The Worst Utah Food & Drink

In a survey by HelloFresh, Utah was ranked as having some of the worst food in the U.S., with funeral potatoes and fry sauce as state standouts. Which had me thinking: justice for funeral potatoes. Here are the actual worst foods and drinks that are quintessentially Utah.

Green Jell-O Salad

I’ve tasted a lot of putrid Jell-O salads in my day. This one feels especially Utah: A hearty combination of cottage cheese, mayo, crushed pineapples, walnuts, evaporated milk, and green Jell-O.

Ironport Soda

Controversial because many who know Ironport soda love it, but to me it tastes like spiced bubblegum. It’s maybe not as bad as Jeppson’s Malört, a notoriously bitter digestif, beloved by Chicagoans, that recently became available at Utah liquor stores.

Hawaiian Haystacks

I can get behind some versions of Hawaiian haystacks. After all, the base is rice, chicken, and gravy. But the additional toppings really take it too far: maraschino cherries, raisins, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds? Unhinged.

Five Cup Salad

Otherwise known as ambrosia salad: one cup each of pineapple, coconut, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and sour cream. I’m sensing a theme here. Why does Utah love mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple so much?

Did your least-favorite Utah food make the list?