Bruno Pugh
Ah, the hotel breakfast buffet—an irresistible spread that promises convenience and indulgence. But not everything laid out under those warming lamps is as good as it looks. Some foods can turn your morning meal into a regrettable experience. Whether for health reasons, hygiene concerns, or just plain disappointment, here’s a list of 15 foods you should think twice before piling them onto your plate.
Egg Scramble
The fluorescent yellow hue of those scrambled eggs is a dead giveaway. Made from a powdered mix, they often taste more like cardboard than breakfast. Besides, who knows how long they’ve been sitting there? Instead, opt for a made-to-order omelet if the hotel offers one. Your taste buds will be satisfied, and you’ll avoid the mid-morning slump caused by bland bites.
Fruit Salad
A mix of soggy melon, overripe grapes, and apple slices that have seen better days is a common sight. This fruit salad is more of a fruit funeral. The chopped fruit often loses its appeal after hours on display. Grab a whole fruit instead; a banana or an apple straight from the basket is a safer bet for freshness.
Sausages
These sausages might look delicious, but they’re often greasy and of dubious quality. Made from who-knows-what, they can leave you feeling heavy and sluggish. Settle on a leaner protein like turkey bacon, or go vegetarian with some avocado toast. Your stomach will appreciate the lighter start to the day.
Yogurt with Toppings
Speaking of yogurt, those pre-mixed cups with fruit and granola on top are often sugar bombs in disguise. The fruit syrup and sugary granola can turn a healthy snack into a dessert. Plain yogurt and adding your toppings from the breakfast bar will offer more nutritional value. You control the sweetness and can ensure a healthier choice.
Cold Cuts and Cheeses
While a European-style breakfast might be appealing, the cold cuts and cheeses at a hotel buffet can be a risky choice. They’re often left out for hours and can harbor bacteria. Stick to hot, freshly cooked options, or grab pre-packaged cheese from the mini-fridge. It’s safer and still delicious.
Buffet Pastries
Those tempting croissants, muffins, and danishes can be hit or miss. Often, they’re mass-produced and lack the freshness and flavor of a bakery item. If you’re craving something sweet, see if the hotel has a café with freshly baked goods. You’ll get a much tastier treat without the disappointment.
The Pre-Made Smoothies
A tempting rainbow of smoothies lined up in small bottles can be deceiving. Packed with sugar and preservatives, they’re more dessert than breakfast. Plus, you never know how long they’ve been sitting out. A juice bar is a healthier, fresher option for smoothie lovers.
Room Temperature Milk
Milk sitting out in pitchers can quickly reach unsafe temperatures, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Always check if the milk is being kept cold. If in doubt, skip it and choose a hot beverage or a different breakfast option. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Pancakes
Pancakes at hotel buffets often miss the mark, being dry and chewy rather than light and fluffy. They’re usually made from a pre-mixed batter, more about convenience than taste. The syrup options can also be disappointing, often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup instead of real maple syrup. Save your pancake cravings for a place that makes them fresh.
Cereal
Sure, cereal is a quick and easy option, but hotel selections tend to be sugary and low in nutritional value. You might eat a bowl of empty calories that won’t keep you full for long. For a quick breakfast, consider whole grain options, but even then, the milk quality can be questionable.
Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon? Unfortunately, hotel bacon can be a greasy disappointment. Often overcooked to the point of being brittle or undercooked and limp, it rarely hits that perfect balance. Moreover, its high sodium and fat content make it a less-than-ideal breakfast choice.
Waffles
Like pancakes, hotel waffles are often a letdown. This edible might be crispy on the outside but bland and soggy inside. The batter is usually pre-made and doesn’t compare to freshly mixed versions. Toppings, often artificial and overly sweet, only add to the disappointment.
Cottage Cheese
While cottage cheese can be a healthy option, hotel versions are often overly salty and watery. They might not be stored properly, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Unless you’re confident in its freshness, it’s better to avoid this one.
Bottled Juice
Those little juice bottles might seem like a good idea, but they’re often packed with added sugars and lack the nutritional benefits of fresh-squeezed juice. The taste can be more like sugary water than actual juice. Water or freshly squeezed juice are better choices if you want something refreshing.
Toaster Pastries
Pop-tarts and other toaster pastries might be convenient, but they’re loaded with sugar and empty calories. They’ll give you a quick sugar rush, followed by a crash that leaves you hungry and tired. Skip the sugar overload and go for whole-grain toast with peanut butter or avocado. Your energy levels will stay steady for longer.
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