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America has given the world burgers, fries, and a whole lot of flavor—but not everything translates overseas. From sweet-and-savory mashups to deep-fried oddities, some American foods leave international visitors totally baffled.
These 20 dishes might be beloved in the U.S., but elsewhere? They raise eyebrows, spark debates, and trigger more than a few double takes.
1. Biscuits and Gravy
Fluffy biscuits covered in creamy sausage gravy? For many outside the U.S., this looks like dessert topped with sauce.
They expect a sweet pastry—not a savory breakfast swimming in peppery cream.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
It’s a childhood staple in America. But elsewhere, sweet jam with sticky, salty peanut butter seems like a strange combo.
Many international palates don’t mix sweet and savory quite like this.
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3. Root Beer
Root beer tastes nostalgic to Americans. To others, it often tastes like cough syrup or mouthwash.
The medicinal flavor can be off-putting for those unfamiliar with it.
4. Grits
Cornmeal mush for breakfast? Grits are a Southern classic, but outside the U.S., they can seem bland or puzzling.
Especially when served with shrimp or cheese.
5. Corn Dogs
Meat on a stick, dipped in batter, then deep-fried? It’s carnival perfection to Americans.
But for many, it’s confusing—and just plain excessive.
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6. Jell-O Salads
Jell-O and vegetables don’t usually mix abroad. But in parts of the U.S., molded gelatin with carrots, cabbage, or even olives shows up at potlucks.
The texture alone is enough to cause culture shock.
7. Chicken and Waffles
Sweet waffles. Savory fried chicken. Syrup on top. To Americans, it’s brunch heaven.
To others, it’s a confusing collision of two meals that should never meet.
8. Cheez Whiz
Bright orange and sprayed from a can, Cheez Whiz is pure Americana. But it baffles foreigners who expect cheese to be, well…cheese.
The texture and neon color don’t help its case.
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9. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin is typically a vegetable or savory ingredient around the world. Turning it into a sweet pie for dessert just feels wrong to many non-Americans.
They can’t imagine putting whipped cream on a squash.
10. Pop-Tarts
Pastry in a foil wrapper. Eaten cold or toasted. Frosted, filled, and ready in seconds—Pop-Tarts are everywhere in the U.S.
But outside of America, they often seem too sugary to be breakfast.
11. Cool Whip
It looks like whipped cream but doesn’t need refrigeration? Cool Whip’s shelf-stable nature raises eyebrows.
Many are left wondering what’s actually in it.
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12. Velveeta
It melts like a dream, but it’s not quite cheese. Velveeta confuses cheese purists with its smooth, plasticky texture and ultra-processed taste.
It’s often mistaken for plastic food abroad.
13. Tater Tots
Mini hash browns in nugget form. They’re a school lunch hero in the U.S., but rarely seen elsewhere.
People outside the country are puzzled by the form and name.
14. Deep-Fried Butter
Yes, it exists. Yes, Americans eat it at fairs.
And yes, this one really confuses—and alarms—international visitors.
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15. Casseroles with Marshmallows
Candied yams with marshmallows make Thanksgiving feel warm and cozy to Americans. But topping sweet potatoes with candy confuses people who expect savory side dishes.
It’s a flavor combo that’s hard to explain.
16. Ranch Dressing
Ranch is a national treasure in the U.S. It goes on salads, pizza, fries—you name it.
But in many countries, it’s an unfamiliar dressing with a taste that doesn’t translate.
17. Sloppy Joes
A bun filled with ground beef in sweet tomato sauce. It’s messy, it’s beloved—but it’s strange to outsiders.
The name doesn’t help either.
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18. American Cheese Slices
Those individually wrapped slices are iconic. But many foreigners question the need for so much plastic and processing.
It’s cheese… but barely?
19. Meatloaf
A loaf of meat, baked and often topped with ketchup. To Americans, it’s comfort food.
To many others, it’s just odd—and not very appetizing.
20. Sweet Tea
Tea is usually a delicate drink worldwide. But American sweet tea can be syrupy, chilled, and served in giant cups.
It surprises many who expect a light, hot beverage.
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