Some Foods that should be avoided when we go to buffet -

Some Foods that should be avoided when we go to buffet

Introduction

The buffet industry holds significant value, with annual revenues in the United States reaching approximately $8 billion. It’s easy to see why these dining spots are so appealing. With all-you-can-eat options that allow customers to pay a single price and fill their plates with favorite dishes, buffets deliver unbeatable value for many. For those with hearty appetites, the opportunity to go back for multiple servings adds to the allure.

Buffets offer a prime chance to fill your plate with pricier items, allowing you to enjoy a meal that could be worth more than the price you paid, bringing an added sense of satisfaction to the experience.

Despite the many perks of buffets, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Certain popular items on the buffet line might be better left untouched. These foods can pose a greater risk of being unsanitary, may lack nutritional value, or might fill you up too fast. We’re here to guide you on which buffet items to avoid. Grab a plate, and let’s dive in!

1. Potato-Based Dishes

Ever taken a moment to examine the setup of your local buffet? If not, it might be worth a closer look. Buffets often place potato-based dishes and other carb-heavy options at the beginning of the line. These items—like French fries or mashed potatoes—are strategically positioned to fill up your plate and your stomach quickly.

Buffets use this setup because these dishes are typically less expensive to make. By placing them upfront, customers are subtly nudged to load up on these foods, filling up faster and leaving less room for the costlier options further down the line. This arrangement helps the buffet cut costs. Often, these items are paired with larger spoons or ladles to encourage bigger servings, while pricier foods are presented in smaller quantities with smaller utensils.

To sidestep this tactic, consider bypassing potato dishes on your initial trip to the buffet. Instead, prioritize items that offer more value, such as meat or seafood dishes. After you’re confident you’ve gotten the most out of your meal, you can always circle back for the potatoes.

2. Sushi

Among the myriad options available at buffets, sushi often stands out as a simple choice. Both satisfying and light, enjoying a few plates of sushi can help you leave feeling less bloated than you might after indulging in a heavier meal.

However, the sushi and sashimi offered at buffets can lead to significant stomach discomfort. Raw fish sushi can harbor pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses. Lauri Wright, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Reader’s Digest, “Without cooking, the fish may harbor such bacteria as salmonella, vibrio, and some parasites.” The risk increases in a buffet environment where numerous patrons are handling and examining the food, as there’s no way to guarantee that everyone has properly washed their hands.

Unfortunately, the situation can deteriorate further. The longer sushi sits exposed on the buffet line, the greater the risk it poses for safe consumption. If you’re truly in the mood for sushi, opting for a restaurant where it’s prepared fresh to order is likely a safer and more satisfying choice.

3. Sweet And Sour Dishes

Few types of cuisine have embraced the buffet model quite like Chinese American food. In the U.S., it’s common to find buffets serving up hot trays of noodles, crab rangoons, and General Tso’s chicken. However, when visiting a Chinese buffet, it’s best to steer clear of anything sweet and sour.

These dishes—typically made with deep-fried meat coated in a thick, sugary sauce—are often high in sugar and fat. A single serving of sweet and sour chicken, for instance, can pack over 1,500 calories, nearly 90 grams of fat, and around 80 grams of sugar. Going back for seconds only increases those numbers.

If you’re looking to add protein to your meal, sweet and sour dishes might seem appealing. However, for a healthier choice, consider exploring other options on the buffet. Aim to avoid items that are heavily sauced, breaded, or deep-fried. Leaner choices like grilled chicken breasts or pork cutlets are great alternatives, as long as they’re not drenched in oil.

4. Soda

A meal doesn’t feel complete without a refreshing drink to go with it. However, if you typically reach for a soda at the buffet, it may be wise to limit your intake.

Those large glasses at buffet restaurants might seem like a generous touch, but they’re actually a tactic to help the restaurant save money. Soda is inexpensive for eateries to provide, which is why it’s often served in large quantities. Plus, the more soda you drink, the fuller you’ll feel—just as the buffet intends. Filling up on soda means you’ll consume less of the pricier buffet items, ultimately benefiting the restaurant’s bottom line.

It’s also worth noting just how sugary soda can be. A single can of soda often contains 7 to 10 teaspoons of sugar. If you’re refilling your glass several times, you’re quickly spiking your sugar intake. In the short term, this can lead to a sudden energy crash, leaving you feeling sluggish. Over time, consistently consuming high levels of sugar can raise your risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, according to Healthline. Remember, you came to the buffet to enjoy the food—don’t let your drink steal the spotlight.

