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20 food and drinks from the U.S. that baffle the rest of the world
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20 food and drinks from the U.S. that baffle the rest of the world

Many countries worldwide, like Thailand, Greece, India, and Italy, are known for amazing cuisine. The same can’t always be said for the United States, although we do have our share of unique bites. Here are 20 American foods and drinks that have most other nationalities scratching their heads.

 
1 of 20

Spray cheese

Spray cheese
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That weirdly orange "cheese" in a can is almost more American than apple pie, which isn’t even that American, to be honest. You probably had it at some point as a kid at a birthday party or novelty snack.

 
2 of 20

Americanos

Americanos
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In Europe, espresso is king. In Turkey and neighboring countries, coffee is boiled in a cezve. In Southeast Asia, it’s often sweetened with egg or condensed milk. In America, we…add water? Yup, your standard Starbucks drink doesn’t taste good to people around the world. But if you insist, specify you want an “American coffee” when traveling. 

 
3 of 20

Drive-thru...everything

Drive-thru...everything
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Drive-thrus do exist outside the US, but they’re nowhere near as common. From fast food to coffee stands and liquor stores, banks, and pharmacies, there’s nothing as American as staying in your car for most of the day!

 
4 of 20

Microwave tea

Microwave tea
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You know that meme of British people losing their minds over Americans microwaving water for tea? Well, that’s because electric kettles and/or stove-top teapots are the norm in most of the world. Not us, though!

 
5 of 20

Popcorn

Popcorn
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I always find it odd that popcorn (especially the microwaveable kind) isn’t as common abroad. Usually, you’ll find it sold at carnivals or Christmas markets as a special treat but not as a standard in the snack aisle.

 
6 of 20

Cornbread

Cornbread
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You might find variations in other countries, but a nice thick pan of sweet cornbread is a classic American dish. It would confuse most at tables abroad.

 
7 of 20

Peanut butter

Peanut butter
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Europeans love Nutella, but for some reason, peanut butter isn’t as common outside the US. Thus, PB&J, peanut butter and apples, or peanut butter cookies are quite rare on the international circuit.

 
8 of 20

Corn dogs

Corn dogs
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Ah, yes, cornbread and a hot dog — truly a combination only Americans would come up with. Again, it is a delicacy that is difficult to find outside the US.

 
9 of 20

S'mores

S'mores
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Never mind that marshmallows aren’t standard. Neither are graham crackers. So, really, the only ingredient you’re guaranteed to find is chocolate. And if you suggest s’mores to your international friends, they’ll laugh at the very American request.

 
10 of 20

Buffalo wings

Buffalo wings
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There’s this funny video from years ago where South African comedian Trevor Noah details a bunch of things that confused him when he initially arrived in America. Top of the list? Buffalo wings. He thought it was a part of the buffalo he wasn’t aware of. That’s because buffalo sauce is a uniquely American flavor.

 
11 of 20

PB&J

PB&J
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If peanut butter confuses our international counterparts, then, of course, they won’t understand our love of putting it on bread with jam (or jelly). Whenever I mention this to a friend from another country, they laugh at how typically American it is.

 
12 of 20

Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex
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In general, decent Mexican food is difficult to find outside the United States. However, our very US creation of Tex-Mex is almost nonexistent abroad.

 
13 of 20

Lobster rolls

Lobster rolls
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Sure, lobster exists in many parts of the world. However, putting it on bread rolls is not so common. It seems making things into a sandwich that aren't necessarily meant to be a sandwich is an American tradition.

 
14 of 20

Sweet potatoes and marshmallows

Sweet potatoes and marshmallows
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Whenever American holiday traditions come up, I am undoubtedly always asked about this dish. My international friends ask, “Do people really eat that?” And I always reply, “Yes! And it’s delicious!”

 
15 of 20

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie
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So apple pie is notably missing from this list because, fun fact, it’s actually English in origin. But pumpkin pie is something you will be hard-pressed to find outside the US.

 
16 of 20

Pumpkin spice

Pumpkin spice
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Starbucks might be international, but it still hasn’t quite normalized American love for the pumpkin spice flavor. So, you will find this in Starbucks in countries like France, Japan, and Brazil, but you won’t find it in other cafes or candle shops abroad.

 
17 of 20

American Chinese

American Chinese
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Oh, you thought Orange and General Tsao’s Chicken were Chinese inventions? Well, not exactly. Like Tex-Mex, these are a result of American influence on Chinese flavors. And thus, don’t expect to find them on menus outside the country.

 
18 of 20

Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese
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Europeans might have raclette and fondu, but Americans monopolize cheesy pasta. There’s nothing like a nice warm bowl of comfort mac and cheese — no matter the season!

 
19 of 20

Funfetti

Funfetti
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Your favorite birthday cake from your childhood is quite difficult to procure in other countries. I have occasionally had success finding it in “American” sections of grocery stores. (Yes, those exist.)

 
20 of 20

Ranch

Ranch
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America’s favorite condiment is often ignored in favor of mayo or even ketchup in many countries. 

Sydney is a travel and lifestyle writer originally from Seattle. She’s also lived in Australia, Quebec, Luxembourg, and France and has visited 26 countries and counting. You can find her work in numerous publications such as Fodor's Travel, Good Housekeeping, Matador Network, Travel + Leisure, and more. In addition to being fluent in English and French, she has attempted (and failed) to learn German and would like to improve her limited Spanish next. You can find her on Twitter/X @sydbakestravels, on Instagram @sydbakescreates, or at sydbakestravels.com.

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