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21 Beloved American Foods That The Rest Of The World Doesn't Get


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  Some distinctly American foods are not unusual in other countries, like cheeseburgers. But there are some beloved American foods that only Americans like.

The article titled "21 Beloved American Foods the Rest of the World Finds Disgusting" from Yahoo Lifestyle delves into a fascinating exploration of American culinary preferences that are often met with bewilderment, disgust, or outright rejection by people from other countries. The piece, penned by Amanda McCoy, sheds light on the cultural divide in food tastes and highlights how what is considered a delicacy in one part of the world can be seen as repulsive in another. The article lists 21 American foods that have garnered such reactions internationally, providing a brief description of each and the reasons behind the global disdain.

    Root Beer: Often described as having a medicinal taste, root beer is a carbonated soft drink made from sassafras root or sarsaparilla root. Its unique flavor, which some liken to cough syrup, is not well-received outside of the U.S. The article notes that many foreigners find the taste off-putting and the concept of a "beer" that is non-alcoholic confusing.
    Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches: A staple in American school lunches, the combination of peanut butter and jelly is often met with confusion and disgust abroad. The article explains that the sweetness of the jelly combined with the saltiness of the peanut butter is a flavor profile that many non-Americans find unappealing.
    Grits: A Southern U.S. dish made from boiled cornmeal, grits are often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp. The texture and blandness of grits are cited as reasons why they are not popular outside of the U.S., with many describing them as tasteless and unappetizing.
    American Cheese: Known for its bright orange color and meltability, American cheese is often criticized for its processed nature and lack of flavor. The article mentions that many foreigners view it as an inferior product compared to other cheeses available worldwide.
    Pumpkin Pie: A traditional Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is often met with skepticism outside of the U.S. The article notes that the idea of using pumpkin, a vegetable typically associated with savory dishes, in a sweet pie is off-putting to many.
    Corn Dogs: A popular fair food, corn dogs consist of a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried. The article explains that the combination of the hot dog and the sweet batter is seen as strange and unappetizing by many non-Americans.
    Macaroni and Cheese from a Box: While macaroni and cheese is enjoyed worldwide, the boxed version popular in the U.S. is often criticized for its artificial flavor and texture. The article mentions that many foreigners prefer homemade versions over the processed, powdered cheese mix.
    S'mores: A campfire treat made from graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, s'mores are often met with confusion abroad. The article notes that the combination of these ingredients, especially the sticky marshmallow, is seen as messy and overly sweet.
    Biscuits and Gravy: A Southern breakfast dish, biscuits and gravy consist of fluffy biscuits smothered in a thick, sausage-based gravy. The article explains that the heaviness of the dish and the idea of eating gravy for breakfast are not well-received outside of the U.S.
    Chili: A hearty stew made from ground meat, beans, and spices, chili is often criticized for its spiciness and the combination of ingredients. The article mentions that many foreigners find the texture and flavor of chili unappealing.
    Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: A popular candy in the U.S., Reese's Peanut Butter Cups combine chocolate and peanut butter. The article notes that the sweetness and the combination of these flavors are not well-liked outside of the U.S.
    Twinkies: A classic American snack cake, Twinkies are often criticized for their artificial flavor and texture. The article explains that many foreigners find the spongy cake and creamy filling unappetizing.
    Cheese in a Can: Often used as a quick snack or party food, cheese in a can is met with disgust abroad due to its processed nature and the concept of spraying cheese from a can. The article mentions that many view it as an unhealthy and unappetizing product.
    Spam: A canned meat product, Spam is often criticized for its high sodium content and processed nature. The article notes that many foreigners find the idea of eating canned meat unappealing.
    Jell-O Salad: A dessert made from gelatin, fruit, and sometimes vegetables, Jell-O salad is often met with confusion and disgust abroad. The article explains that the combination of sweet and savory ingredients in a gelatinous form is seen as strange.
    Deep-Fried Butter: A fair food that involves coating a stick of butter in batter and deep-frying it, deep-fried butter is met with horror by many non-Americans. The article mentions that the concept of deep-frying butter is seen as unhealthy and unappetizing.
    Rocky Mountain Oysters: A dish made from bull testicles, Rocky Mountain Oysters are often met with disgust due to the idea of eating animal genitalia. The article notes that many foreigners find the concept and the texture unappealing.
    Chitterlings: A Southern dish made from pig intestines, chitterlings are often criticized for their strong odor and the idea of eating intestines. The article explains that many foreigners find the concept and the preparation unappetizing.
    Scrapple: A Pennsylvania Dutch dish made from pork scraps and cornmeal, scrapple is often met with disgust due to its ingredients and texture. The article mentions that many foreigners find the idea of eating pork scraps unappealing.
    Velveeta: A processed cheese product, Velveeta is often criticized for its artificial flavor and texture. The article notes that many foreigners view it as an inferior product compared to other cheeses.
    Sweet Tea: A Southern drink made from tea and sugar, sweet tea is often met with confusion and disgust abroad due to its sweetness. The article explains that the concept of drinking tea that is heavily sweetened is not well-received outside of the U.S.
The article concludes by emphasizing that food preferences are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and personal experiences. What is considered a beloved comfort food in one country can be seen as bizarre or repulsive in another. The piece encourages readers to approach different cuisines with an open mind and to appreciate the diversity of global food cultures. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the culinary traditions of others, even if they may not align with one's own tastes.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive look at the cultural divide in food preferences, using specific examples of American foods that are met with disdain abroad. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of global cuisine and the importance of cultural sensitivity when exploring different foods.

Read the Full Foodie Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/21-beloved-american-foods-rest-174100287.html ]

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