American cuisine is known for its diverse and bold flavors, but some dishes can be quite surprising to foreigners. This list delves into 12 American foods that often raise eyebrows among those from other countries. From unique combinations to unusual ingredients, these foods are a true testament to America's eclectic culinary culture, though they may not suit every palate.
Table of Contents
- 1. Various Forms of Cheese
- 2. Canned Foods
- 3. Sugar Content
- 4. Candy Corn
- 5. Twizzlers
- 6. Blooming Onions
- 7. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 8. Hershey’s Chocolate
- 9. Donuts
- 10. Ambrosia Salad
- 11. Grits
- 12. Scrapple
- 12 Products That Were Once The Best But Aren't Now
- 10 Life Secrets From 70-Year-Olds That Will Change Your Perspective
- 10 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
- 12 Signs You're An American Tourist In Other Countries
- 12 Best American Foods According to the Rest of the World
1. Various Forms of Cheese
In the US, cheese varieties like spray cheese or American cheese slices can seem odd to outsiders. Unlike traditional cheeses, these processed versions prioritize convenience and uniformity. They often lack the depth of flavor and natural textures found in artisanal cheeses, leading some foreigners to view them as an unusual, less authentic representation of cheese.
2. Canned Foods
Canned foods in America, ranging from soups to meats, are often seen as a peculiar choice due to their preservatives and sometimes altered taste. While convenient, the idea of consuming certain foods like canned whole chicken or pork brains can be off-putting to those accustomed to fresher options.
3. Sugar Content
The high sugar content in American foods, especially in items like breakfast cereals and bread, is frequently startling to foreigners. This sweetness level, much higher than in many other countries, can make everyday foods taste unexpectedly dessert-like to those from different culinary backgrounds.
4. Candy Corn
A Halloween staple, candy corn is a divisive treat even in the US. Its waxy texture and overly sweet flavor, which doesn't resemble actual corn, can be especially puzzling to those not raised with this seasonal candy tradition.
5. Twizzlers
Twizzlers, a popular licorice candy in the US, often receive mixed reactions internationally. Its chewy texture and artificial flavoring contrast sharply with the more natural licorice found in other countries, leading some to find it an unappetizing version of the treat.
6. Blooming Onions
This deep-fried delicacy, a whole onion cut to resemble a flower and then battered and fried, can be a greasy shock to the uninitiated. Its size and oiliness, while a hit in the US, can be excessive for those used to lighter appetizers.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Often topped with marshmallows and brown sugar, sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic. To foreigners, the combination of sweet toppings with a vegetable can seem overly indulgent and confusingly dessert-like for a dinner dish.
8. Hershey’s Chocolate
Hershey's chocolate, with its slightly tangy, less creamy flavor profile compared to European chocolates, often surprises non-Americans. The distinctive taste, resulting from a particular production process, can be off-putting to those accustomed to richer, smoother chocolates.
9. Donuts
American donuts, with their immense variety and often extravagant toppings, can be a bit much for those from countries with less sweet-toothed palates. The level of sweetness and portion sizes are typically much larger than similar pastries found elsewhere.
10. Ambrosia Salad
This fruit salad, mixed with mini marshmallows, coconut, and sometimes sour cream or mayonnaise, epitomizes the American love for unique combinations. Its texture and mix of flavors can be confusing to those unfamiliar with such a sweet take on a 'salad.'
11. Grits
A Southern staple, grits are ground corn kernels boiled into a porridge-like consistency. Often served with butter or cheese, their blandness and texture can be unappealing to those who didn’t grow up eating this comfort food.
12. Scrapple
A Pennsylvania Dutch creation, scrapple is made from pork scraps and trimmings mixed with cornmeal and shaped into loaves. This economical use of leftovers, while ingenious, can be a challenging concept and taste for those not used to such resourceful meat dishes.
This thread inspired this post.
12 Products That Were Once The Best But Aren't Now
Remember when some products were super cool and everyone wanted them? Well, things have changed. We've made a list of these products to show how they went from top to not-so-top.
Click Here For 12 Products That Were Once The Best But Aren't Now
10 Life Secrets From 70-Year-Olds That Will Change Your Perspective
Discover wisdom that only comes with age in these 10 life secrets shared by 70-year-olds. Their insights, borne from decades of experience, offer valuable lessons in happiness, resilience, and perspective.
Click Here For 10 Life Secrets From 70-Year-Olds That Will Change Your Perspective
10 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
Navigating the grocery aisles can be tricky, especially with so many foods touted as 'healthy'. This list uncovers 10 such foods that, despite their healthy image, may not be as good for you as you think.
Click Here For 10 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
12 Signs You're An American Tourist In Other Countries
Ever wonder if you stick out as an American tourist abroad? You're not alone! There are telltale signs that scream 'American tourist' when you're exploring other countries.
Click Here For 12 Signs You're An American Tourist In Other Countries
12 Best American Foods According to the Rest of the World
It's interesting to see what the rest of the world thinks about us. Here are the 12 best American foods, as voted by people from other countries.
Click Here For 12 Best American Foods According to the Rest of the World