5. Cantaloupe

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, all-you-can-eat buffets can often be disheartening when it comes to healthy choices. Finding nutritious options can be challenging in these settings, which might lead you to think that opting for fruit is a wise decision. However, when it comes to cantaloupe, it’s best to steer clear of this particular fruit altogether.

If you decide to go for a slice or two of cantaloupe at the buffet, take a moment to inspect it closely before adding it to your plate. The fruit should be kept at a chilled temperature; allowing it to sit at room temperature raises the risk of it becoming unsafe to eat. Additionally, avoid any pieces that appear bruised or darkened, as these can be indicators of spoilage.

6. Chicken Salads

Spotting a salad with a protein element at the buffet might feel like a score. If you see a chicken salad, the mix of lean protein and fresh greens can seem like a smart choice. Unfortunately, this dish can sometimes be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Chicken, when served in a salad, is particularly susceptible to harboring pathogens. According to Gordon Food Service, the moisture and pH levels in salads create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. The risk increases further when chicken is paired with leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, which provide optimal conditions for E. Coli to multiply, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the chicken salad has been left out at room temperature for an extended period, the chances of contamination are even higher.

Sometimes, the salad options at a buffet can be hard to resist. If you decide to go for the chicken salad, make sure the ingredients are properly chilled. Once leafy greens exceed 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the likelihood of E. Coli growth rises significantly. Salad bar items should always be kept at a safe temperature, ideally over ice. If you notice that they’re not, it’s best to leave them and pick another option.

7. Oysters

If you enjoy the finer things, buffets can feel like the perfect chance to indulge. When oysters make an appearance at an all-you-can-eat spot, the temptation to sample them can be tough to resist.

While raw oysters are often considered one of the most upscale options at a buffet, they also come with significant risks. These seafood delicacies are particularly vulnerable to contamination from Vibrio bacteria, which can lead to a type of food poisoning known as vibriosis. This illness can cause typical symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, but it can also be quite severe. According to the CDC, vibriosis claims around 100 lives each year in the U.S. Buffets can be breeding grounds for Vibrio-laden oysters; for example, in 2009, more than 50 individuals were affected by food poisoning linked to buffet oysters at two different hotels.

The most concerning aspect is that contaminated oysters are indistinguishable from those that are safe to eat. There’s no way to identify them by taste, appearance, or smell. Given these risks, this is one buffet item you should definitely steer clear of.

8. Bread

We’ve all heard the advice to “not fill up on bread,” but following it can be challenging, especially at buffet restaurants that typically feature an enticing array of rolls and baguettes.

We recommend avoiding bread at a buffet to help you maintain control over your meal choices. Buffets often place cheaper items like bread at the forefront of their offerings. While you might believe you’re immune to these design tactics, research suggests otherwise. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that we tend to select the first item we see at a buffet three out of four times. If that item is bread—which is frequently the case—you could significantly reduce both your plate space and appetite before even considering more desirable options.

Hold off on selecting carbohydrates until the end and start with the protein-based options at the buffet. Not only are these items likely to be more satisfying, but they may also be of higher quality.

9. Egg Salad

Egg salad is a beloved dish that many enjoy, making it a common choice at buffet restaurants. However, serving yourself a portion can significantly increase your risk of experiencing food poisoning symptoms in the days that follow.

Egg salad carries a higher risk of food poisoning due to its main ingredient—eggs, which are frequent carriers of Salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration warns that even eggs that seem fresh can still pose a health risk. The danger increases if the eggs are undercooked, as noted by registered dietitian Kendra Busalacchi (via The Healthy). If the egg salad appears particularly soft or creamy, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Cold egg-based dishes, such as egg salad, need to be maintained at very low temperatures in a buffet setting. For your safety, verify that the egg salad is being served on ice. You might also consider asking the staff how long it has been sitting out. If the egg salad is kept at room temperature, it’s best to steer clear of it entirely.

10. Condiments From Trays

While a meal can certainly stand on its own without condiments, they’re often a welcome addition. For sauce enthusiasts, buffets offer a prime opportunity to load up on favorites like ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise to your heart’s content.

However, if condiments are served in open trays, it’s best to avoid them. Microbiologist Jason Tetro explained to CBC that shared condiment trays often harbor bacteria: “If they are just open and there are spoons and things like that, then there’s a very good likelihood that people will get their fingers in there.” This setup means unwashed hands may come into contact with both the condiments and the serving utensils, increasing the chances of contamination.

