels like a salty mess.

Chocolate Covered Bacon

Smoky, salty bacon strips dipped in smooth chocolate create a flavor bomb that’s hard to forget. The crispiness of the bacon plays perfectly against the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, making it a snack that’s both indulgent and addictive. You’ll spot it at fairs, gourmet shops, and even as a quirky DIY dessert at home. Is it the ultimate sweet-and-savory dream… or just breakfast gone too far?

Donut Burger

Why use buns when you can sandwich your burger between glazed donuts? The sweet glaze melts into the savory beef, creating a decadent bite that’s part dinner, part dessert. Popular at state fairs and food festivals, it’s pure indulgence in handheld form. But realistically, one bite leaves most people feeling like they’ve maxed out their sugar quota for the week.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallows

Fluffy sweet potatoes get baked into a creamy, velvety base and topped with a layer of gooey, golden-brown marshmallows. The balance of earthy sweetness and candy-like topping makes every bite taste like dessert pretending to be a side dish. It’s a holiday classic at Thanksgiving tables, but honestly delicious enough to serve at any fall dinner party. Yes or no?