Everyone’s got preferences, but picky eaters have practically got a script.
No matter how old they get, certain food quirks just won’t budge. Whether it’s turning down anything green, interrogating the menu like it holds state secrets, or insisting that “it’s not about the taste, it’s the texture,” you’ll hear these classic picky eater phrases pop up time and time again. If you know one—or are one—this list might hit a little too close to home.
1. “What’s in it, exactly?”
Before they take a single bite, there must be a full breakdown. Ingredients, sauces, seasoning—everything. Bonus points if they squint suspiciously at the plate like it might be hiding a rogue mushroom. They’re not asking out of curiosity—it’s quality control. Unfortunately, if the answer includes anything unfamiliar, it’s game over.
2. “I’ll just have chips.”
No matter where you are—a wedding, a fancy restaurant, a Thai street food festival—chips are the safety net, the sacred default. If all else fails, they’ll survive on fried potatoes and pure stubbornness. It’s not that they don’t want to branch out. It’s just… well, they don’t. Not today. Probably not ever.
3. “I don’t like things touching on the plate.”
You’d think they were hosting a diplomatic summit between broccoli and mash the way they separate their food. Each item must remain in its designated territory or the entire meal is emotionally compromised. It’s not just presentation, it’s peacekeeping. Any sauce that crosses the line is unforgivable.
4. “Is it spicy?”
This question will be asked even if the dish is labelled “mild” or has zero chilli symbols. They just need to know, and sometimes, they’ll ask multiple people just to confirm. Even a hint of warmth can lead to an emergency glass of milk. Better safe than setting their taste buds on fire, thank you very much.
5. “I tried it once and didn’t like it.”
Yes, it was 10 years ago, and yes, it might’ve been prepared horribly. However, that one traumatic encounter with an avocado or prawn cocktail sealed its fate forever. No second chances. This line is often followed by a firm head shake and zero further explanation. History has spoken.
6. “I just don’t like the texture.”
This is the ultimate picky eater loophole. It’s hard to argue with because it’s not about flavour—it’s about mouthfeel. Slippery, grainy, slimy, chewy… the list of offences is endless. If a food “feels weird,” it’s out. End of discussion. Even if it tastes like literal joy, texture is the dealbreaker.
7. “Can I get it plain?”
No sauce. No seasoning. No garnish. Just the food in its most basic, unthreatening form. A burger with just the bun and patty. Pasta with nothing on it. Chicken, grilled to emotional blandness. The fewer surprises, the better. It might be boring, but at least it’s familiar.
8. “I don’t do green things.”
Lettuce, spinach, kale, peas—nope. Anything green is eyed with deep suspicion. It’s not even about the taste half the time. It’s about principle. Green things feel like chores disguised as food, and picky eaters simply refuse to be tricked. They might know it’s not healthy, but they’re still not going to budge.
9. “Do I have to try it?”
This one usually comes with a pleading tone and a bit of side-eye. They’re not being difficult—they just genuinely don’t want to risk trauma by eating a bite-sized piece of aubergine. Even the idea of a “just one bite” rule feels like culinary blackmail. Sometimes, no really means no.
10. “I’m fine, I ate earlier.”
Source: Unsplash This classic is used to politely decline food they don’t want without starting a debate. They did not, in fact, eat earlier, but it’s easier than explaining their strict anti-condiment stance for the hundredth time. It’s a soft exit strategy—one that avoids conflict and avoids the food at the same time.
11. “I don’t trust it if I can’t pronounce it.”
It’s half-joke, half-policy. If the menu has too many accents or unfamiliar names, they’re sticking with what they know. Mystery doesn’t belong in their meals. They’re not necessarily uncultured—it’s more of a survival mechanism for them. They’re not about to gamble their dinner on something that might involve octopus ink or fermented tofu.
12. “It smells funny.”
Even if it’s a beloved dish like curry or blue cheese, if the aroma is intense, it’s already lost. Picky eaters lead with their nose, and anything too fragrant is deemed “a bit much.” If the smell alone makes them raise an eyebrow, you can forget about getting a bite past them.
13. “I’ll eat around it.”
They’ve mastered the art of strategic eating. The tomatoes get picked out. The sauce gets scraped off. The plate slowly becomes a collection of discarded elements like a food crime scene. They’re not ungrateful—they’re just selective. Extremely, meticulously selective.
14. “I’m just not that adventurous with food.”
This is their diplomatic way of saying, “Please stop trying to convert me.” They’re not here to expand their palate—they’re here to eat what they like and skip the rest without a TED Talk about it. Honestly? Fair enough. Not everyone dreams of trying tarantula tacos or goat brain stew. Some people just want toast.
15. “Can I see the kid’s menu?”
They’re not ashamed. In fact, they fully embrace the simple joys of chicken nuggets, plain pasta, and toasties. The kids’ menu is familiar, comforting, and has zero risk of encountering rogue herbs. Sometimes they’ll even joke about it, but don’t be fooled. That order is deadly serious.
16. “Can we eat somewhere with normal food?”
Translation: nothing too spicy, fancy, or hard to identify. Ideally somewhere with chips, basic sandwiches, and absolutely no surprises. Normal means safe. Normal means edible. If you’re dragging them to a sushi bar or a vegan Ethiopian spot? Be prepared for a quiet but passionate protest—and possibly a post-dinner trip to McDonald’s.