Tetro points out that the way condiments are served can reveal a lot about the establishment’s hygiene practices. Condiments served from a pump are a slightly safer option, but the ideal choice is a buffet that provides individual sachets or contactless dispensers. If neither is available, it might be wise to pass on the ketchup and other condiments altogether.

11. Deep-Fried Foods

While some buffets prioritize providing a variety of healthy options, others focus on indulgent fare. At these buffets, you’re likely to encounter a generous selection of deep-fried foods.

We suggest limiting your intake of deep-fried items at the buffet. Foods cooked in large amounts of oil are among the least healthy options and can increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. “Fried foods may influence risk of these diseases through several key risk factors: obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” explained Dr. Leah Cahill to WebMD.

Deep-fried foods can also accumulate a chemical called acrylamide, which has been linked to a potential cancer risk for certain individuals. Although acrylamide is usually well-tolerated in small amounts, it’s wise to moderate your intake to reduce exposure. Cutting back on fried foods is one way to help manage this risk.

12. Tuna

The wide variety of options at buffets can be daunting, and if you’re unsure of what to choose, a familiar dish like tuna salad might seem like a safe bet. However, at all-you-can-eat establishments, tuna salad can pose certain risks.

“Tuna needs to be stored at a colder temperature than other fish because it’s particularly vulnerable to certain bacteria,” nutritionist Rene Ficek explained to The Healthy. According to Still Tasty, tuna salad left at room temperature for two hours or more is at a significantly higher risk of becoming unsafe to eat.

Fresh tuna or tuna steaks at a buffet can pose an even greater risk. If not stored properly, fresh tuna can spoil, leading to a type of food poisoning called scombroid poisoning, as noted by the California Department of Public Health. Symptoms of scombroid poisoning include vomiting, rashes, and difficulty swallowing. While spoiled tuna may sometimes be identifiable by an unusual taste, smell, or appearance, the signs aren’t always visible, making this a risky choice at buffets.

13. Salad Toppings And Dressings

The salad bar is often one of the busiest spots at a buffet. If you’re like us, you’re drawn to it for the variety of toppings and dressings that aren’t typically available at home.

However, those bacon bits and generous servings of Caesar dressing you’re adding to your salad may not contribute to a healthy meal. When it comes to dressings, “The issue with restaurant dips and dressings is that we often have no idea about the quality and quantity of the ingredients used,” nutritionist Lily Soutter explained to Cosmopolitan. What might seem like a harmless bowl of dressing could be loaded with hidden sugars and sodium, turning a potentially healthy salad into a nutritional disaster.

The same caution applies to salad toppings. While croutons can add an enjoyable crunch to your salad, they also contribute extra calories and fat. Similarly, bacon bits might not be the healthiest choice; they’re not only high in fat but also often contain processed ingredients. If you’re making the effort to visit the salad bar for healthier options, don’t undermine your choices with these unnecessary dressings and toppings.

14. Lemon Slices

A slice of lemon can elevate a standard drink to something more refreshing and flavorful. However, these seemingly innocent slices can pose a risk; adding a lemon wedge to your beverage can introduce a host of bacteria.

Research published by the National Library of Medicine investigated the contamination levels on typical restaurant lemon slices. The study revealed that approximately 70% of lemon slices served in restaurants contained bacteria. When added to your drink, this bacteria can directly enter your stomach, increasing the risk of infection or illness.

The risk of contamination is heightened in buffet environments, where lemon slices are cut and left exposed for customers to grab. It’s a common misconception that adding lemon to an alcoholic drink will eliminate any bacteria. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that harmful pathogens can survive even in high-proof alcoholic beverages, potentially leading to health issues.

15. Dessert Items

If you’ve ever walked away from a buffet feeling let down because you didn’t take a closer look at the dessert table, you’re certainly not alone. Many people experience this. However, it might not be the biggest misstep, especially when you think about the potential risks associated with indulging in those desserts.

Desserts often represent a major source of fat, sugar, and calories. Additionally, these calories can be surprisingly easy to consume. Our bodies have a mechanism called sensory-specific satiety, which allows us to still crave sweet treats even after eating plenty of savory dishes, as noted by HuffPost.

This means it’s quite simple to exceed your usual calorie intake, particularly at a buffet where decadent dessert options are abundant. While it may be tempting to indulge, opting for a healthier dessert like yogurt or fruit is a much better strategy. Alternatively, making healthier selections during the savory portion of your meal can also help you maintain a balanced diet.