More people than you’d think—but they usually didn’t always like them.Brussels sprouts have a reputation problem that mostly comes from how they used to be cooked. Older methods often involved boiling them until mushy, which brings out bitter sulfur compounds and makes them smell strong and taste unpleasant. That version is what a lot of people remember.
What changed is how they’re prepared now:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts get crispy edges and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
- High-heat cooking (roasting, air frying, pan-searing) reduces bitterness.
- Pairing them with things like garlic, bacon, lemon, balsamic glaze, or parmesan balances the taste.
There’s also a biological angle: some people are more sensitive to bitter compounds (like PROP sensitivity), so for them Brussels sprouts genuinely taste worse.
So the honest answer is:
- Some people still dislike them strongly.
- Many people who say they hate them just haven’t had them cooked well.
- And a lot of people do eat them on purpose now—especially roasted versions that taste very different from the boiled ones.
If you’ve only ever had the “sad boiled cafeteria sprouts” version, that reaction is pretty understandable.
