There’s something magical about trying food from different cultures, but sometimes, the magic doesn’t quite hit the mark. As a Brit, I’ve had my fair share of American delicacies, and while some have been delightful discoveries, others left me puzzled or downright horrified. It’s a mix of bold flavours, extreme sweetness, and combinations we just aren’t used to. And let’s be honest, while the US and the UK share a language, our taste buds often tell a very different story. Here are 14 American foods that many Brits tried once and swore off for good.
1. Root Beer
For a Brit, root beer is a bit of a shocker. Imagine taking a sip of something that reminds you of germolene or some medicinal ointment you’d use for a cut or scrape. That odd medicinal flavour, which many Americans seem to adore, often leaves Brits wincing after just one sip. It’s no wonder most of us are happy to never drink it again!
2. Grits
Grits are a staple in the American South, but to many Brits, they seem like a very bland, mushy porridge made from corn. No matter how much butter, cheese, or gravy is added, the texture is a struggle. It’s a breakfast dish that most Brits just can’t seem to get behind, often leaving us wondering what all the fuss is about.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Peanut butter? Brilliant. Jam? Lovely. But together? It’s a combination that just doesn’t sit right for most Brits. The idea of mixing sweet and savoury like this is hard to comprehend, and one bite usually has us questioning the entire concept. Despite how iconic it is in America, it’s a tough sell for the UK palate.
4. Biscuits and Gravy
To Brits, a biscuit is a sweet treat to have with tea, so when we’re served soft, savoury scones covered in white, sausage gravy, it’s confusing to say the least. The gravy itself is a far cry from the rich, brown gravy we’re used to. After one go at it, most of us would rather stick to scones with clotted cream and jam.
5. Twinkies
Twinkies have a near-mythical status in the States, but to Brits, they’re just an overly sweet, artificial-tasting sponge cake. The texture is a bit too spongy, and the cream filling feels like a sugar overload. After the first bite, most Brits are more than happy to leave Twinkies as an American curiosity.
6. Cheese in a Can (Spray Cheese)
Cheese is one of the great joys of life, but in a can? It’s just wrong on so many levels to the British sensibility. While Americans might find it a fun, convenient snack, we can’t get past the artificial, plastic-like flavour. The thought of spraying cheese onto crackers or straight into your mouth is baffling to most Brits.
7. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs might be a carnival favourite in America, but the idea of a hot dog on a stick dipped in sweet cornbread batter is just strange for Brits. The combination of sweet and savoury here doesn’t really work for us, and the whole thing comes across as a bit too greasy and heavy. One bite is often more than enough.
8. Hershey’s Chocolate
Hershey’s chocolate is as American as it gets, but for Brits who are used to Cadbury or Galaxy, it tastes a bit… odd. Many describe the flavour as sour or a bit like vomit, thanks to the butyric acid used in its production. It’s a far cry from the smooth, creamy chocolate we’re used to, and it’s no wonder we often reject it after the first taste.
9. Cool Whip
Cool Whip is an iconic American dessert topping, but it’s far from the fresh cream most Brits love. Its artificial texture and taste, not to mention its long list of unpronounceable ingredients, make it a one-time experience for many. Once you’ve had real cream, Cool Whip just doesn’t seem worth the calories.
10. Chicken and Waffles
The combination of fried chicken with syrup-covered waffles is a favourite in the States, but Brits can’t quite wrap their heads around it. Mixing a crispy, savoury dish like fried chicken with something as sweet as waffles seems like food confusion. While Americans might love it, Brits tend to avoid this strange pairing after trying it once.
11. Mountain Dew
This neon-green soda is a beloved American staple, but its hyper-sweet, slightly citrusy flavour is overwhelming for many Brits. On top of that, the amount of sugar and caffeine in it makes it a bit too intense. After one taste, many Brits are happy to leave Mountain Dew behind and stick with their more subdued fizzy drinks.
12. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is an American snack classic, but to many Brits, it’s just too tough and salty to be enjoyable. We aren’t used to dried, chewy meat as a snack, and the flavours can be overpowering. After trying it once, most Brits would much rather snack on crisps or biscuits instead.
13. Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows)
Sweet potatoes, great! But with marshmallows? For Brits, this Thanksgiving dish is a bizarre mix of savoury and extremely sweet that’s hard to enjoy. The melted marshmallows on top make it feel more like a dessert gone wrong than a side dish. It’s safe to say most of us would rather leave this dish on the table.
14. Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid is one of those nostalgic drinks that brings back childhood memories for Americans, but for Brits, it’s an overly sweet, artificially flavoured drink that just doesn’t hit the mark. The bright colours and intense sugar content are a bit too much for us, and after one sip, most Brits are ready to go back to a cup of tea.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
