Food preferences can vary wildly across cultures, and what’s considered a delicacy in one country might be seen as downright bizarre in another. This cultural divide is particularly evident when comparing American and British cuisines. While the two nations share a common language, their tastes in food can be worlds apart. From overly sweet concoctions to processed cheese products, there are certain American foods that many Brits find hard to stomach. Here’s a look at 16 popular American foods that we Brits really don’t care for.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This Thanksgiving staple is a mystery to many Brits. The combination of mashed sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and brown sugar is often seen as too sweet for a side dish. For those used to savory roast potatoes, this sugary concoction can be a bit of a shock to the system. I mean, I love a roasted sweet potato with my Sunday roast, but covered in marshmallows and brown sugar? Ew, no.
Cheese in a Can
Spray cheese or cheese in a can is a concept that baffles many Brits. In a country known for its fine cheeses, the idea of processed cheese squirted from an aerosol can seems unnatural and unappealing. The texture and flavor are far removed from what most Brits consider “real” cheese. I tried this once on a dare. Holy hell, it was utterly disgusting, and I couldn’t shift that fake chemical taste for hours.
Biscuits and Gravy
The American version of biscuits, which are more like savory scones, topped with a thick, creamy gravy which, let’s be honest, is absolutely not gravy. Why? Why? Just … no. In the UK, biscuits are sweet cookies, and gravy is usually brown and made from meat juices. The white, peppery not-gravy served with American biscuits is really not for British palates.
Root Beer
This carbonated beverage is a popular American soda, but many Brits find its flavor off-putting. The taste is often compared to medicines or toothpaste due to its similarity to wintergreen. For those not raised with it, root beer can be an unexpected and unpleasant flavor experience.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
While peanut butter is enjoyed in the UK, the combination of peanut butter and jelly (jam) in a sandwich is often seen as strange. The mix of salty peanut butter and sweet jelly doesn’t appeal to many British taste buds. It’s a classic American lunch that rarely makes it into British lunchboxes. I can’t fathom why you’d put those two things together.
Corn Dogs
The concept of a hot dog on a stick, dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried, is alien to most Brits. It’s seen as an unnecessarily unhealthy way to eat a sausage. The sweet cornmeal coating combined with the savory sausage is a flavor combination that doesn’t always translate well this side of the pond.
Grits
This Southern staple made from ground corn is virtually unknown here in the UK. The texture of grits, somewhere between porridge and polenta, is most unappealing to those not used to it. The bland flavor, often requiring a lot of seasoning, doesn’t help its case with British diners.
Twinkies
These iconic American snack cakes are often viewed with suspicion by Brits. The long shelf life and artificial ingredients list can be alarming to those used to fresher baked goods. The overly sweet filling and soft, spongy, fake texture are far from the traditional cakes enjoyed in the UK.
Hershey’s Chocolate
Hershey’s chocolate has a distinct taste that many Brits find unpleasant. The flavor is often described as sour or even like vomit due to the butyric acid present in the chocolate. For those raised on European-style chocolate, the American version can be a disappointing experience. I did a food parecl swap with one of my American friends, and the Hershey’s chocolate she sent me was one of the worst things in the box. Now, it’s true that I’m a bit fo a chocolate snob – if I’m going to eat chocolate, it’s going to be high-quality, well-made chocolate, not Cadbury’s or Nestle. But even so, the Hersey’s was beyond disgusting, and not something I’d willingly put in my mouth again.
Ranch Dressing
While ranch dressing is a staple condiment in the US, it’s relatively unknown in the UK. The creamy, herb-filled dressing is often seen as too heavy and overpowering. Its use as a dip for vegetables or pizza is particularly baffling to many Brits. I actually make my own lighter ranch dressing with fresh herbs from the garden, and it’s a family favorite served with homemade flatbreads, but it’s not at all heavy or cloying.
Sugar-Glazed Ham
The concept of coating ham with a sweet glaze is strange to many Brits. In the UK, ham is typically enjoyed as a savory food. The addition of sugary glazes, especially when paired with pineapple, creates a sweet-savory combination that doesn’t always appeal to British tastes. My honey-mustard roasted ham is a festive crowd-pleaser, but it’s not excessively sweet and sugary – that’s just plain wrong.
American-Style Bacon
British bacon, known as “back bacon,” is very different from the streaky, crispy American version. Many Brits find American bacon too fatty and crispy, preferring their bacon to be meatier. The practice of pairing bacon with sweet foods like maple syrup is particularly puzzling to British diners. Why would you “candy” bacon? Just … no.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
This boxed dinner is a comfort food for many Americans, but Brits often find it unappealing. The powdered cheese sauce and bright orange color are far from the homemade cheese sauces or even the packet mixes from the supermarket that we’re used to. The texture and flavor are often described as artificial and overly processed.
Pumpkin Pie
While pumpkin soup is enjoyed in the UK, the idea of pumpkin as a sweet dessert is foreign to many Brits. The spiced, custardy filling in a sweet pastry crust is an acquired taste for those not raised with it. The texture and flavor combination can be off-putting to British palates. Don’t get me wrong – I grow pumpkins and use them in many savory dishes – my spicy pumpkin soup with crusty bread is completely delicious. But not in a sweet pie.
Chicken Fried Steak
The name alone confuses many Brits – is it chicken or steak? This Southern dish of beef steak coated in seasoned flour and pan-fried is often seen as an unnecessarily unhealthy way to prepare meat when combined with thick, creamy gravy it’s served with. Again with the awful not-gravy.
Miracle Whip
This sweet, tangy spread is often used in place of mayonnaise in the US, but it’s virtually unknown in the UK. Those who do try it often find the sweetness off-putting in savory sandwiches or salads. Thankfully, I’ve never had the misfortune to try this one, and I don’t think I ever would.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
