Yes—people absolutely do, but Brussels sprouts are one of those foods that got a bad reputation unfairly.
Brussels sprouts are eaten pretty regularly in a lot of places, especially in Europe, the UK, and increasingly in the US and elsewhere. The “nobody eats them” idea mostly comes from older cooking methods.
Why people used to dislike them
A long time ago, Brussels sprouts were often:
- Boiled too long
- Not seasoned well
- Served mushy and bitter
That combination brings out sulfur compounds that smell strong and taste unpleasant to many people.
Why people actually like them now
Modern cooking changed their reputation:
- Roasting (instead of boiling) brings out sweetness
- Crispy edges + olive oil + salt = very different flavor
- They pair well with garlic, lemon, cheese, bacon, or balsamic glaze
When cooked well, they taste more like a nutty, slightly sweet cabbage than anything bitter.
So who actually eats them?
- Home cooks (especially roasted as a side dish)
- Restaurants (common on modern menus)
- Health-conscious eaters (they’re high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K)
Bottom line
They’re not universally loved, but they’re definitely eaten—and when prepared properly, they’ve gone from “hated vegetable” to a pretty popular side dish.
If you want, I can show you a simple way to cook them so they don’t taste bitter at all.
