America has a variety of cultures and races, but it has managed to maintain its unique flavor over the years. American food may be inspired by other countries, but the netizens never forget to add their twist.
Our team surveyed multiple online discussions and public forums to curate this list of American food non-Americans hate the most.
American Cheese
Non-Americans find American cheese to be plasticky. They are not quite wrong, as American cheese is infamous for being ultra-processed. It has loads of additives and emulsifiers, and as a result, it tastes rubbery and bland. Far from what actual cheese tastes like.
Hershey’s Chocolate
Hershey’s chocolate is a cult favorite in America. But, some non-Americans feel it tastes odd. They say it has a tangy taste, due to the presence of butyric acid: a chocolate ingredient. Many non-Americans dislike Hershey’s and do not consider it a good chocolate.
Pineapple on Pizza
This one is a battleground. Although Canada technically introduced it, most American eateries serve this controversial dish. While most non-Americans cringe at the idea of soggy and sweet pineapples on pizza, Italians hate it the most. They think it is an insult to their cuisine.
American Soda
Most non-American soda lovers stopped drinking soda after tasting American soda. American soft drinks have 42% to 55% high-fructose corn syrup. Non-Americans are not fond of it, Americans prefer Mexican Coke due to the corn syrup quantity.
Aerosol Cheese
America is obsessed with running cheese, and Aerosol Cheese is yet another example. An American company named Nabisco started manufacturing “Easy Cheese” in 1965, which is what we call aerosol cheese. As per the ingredients list, it has traces of cheese and a huge quantity of canola oil. Whenever Americans call this mixture cheese, it makes non-Americans furious.
American Taco
America has adopted many dishes and given them its own touch. Although not every touch is a good idea, non-Americans feel the same about American Tacos. The ground beef filling with “taco seasoning” and diced tomatoes in American Tacos is not an ideal interpretation of the original dish.
Root Beer
Root beer is popular in America due to its unique flavor. If you ask an American, they will describe it as sweet and herbal with notes of vanilla and mint. However, if you throw the same question at a non-American, the answer would be “like a mouthwash”. Yet Americans can not get enough of it and claim it as the quintessential American soda.
Twinkies
Twinkies are a major part of almost every American’s childhood. They adore the taste of the dessert. However, non-Americans would agree to disagree. The sloppy cream filling inside the cake makes people particularly unhappy with the food. The extra sweet taste of the dessert also makes it unappealing for people outside of America.
American Bread
People living in countries that largely consume a variety of breads often complain about the packed American breads. People do not expect too much, but sandwich bread should not taste like a dessert. Americans add sugar to their bread to improve the texture and longevity. Still, it can be too sweet for non-Americans.
Pumpkin Spice Overload
We all know that, during fall, everything will have a dash of pumpkin spice. While Americans enjoy it, it can become a bit much for others. From coffee and ice cream to pancakes and donuts, non-Americans feel repulsive seeing pumpkin spice in every food item.
Flavored Hummus
Americans love trying out any new recipe that fits into their vegan, low-carb, healthy diet, and hummus checks all the boxes. Americans love using hummus as their salad dip. Still, non-Americans believe this is not how you should have it. In the Middle East, hummus is a huge deal—so much so that there is a thing called the “Hummus Wars.” So, it is natural that many Middle Eastern people will feel offended if someone tries to mess with it.
Burgoo
Now, for those who do not know what Burgoo is, it is a spicy stew traditional in Kentucky. It is made with mutton or venison, which is not something non-Americans have an issue with. The gross part is that people often make it with animals like squirrels, raccoons, and possums. It might have made sense back in the day to survive difficult situations. In today’s society, there is hardly any need to consume those animals, and society looks down upon the act.
Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are a delicacy in the southern states of America. In fact, South Carolina considers it their official state snack. They are available at roadside stands in many of the states. However, the food’s odor makes it difficult for non-Americans to appreciate it.
Biscuits & Gravy
Despite being one of America’s favorite snacks, non-Americans have difficulty applauding this. While some think it tastes salty and looks unappealing, others consider it dry and spicy.