For many travelers, the breakfast buffet is the highlight of a holiday. But according to food experts, not everything on display is worth piling onto your plate.
From hygiene risks to disappointing flavors, here are the items you may want to skip next time you head to the buffet.
Jams and peanut butter are especially risky
Spreads such as jam, peanut butter, marmalade, and marmite are some of the most contamination-prone items because people often touch or mishandle the containers.
Look for individually wrapped options
The safest bet is to choose single-serving packets, since they guarantee nobody has touched the food before you.
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Be extra cautious with mayo, lemon slices, and dressings
Items like mayonnaise, lemon slices, and salad dressings are known breeding grounds for bacteria and deserve special caution at any buffet.
Fried potatoes often disappoint
Mashed notes that fried potatoes like hash browns are frequently under-seasoned, greasy, and dry out quickly when left sitting, turning into mush.
Fruit salad may not be as healthy as it looks
Fresh fruit can easily be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Hepatitis A. Even when safe, it’s often soaked in sugary syrup.
Think twice before grabbing cereal
Cereal is often loaded with sugar and refined carbs, which can leave you tired and hungry again quickly.
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If you must, granola with nuts and seeds is the better option for lasting energy.
Raw oysters are a high-risk gamble
Buffet oysters carry an especially high risk of contamination from norovirus and other bacteria. One bad oyster could ruin your entire holiday.
Scrambled eggs may not be real eggs
Many buffets use powdered mixes instead of fresh eggs, and even freshly made scrambled eggs quickly lose texture when sitting in a warming tray.
Pre-cooked meats lose their appeal fast
Bacon and sausages are buffet staples, but the longer they sit out, the soggier they get as the fat leaks out.
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Pancakes are only good fresh from the pan
Like fried potatoes, pancakes taste best when freshly made. If they’re cooked to order, go for it. If they’re sitting on a hot plate, skip them.
Watch how long the food has been sitting out
The longer dishes remain on the buffet, the higher the risk of both bacteria growth and unappetizing taste. Opt for food that looks freshly replenished.
Safer choices are still available
Not everything is off-limits. Fresh fruit, smoked salmon, cheeses, and cold cuts are usually safer and more enjoyable alternatives.
This article is based on information from Ladbible.com.
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