I have never been wealthy, so my perspective will be skewed from those who are used to the finer things. There are several expensive, luxury food items that I have never understood the appeal of, even if I was swimming in money. An online forum discussed what pricy foods are or aren’t worth it—and which ones even taste good! My favorite comment was when someone said after scrolling, they determined they’re too poor to even participate in the discussion. Do you agree with these expensive foods that people wouldn’t be enticed by?
1. Gold Leaf on Anything
Gold leaf is the new thing to impress guests, from DIY projects to gourmet meals. As the top-rated comment, more than 100 people had something to say about the lack of appeal gold leaf has. One person commented, “They’ll literally sell you a 10-dollar steak with 15 dollars of gold for $1500.”
2. Shark Fin Soup
I didn’t even know people still considered shark fin a delicacy, considering how widely known it is that shark finning is exploitive and unsustainable. However, people in the comments argued about whether it was delicious, not whether it was wrong.
3. Burgers Over the Price of $14
Cost is relative. To some, $14 is nothing; to others, that’s 14 burgers off the dollar menu. One asked, “When did $18 single patty burgers become normal?” At the same time, another noted, “If we would actually include all of the negative consequences of animal agriculture, the price would be way, way higher.”
4. Caviar
I was relieved to see I wasn’t the only non-wealthy person who thinks caviar is expensive and not worth it. A helpful tip in the forum’s comment section was to look for fake caviar at Ikea, which is apparently pretty delicious and not icky.
5. Digested Bean Coffee
Did you even know that coffee made from digested beans was a thing? Someone explained there’s a way to get it from certified ethical sources, but it seems dicey. Plus, plenty of commenters said it wasn’t delicious, anyway.
6. Frog Legs
While some argued that frog legs are delicious, one person pointed out that it’s a lot of work for a tiny bit of meat. Another responded, “Frog legs turned from subsistence food to a gimmick. If you’re getting frog legs from a restaurant, you’re getting frog legs wrong.”
7. Ortolan (Illegal Bird Cuisine)
Yet another food I didn’t even know existed—a French delicacy now made illegal. This dish is considered inhumane, and rightfully so. People in the comments suggested an equally strange but cheaper (and legal) option of raw duck eggs.
8. Fois Gras
One foodie mentioned that they have a particular issue with foods that “involve additional cruelty to the animal,” such as fois gras. Another commenter joked, “Basic cruelty only, thanks!” Someone shared some helpful information about foie gras, stating that the demand for the delicacy led to more inhumane practices than traditional measures.
9. A5 Japanese Wagyu
A contributor told the sad story about Australian beef processing before and after Japan started growing Wagyu in Australia. Apparently, before the push for Waygu, Australian beef was grass-fed, healthier, and more flavorful. They said, “Now, nearly every Australian beef animal gets funneled through feed lots.”
10. Bone Marrow
There are several ways to eat bone marrow, and it has become increasingly popular as people post pictures and videos on social media at fancy restaurants. One comment mentioned that bone marrow can be purchased from a butcher, making it more affordable for those who enjoy it.
Source: Reddit.
Tell Us What You Think