13 American Breakfast Foods That Horrify British Taste Buds

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For me, breakfast is a pretty sacred meal, and it’s fascinating how every country has its own unique take on it. Here in the U.S., we’ve got some seriously hearty breakfast options that we absolutely love, but I can see how some of them might baffle someone from the U.K.

If you’re used to a more traditional British breakfast, full of tea and toast, some of the sweet treats and strange combos we serve here might leave you scratching your head. So, here’s a fun list of 13 American breakfast foods that tend to surprise—and sometimes horrify—British taste buds!

Sugary Cereals

In the U.K., cereals tend to be simple, with brands like Weetabix or Shreddies offering a healthy start. But in the U.S., brightly colored boxes of ultra-sweet cereals like Froot Loops and Lucky Charms fill breakfast aisles. The sugar content alone is enough to alarm a Brit, who’s likely more used to porridge or plain oats.

Pancakes Drenched in Syrup

A towering stack of pancakes swimming in maple syrup is a beloved American breakfast. However, the sweetness and sheer size of the dish often leave Brits bewildered. They may prefer pancakes as a savory treat—like the delicate crepes served with lemon and sugar—or as a dessert.

Grits

This Southern staple of boiled cornmeal doesn’t have a direct equivalent in the U.K. Grits often come across as bland or strange to those unfamiliar with them. Even when seasoned or served with cheese, the texture can be off-putting to British palates, who aren’t used to starting the day with something so heavy and mushy.

Biscuits and Gravy

American biscuits (soft, buttery scones) covered in sausage gravy? This combination is one of the most puzzling to Brits. While a British biscuit is something sweet and crunchy for tea, the idea of pairing a scone-like bread with a thick, savory gravy feels entirely foreign and, for some, unappetizing.

Chicken and Waffles

The British enjoy a good roast chicken, but pairing it with waffles and syrup for breakfast? That’s something they just can’t wrap their heads around. The mix of savory fried chicken and sweet syrup-soaked waffles is a sensory overload that most Brits find too intense for a morning meal.

Breakfast Burritos

The concept of stuffing eggs, sausage, and cheese into a tortilla may be normal in the U.S., but it’s an odd breakfast choice for Brits. Most are used to toast, eggs, and bacon served on a plate—not wrapped up like lunch. The combination of flavors feels misplaced for many U.K. visitors.

Donuts for Breakfast

While donuts are seen as a dessert or afternoon treat in the U.K., in America, they’re often eaten first thing in the morning. The thought of starting the day with something so sugary and rich baffles British visitors, who generally prefer something more subtle with their tea or coffee.

Cream Cheese on Bagels

Bagels themselves aren’t too shocking, but the American love for smearing thick layers of cream cheese on them can be. Brits tend to enjoy savory spreads like butter or jam, and the tangy taste of cream cheese, especially for breakfast, is something they just don’t expect.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls, dripping with frosting and packed with sugar, are another breakfast item that seems more like dessert to Brits. While Americans love indulging in these sweet rolls with their morning coffee, British visitors might be horrified by the idea of eating what seems like a pastry for breakfast.

Bacon with Maple Syrup

The classic British fry-up includes crispy bacon, but pairing it with sweet syrup is a taste adventure many Brits aren’t ready for. While they may enjoy the savory goodness of bacon, combining it with something sugary like maple syrup feels confusing, as those two flavors don’t usually meet on a U.K. breakfast plate.

Sausage Patties

Sausages are beloved in the U.K., but the flat, disc-shaped sausage patties popular in American breakfasts are a curiosity. Their texture and flavor are far from the plump, juicy links that Brits are used to, and these patties often come across as dry and over-seasoned.

Casseroles for Breakfast

The American breakfast casserole, which mixes eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sausage in a single dish, is completely foreign to British diners. Casseroles are typically reserved for lunch or dinner in the U.K., and the idea of one for breakfast can feel too rich and overwhelming for the start of the day.

Oatmeal with Brown Sugar

While porridge is a breakfast staple in the U.K., it’s usually served savory, with a bit of salt or even butter. The American version, oatmeal, is often loaded with brown sugar, fruit, or even syrup. This sweet twist on a classic can seem like an odd indulgence to those used to keeping their breakfasts plain and simple.

16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand

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.

Read More: 16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand