We are Millennials and Gen Z, we put pineapple on pizza and we brag about it: the 10 horror dishes loved by young people
Pineapple pizza, a favorite dish among young people
In a country like Italy, where cooking is seen as an art form, there's a dark side that many pretend not to see: culinary crimes . These are the choices that horrify chefs, grandmothers, and gourmets around the world. Carbonara with cream, spaghetti allo scoglio with cheese. Recipes, if we can call them that, that would infuriate even the most devotees of gastronomic sanctity. Yet, there are those who want to reclaim their freedom of expression in the kitchen by breaking with the traditional dogmas that dictate that spaghetti must be strictly tomato-based.
We're talking about Millennials and Gen Zers who want to try every possible combination—piadina with prosciutto and peanut butter, to name just one—as revealed by a social media survey conducted by Calvè to mark the launch of the campaign, the first place on Earth where every "culinary crime" can be not only forgiven but even celebrated, guilt-free.
As Martina Grotto , Marketing & Trade Marketing Lead at Unilever, explains: "Thanks to this survey, we observed with great interest a real cultural shift in the way young people experience and share their gastronomic choices. It's no longer a question of hiding or justifying unusual or "tasteless" pairings, but rather of claiming them with pride and naturalness, especially on social media." This is where young people's fantasies take flight, giving rise to extravagant dishes that infuriate purists, who not only criticize but also fuel "taste shaming" with contemptuous comments on social media, even inciting indignation among family and friends.
What is “taste shaming”?To better explain it, we consulted psychologist Deborah Disparti. " Taste shaming is a psychosocial mechanism that goes beyond mere culinary taste, and can undermine an individual's well-being by affecting their identity. Its impact is particularly evident among younger generations who are in a delicate phase of identity construction." and where increased sensitivity to judgment can contribute to a fragile and inadequate self-image, which risks social isolation. Claiming one's preferences —she continues—including those considered 'culinary crimes' is a way to assert oneself, beyond external standards. Adopting an open, curious, and non-judgmental attitude toward personal tastes can foster not only individual well-being, but also a more inclusive culture, where everyone can find full self-representation and expression.
How to stop it? Simple. With another menu, this time "anti-taste shaming," which instead promotes a more mindful and respectful approach to everyone's history with food, including memories, emotions, and stories. This menu, among other things, was conceived with the contribution of several chefs, including Anna Zhang, the winner of MasterChef Italy, Eleonora Riso, who won the 13th edition of MasterChef Italy, and food content creator Andrea Mainardi.
Here are the top 10 most unexpected food pairings that have gone viral, emerging from a survey conducted on Calvé's social media pages, riding the anti-taste shaming trend:
- Pasta, mayonnaise, and tuna . One of the most classic recipes among college students, it saves time and requires little effort, and is 25%.
- Pineapple pizza takes silver. For those with a strong stomach, pineapple is a must-have on a classic pizza: more than 21% said they'd tried it and been won over.
- In third place is a habit that many Italians practice in secret: the beloved cappuccino consumed during the main meals of the day, a trend that is widely appreciated by a percentage of 17%.
- Carbonara with cream . One of those untouchable recipes that Italian tradition loudly proclaims: 13% of those interviewed said it's one of those indulgent treats that wins them over precisely because of its creamy consistency.
- French fries with strawberry ice cream . A "perfect" mix for 11% of those interviewed, between sweet and savory, delicious and crunchy at the same time.
- Hard-boiled egg, apricot jam, and mayonnaise . This is one of the most daring pairings and unexpectedly garners 10% of the vote, perhaps thanks to the contrasting shapes, textures, and colors.
- Orange juice and coffee , an energizing boost for all those times when you wake up late and can't decide whether to have breakfast or go straight to brunch: it's a staple for 8% of those interviewed.
- Seafood risotto with Parmesan cheese . For some, it's heresy; for others, namely 8% of those interviewed, it's simply a must-have pairing.
- Peach in syrup, tuna, and mayonnaise . A collision of gastronomic worlds, a universe of textures, and a galaxy of flavors that thrills 7% of those interviewed.
- Bringing up the rear, for 5% of those interviewed, is piadina with prosciutto and peanut butter spread . This super-protein dish, with its salty notes, is a great option for athletes before a workout.
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