Every country has its culinary quirks, but some American food staples are downright baffling to the rest of the world. While beloved in the U.S., these dishes and snacks often face criticism for being overly processed, sugary, or just plain strange. Here’s a look at 23 American foods that confuse (and sometimes disgust) international taste buds.
1. Mountain Dew
This neon-green soda isn’t just infamous for its sugar content—it also contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a chemical banned in Europe and Japan. With links to health issues like memory loss, it’s no wonder other countries steer clear.
2. Processed American Cheese
Bright orange slices of “cheese” are a staple in American households, but internationally, they’re often mocked for their plasticky texture and artificial flavor. Europeans, especially, can’t fathom why anyone would choose it over fresh, authentic cheese.
3. Twinkies
These cream-filled cakes are a cultural icon in the U.S., but overseas, they’re often described as overly sweet, artificial, and downright unappetizing. One Redditor even compared the filling to “eating lotion.”
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
The sugary twist on this Thanksgiving dish leaves foreigners mystified. Turning a naturally sweet vegetable into a dessert-like side dish just doesn’t compute in many cultures.
5. Casseroles Made with Canned Soup
Green bean casserole, tuna noodle casserole—you name it, Americans have a “cream of something” soup to throw into it. For those unfamiliar with this shortcut, it’s often seen as overly salty and unappealing.
6. Froot Loops
Brightly colored and artificially flavored, this breakfast cereal is banned in several countries due to food dyes linked to hyperactivity and health concerns. It’s less of a breakfast and more of a sugar bomb.
7. Farm-Raised Salmon
To achieve its pink hue, farm-raised salmon in the U.S. is often treated with synthetic dyes and chemicals. Countries like Austria and New Zealand have outright banned it, citing health risks.
8. Ranch Dressing
Americans pour ranch on everything—salads, pizza, even French fries. For others, the tangy, creamy dressing is overpowering and masks the natural flavors of the food it’s meant to complement.
9. Root Beer
With its distinct medicinal flavor, root beer often gets compared to toothpaste or cough syrup abroad. It’s a hard sell for anyone not raised on its unique taste.
10. Imitation Cheese Products
“Cheese food,” “cheese spread,” and other heavily processed variants are a far cry from the rich, flavorful cheeses enjoyed in Europe. Additives and artificial ingredients make these products a turnoff for many.
11. Pop Tarts
Flaky? Not quite. Flavorful? Debatable. These toaster pastries are often described as dry and overly sweet, with fillings that taste more artificial than fruity.
12. Marshmallow Fluff
While it pairs nicely with peanut butter in the classic Fluffernutter sandwich, this sugary spread baffles those who prefer natural, less processed spreads.
13. Boxed Mac and Cheese
The iconic orange hue of boxed mac and cheese comes from food dyes banned in parts of Europe. While nostalgic for Americans, it’s a no-go for those prioritizing cleaner, less processed meals.
14. Circus Peanuts
Banana-flavored, peanut-shaped, and chalky in texture, this candy leaves most foreigners (and many Americans) asking, “Why does this exist?”
15. Beef Jerky
While protein-packed, jerky is often criticized for being too salty and tough to chew, earning unflattering comparisons to shoe leather.
16. Instant Ramen
Though quick and cheap, the sodium-packed noodles are a far cry from the authentic ramen enjoyed in Japan. Ironically, instant ramen wasn’t even invented in the U.S.—its origins trace back to Japan.
17. Hot Pockets
These microwaveable snacks promise convenience but deliver gooey, overly processed fillings that fail to impress anyone accustomed to fresh, homemade alternatives.
18. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
A staple in countless American foods, this sweetener is restricted in many countries for its links to obesity and diabetes. Many international visitors are shocked by how prevalent it is in the U.S. diet.
19. Pumpkin Spice Overload
From lattes to cookies to Spam (yes, Spam), pumpkin spice mania is met with confusion outside the U.S. For most, pumpkin has its place—just not in everything.
20. Maraschino Cherries
Their unnaturally bright red color comes from Red #40, a dye banned in several countries. These cherries may look festive, but their artificial flavor and chemical origins are less than appetizing.
21. Chewing Gum
Many American gum brands contain BHA, a preservative linked to potential cancer risks. In Europe, gum is often made with fewer additives, making U.S. versions less appealing.
22. New York Hot Dogs
Tourists expecting gourmet street food are often disappointed by NYC’s iconic hot dogs, describing them as overly processed and underwhelming in flavor.
23. Deep-Dish Pizza
To pizza purists, Chicago’s deep-dish style is more of a casserole than a pizza. While hearty and filling, it’s often dismissed as straying too far from traditional Italian roots.
A Culinary Wake-Up Call
While these foods may hold a special place in American culture, their international reception reminds us that not all tastes translate across borders. Whether it’s the heavy processing, excessive sweetness, or baffling combinations, these foods offer a glimpse into why American cuisine sometimes raises eyebrows. Maybe it’s time to rethink—or at least enjoy these indulgences in moderation.