5 Foods You Should Skip at the Breakfast Buffet

Vacations with family or friends are some of the most memorable experiences, filled with fun and adventure. Booking the right accommodation is key to a successful trip — making sure the destination, flight, lodging, and meals all align. Amidst all the planning, you might find a hotel deal that includes a free breakfast. Sounds great, right? It could save you money on one meal a day, and with a buffet, it's all-you-can-eat. But be careful — this seemingly perfect deal could end up being a disaster.

There’s nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation. I know this from experience — I once got food poisoning at a hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and let’s just say, it wasn’t the sweet vacation I had imagined. Some breakfast buffet items are more likely to be contaminated or of poor quality. Here’s a list of foods you should avoid at breakfast buffets to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.

The Worst Breakfast Buffet Choices

Eggs

It’s a disappointment, especially since eggs are a classic American breakfast staple. Unfortunately, the eggs served at buffets are often of poor quality. Many hotels use powdered eggs instead of fresh ones to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs quickly for the buffet crowd. Powdered eggs lack the taste, texture, and color of fresh eggs. On top of that, these eggs are typically cooked in advance, meaning they could be sitting at unsafe temperatures for a long time. According to the FDA, eggs should be served right after cooking to prevent food-borne illnesses. You might have no way of knowing how long those eggs have been sitting out, so it’s safer to opt for made-to-order eggs, like at an omelet station.

Meats

You’ve probably heard the saying, 'Everyone loves bacon.' While I’m personally more of a sausage fan, the breakfast meats at buffets are often unsanitary. Not only are they usually kept at unsafe temperatures, but the quality is subpar. These meats tend to be dry, bland, and unseasoned.

Melon

A bowl of fresh fruit is always a healthy choice to start the day. But fruit that hasn't been properly handled, like pre-cut melon, can be a health risk. Specifically, cantaloupe can carry salmonella if not stored correctly.

Quiche

Quiche shares similar concerns to eggs (since it’s essentially eggs baked in a crust). If not handled properly, it can lead to digestive issues. On top of that, buffet quiches can often be dry, bland, and not as fresh as you'd hope.

Waffles

The waffle station is often the highlight of any breakfast buffet. The excitement of pouring batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it, and then adding your favorite toppings sounds like a dream. However, the waffle station might not be all it's cracked up to be. According to TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel worker, the waffle batter is often old and sour. Instead of tossing it out, they simply add fresh batter to the old batch. Yikes!

Safer Choices at the Buffet

Your safest option is to go for pre-packaged items like single-serving yogurt, pudding, or fruit cups. Just remember to check the expiration date — I've definitely encountered expired yogurt before. Honestly, if you can, I would recommend skipping the breakfast buffet altogether. It's just not worth the risk.