Famous cooking-show judges share the 9 ingredients they want chefs to stop using so much

Kirstie RenaeOct 13, 2020, 00:22 IST

Many judges who spoke to Insider are tired of truffle oil.GPritchettPhoto/Shutterstock

As part of the From the Judging Table series, Insider spoke to former and current judges from popular cooking shows to find out the ingredients they wish contestants would stop using so much.
There are more creative alternatives to bacon and cinnamon.
Multiple chefs and judges told Insider that truffles and truffle-flavored ingredients are overused.
Scallops are popular because they're easy to cook, but some judges think they're used too often.

The judges on cooking and baking competitions taste a lot of dishes — but even culinary pros get sick of a few popular flavors.

As part of the From the Judging Table series, Insider spoke to former and current judges from popular cooking shows about some of the most overused ingredients competitors use.

Read on to learn nine ingredients that these famous judges are tired of eating.

Cinnamon is often overused in baking competitions.

Cinnamon isn't always the most creative or clever choice. Kseniia Zagrebaeva/Shutterstock

One chef could do without faux caviar, an ingredient created through molecular gastronomy.

Some competitors make their own caviar. Shutterstock

Multiple judges said truffles, truffle oil, and other truffle-flavored ingredients are used far too often.

Truffles may be luxurious, but they don't need to be in every dish. Chloe Pantazi/INSIDER

Seasonal ingredients, like pumpkin spice and eggnog, can be taken too literally in holiday competitions.

Halloween isn't all about pumpkin spice. gsk2014 / Shutterstock

Bacon isn't a very creative ingredient.

There are more creative ways to add meat to your dish. grass-lifeisgood/Shutterstock

Sriracha is a popular condiment that appears often during competitions.

Sriracha is a popular condiment. Erin McDowell/Insider

Pork belly, although versatile and delicious, is too commonly used in cooking-competition shows.

Pork belly is flavorful and fatty. TalyaAL/Shutterstock

Scallops are another form of protein that are often overused.

Scallops can cook quite quickly. DronG/Shutterstock

When it comes to holiday shows, contestants often try to use ingredients that wouldn't realistically be in season.

Competitors on "Holiday Baking Championship" may want to avoid the summery fruits. Reuters

I made Ina Garten's easy salmon dish and had dinner on the table in 15 minutes

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