The Popular Candy That Gordon Ramsay Absolutely Refuses to Eat
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is outspoken about food he loves and food he avoids, and candy falls firmly into the second category for him. One particular sweet earned an instant rejection during a television appearance, and the moment has followed him ever since.
During a 2016 segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ramsay was asked about the worst Halloween candy to hand out. He took one bite, stopped almost immediately, and spat it out. He described the taste as resembling a combination of aspirin and Tums.
The Candy Ramsay Won’t Touch
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Ramsay can’t stand Smarties, and in the United States, they are small, chalky, pastel-colored discs wrapped in cellophane. They dissolve quickly, carry mild fruit flavors, and cost very little per roll. The affordability explains their consistent presence in Halloween bowls, school events, and parade giveaways. Ramsay’s reaction was because of the texture and flavor. The dry, powdery bite clashes with what he expects food to deliver, even when it is candy.
Why American Smarties Hit a Nerve
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There’s another layer to his disgust that helps explain the intensity. In the United Kingdom, Smarties are candy-coated chocolate pieces, closer to M&M’s than their American namesake. They share the same name and bright colors, but offer a completely different experience. Ramsay grew up with the chocolate version, so encountering the American one likely felt like a bait-and-switch.
Popularity That Defies Criticism
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Despite Ramsay’s stance, Smarties remain a popular choice. They have been a Halloween fixture for decades, largely due to price, shelf life, and simplicity. They also contain none of the nine major food allergens. Ramsay’s comments didn’t erase their presence, but they did influence how people talk about them. The candy became a shorthand term for blandness in food debates, referenced whenever someone wanted to make a quick joke about low expectations.
Candy Disdain Has Limits
It’s worth noting that Ramsay’s refusal to eat Smarties doesn’t mean he avoids sweets entirely. He frequently praises desserts and shares recipes for rich classics, such as sticky toffee pudding, brownies, and cheesecake. His issue lies with the execution, not the sugar itself. Smarties survived the critique, but the quote lives on.