It’s no secret that American food has a reputation for being bold, oversized, and unapologetically indulgent. And while many in the U.S. love these culinary creations, not everyone around the world shares the enthusiasm. Having traveled and talked to people from different cultures, I’ve often heard the same critiques, too much sugar, too much fat, and, wait for it, too much cheese. Yes, there are foods Americans adore that others simply love to hate.
Now, before the debates start, let’s acknowledge something upfront: taste is subjective. What’s mouthwatering to one person might be off-putting to someone else. But, if you’ve ever shared a root beer with a European friend or tried to explain the appeal of ranch dressing to someone abroad, you know there are certain American foods that just don’t translate well internationally. And that’s okay.
So, what are these foods that seem to divide the world’s taste buds? From sugary snacks to processed cheese, we’re getting into 12 American foods that get the most side-eye around the world.
1. Root Beer
Root beer is a classic American soft drink, but internationally, it’s often compared to medicinal cough syrup. The flavor, a mix of sassafras and other herbs, can be an acquired taste, one that many outside the U.S. haven’t quite warmed up to.
While Americans sip root beer floats with nostalgia, people from other countries often find the taste bizarre and off-putting. It’s not unusual for foreigners to gag after their first sip, bewildered by why this drink is so beloved stateside.
2. Peanut Butter
Americans can’t get enough of peanut butter, but many around the world just don’t get the hype. Its sticky texture and savory-sweet flavor can be polarizing. While peanut butter is a staple in U.S. households, it’s often viewed as an oddity in other countries.
Some cultures prefer peanuts in their natural form, and the idea of spreading them on bread or pairing them with jelly seems absurd. Despite this, peanut butter continues to fly off the shelves in America, leaving the rest of the world baffled by our obsession.
3. Processed Cheese (American Cheese)
Ah, American cheese—the gooey, melty delight Americans slap on burgers and grilled sandwiches. Outside the U.S., however, this bright orange square is often mocked as “fake cheese.” Many people abroad are used to cheese being more natural, unprocessed, and full of flavor.
Although its plastic-like appearance and artificial taste doesn’t win over many international fans, Americans love it for its convenience and comfort food appeal.
4. Grits
Grits are a Southern favorite, but if you’re not from the South—or the U.S., for that matter—you might wonder why anyone would eat what looks like a bowl of bland porridge. Made from ground corn, grits are often served with butter, cheese, or gravy.
While they’re beloved in the American southern states, grits have been met with confusion abroad. To the uninitiated, they can seem tasteless and strange, especially compared to more familiar breakfast options like eggs or pastries.
5. Twinkies
Twinkies are an iconic American snack, but not everyone is a fan of this cream-filled sponge cake. Packed with sugar and preservatives, Twinkies often get a bad rap for being overly processed and too sweet.
Internationally, people are often put off by both the flavor and the ingredient list. What we see as a nostalgic treat, others might see as an artificial, calorie-laden confection with a suspiciously long shelf life.
6. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is the go-to condiment in America for everything from salads to pizza, but its tangy, creamy flavor doesn’t resonate well with everyone. In fact, many people outside the U.S. find the idea of dipping pizza into ranch utterly baffling.
Its heavy use of buttermilk and herbs might be too rich or zesty for some international palates. Yet, here in the U.S., we can’t get enough of it, and you’ll find it served with everything from wings to fries.
7. Jell-O Salad
If there’s one dish that screams “retro American,” it’s Jell-O salad. Combining fruit, marshmallows, and sometimes even vegetables suspended in a brightly colored Jell-O, this dish often leaves people from other countries horrified and perplexed.
The idea of mixing sweet, fruity flavors with savory ingredients is a hard sell internationally. What we view as a nostalgic side dish, others might find unappetizing and downright weird.
8. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are a breakfast staple in the American South, but the rest of the world might not share the enthusiasm. To some, the idea of smothering fluffy biscuits in a thick, peppery gravy made from sausage fat seems a bit indulgent or even gross.
While we see it as a hearty, comforting breakfast, outsiders might see it as a heavy, unappetizing mess. Still, it remains a beloved dish in the U.S., especially in Southern diners.
9. Corn Dogs
What’s more American than a hot dog on a stick, dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried? While corn dogs are a beloved fair food here, many people abroad are puzzled by the combination of a hot dog with a sweet, bread-like coating.
The concept of battering and frying a hot dog doesn’t sit well with everyone. Yet, corn dogs are a must-have treat for Americans, especially during state fair season.
10. Bologna
Bologna sandwiches are a classic lunchbox staple in America, but elsewhere, bologna is often regarded as a questionable meat product. The processed, spongy texture and mild flavor don’t do much to win international fans.
Many people outside the U.S. associate bologna with lower-quality processed meats, and the idea of eating it cold, sandwiched between slices of white bread, isn’t particularly appealing.
11. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes, with their saucy, messy filling, are a nostalgic dinner for many American families. However, the concept of a sandwich filled with loose, saucy ground beef doesn’t quite resonate abroad. The texture and appearance, sloppy by nature, can be off-putting for those used to more structured sandwiches.
While Sloppy Joes are seen as a fun, easy weeknight meal in the U.S., they often come across as a bit too messy and unappetizing for international palates, leaving many to wonder how such a dish became a household favorite.
12. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
In America, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a Thanksgiving classic. It blends sweet and savory in a unique way. However, to many outside the U.S., this dish is baffling. Marshmallows on vegetables? It just doesn’t compute.
The combination of sweet potatoes (which many consider savory) with marshmallows makes for an odd contrast that most international diners don’t enjoy. In other parts of the world, sweet potatoes are typically prepared in a more savory style, making this dish seem like a dessert masquerading as a side.
15 Global Dishes Everyone Should Try Once
So, if you’re a seasoned traveler or a home cook looking to broaden your culinary horizons, prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure. Here are 15 dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
15 Global Dishes Everyone Should Try Once
16 of the Best No-Cook Meals
There’s a certain mastery to the art of no-cook meals that require zero cooking but still manages to hit the spot. The beauty of these meals lies in their simplicity. They come together in minutes, yet they’re packed with flavors and textures that make you feel like you’ve created something special.
16 Hidden Gem Ingredients Every Chef Should Stock
Get ready to discover 16 underrated ingredients that deserve a prime spot in your kitchen. From pungent pastes to fragrant oils, these flavor enhancers will quickly become your favorite way to woo family and friends.
16 Hidden Gem Ingredients Every Chef Should Stock
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
