1. Jell-O Salad
If you grew up in America, chances are you’ve seen at least one version of this wobbly dish at a holiday gathering. Jell-O salad might contain everything from canned fruit to shredded carrots to mini marshmallows, all suspended in a brightly colored gelatin mold. For many Americans, it brings back childhood memories or potluck nostalgia—but to much of the world, it looks like dessert gone horribly wrong shares Parade.
In fact, people from other countries are often baffled by the idea of a sweet, jiggly side dish served with savory food like ham or turkey. The texture alone tends to be a dealbreaker. And when mayo or cream cheese gets involved? That’s when international eyebrows really raise. Still, for some families, it’s not a real celebration without it adds Reddit.
2. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are practically a staple at state fairs and summer carnivals, and we barely bat an eye at the idea of meat on a stick. But elsewhere, wrapping a hot dog in sweet cornmeal batter, deep-frying it, and then dipping it in mustard or ketchup is kind of mind-blowing—in a confusing way. It’s not quite a meal and not quite a snack shares CNN.
People from other countries often struggle with the contrast in textures, not to mention the concept of eating processed meat in that form. But Americans love the nostalgia that comes with it, and let’s face it, the portability is hard to beat. It’s one of those uniquely American foods that really only makes sense once you’ve tasted it says Disney Tourist Blog.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Ask any American kid what they had for lunch growing up, and odds are you’ll hear “PB&J.” But outside the U.S., this combo is often met with confusion or even disgust. Peanut butter is salty and savory, jelly is sweet and fruity—why put them together on bread?
For many cultures, the flavors clash in a way that’s hard to appreciate. Some countries don’t even really eat peanut butter, let alone slather it on white bread with grape jelly. But for Americans, it’s comfort food at its simplest. Sometimes the oddest combinations turn out to be the most satisfying.
4. Biscuits and Gravy
To most Americans, a plate of fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy feels like a warm hug on a cold morning. But try explaining that to someone from Europe or Asia, and you’ll probably get some raised eyebrows. In many parts of the world, biscuits are sweet, crumbly cookies—not soft bread rolls covered in meat sauce.
The idea of starting your day with such a rich, heavy dish is also a bit baffling for people used to lighter breakfasts. Still, in the American South especially, this is more than just food—it’s tradition. And once you try it, the creamy, savory goodness kind of speaks for itself.
5. Root Beer
Root beer is one of those drinks Americans grow up loving, often in the form of a root beer float with vanilla ice cream. But to much of the world, it tastes like toothpaste or medicine. The flavor, derived from sassafras, doesn’t exist in many other countries, so it comes off as weirdly artificial or medicinal.
Even the fizziness can be a turnoff to some. While soda is popular globally, root beer is one of the few that doesn’t translate well. Still, it’s deeply embedded in American culture, especially in diners and old-fashioned soda fountains. Love it or hate it, it’s definitely unforgettable.
6. Grits
Grits are a beloved breakfast item in the South, made from ground corn and often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp. But to those unfamiliar with it, it can look like a bowl of something halfway between porridge and wallpaper paste. The texture is polarizing, and the flavor can seem bland without the right toppings.
In many countries, corn is either used in baking or eaten on the cob—so this mushy, spoonable version feels strange. But Americans who grew up with it will defend grits to the end. It’s one of those foods where the preparation makes all the difference. Once seasoned well, it becomes a surprisingly cozy comfort dish.
7. Fried Butter
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a frozen ball of butter coated in batter and deep-fried until golden. Found mostly at state fairs, this over-the-top treat is often used as an example of American excess. It’s rich, greasy, and utterly decadent, but many foreigners can’t get past the sheer idea of eating butter like a candy bar.
Even Americans will admit it’s a bit much. Still, it’s not really about the butter—it’s about pushing culinary limits and creating something outrageous. You’re not meant to eat it every day; it’s a one-time experience (maybe). And in that context, it sort of makes sense.
8. Cheese in a Can
There’s something undeniably weird about aerosol cheese, but it became a pantry staple in American homes for years. Known by brand names like Easy Cheese, it’s shelf-stable, brightly orange, and squirts out like whipped cream. Other countries are often horrified by it—and understandably so.
Processed cheese is already controversial, but packaging it in a spray can takes it to a new level. Still, there’s a certain nostalgic charm, especially when paired with salty crackers. It’s not gourmet, but it hits the spot in a strangely satisfying way. Plus, it’s kind of fun to use.
9. Kool-Aid Pickles
This one’s mostly a Southern thing, and even some Americans haven’t tried it. The idea is simple: soak dill pickles in sugary, brightly colored Kool-Aid until they absorb the sweet, tangy flavor and vibrant hue. The result is a snack that’s neon red, sweet-and-sour, and surprisingly divisive.
For people outside the U.S., combining artificial fruit drink with pickles seems completely wrong. But fans love the unique flavor burst and fun appearance. It’s a quirky regional tradition that’s caught on in some unexpected places. You definitely won’t forget your first bite.
10. Marshmallow Salads
There’s something about calling this a “salad” that really confuses people. Often made with marshmallows, canned fruit, whipped topping, and sometimes nuts or coconut, this dish is more like dessert disguised as a side. Ambrosia is the most famous version, and it has its roots in vintage American cookbooks.
Most countries don’t put sweets in the same bowl as vegetables or serve sugary fluff alongside meat. But for many American families, it’s tradition. It shows up at holidays and potlucks and somehow fits right in next to casseroles and green beans. You either love it or quietly avoid it.
11. Spam
Spam has been around since World War II, and while it’s beloved in places like Hawaii, South Korea, and the Philippines, much of the world finds it perplexing—especially in the mainland U.S. where it has a mixed reputation. It’s a canned meat product made from pork, salt, and preservatives, and the texture can be…an acquired taste.
To outsiders, the idea of eating something so processed and shelf-stable is kind of off-putting. But for many Americans, especially those with military roots or rural upbringings, Spam is both practical and nostalgic. Fried up in a skillet with eggs or sliced into a sandwich, it can actually be pretty tasty. It’s proof that convenience sometimes wins over gourmet.
12. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This dish usually shows up at Thanksgiving and stuns people from other countries every time. Sweet potatoes are mashed and baked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a gooey layer of melted marshmallows on top. It’s technically a side dish, not dessert, and that’s what really throws people off.
Combining a root vegetable with candy doesn’t make sense to many non-Americans. But for those who grew up with it, the dish is comforting, festive, and downright delicious. The sweetness pairs surprisingly well with turkey and stuffing. Sometimes it’s best not to question it—just enjoy the mix of flavors.
13. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, made by slicing unripe tomatoes, coating them in cornmeal, and frying until crispy. But in many parts of the world, unripe fruit is something you avoid, not celebrate. The tartness and crunch surprise people who expect tomatoes to be juicy and sweet.
Still, it’s hard to deny how satisfying that crispy coating is. Often served with a creamy dipping sauce, they make a great appetizer or snack. It’s one of those regional specialties that feels oddly sophisticated once you try it. But to many foreigners, it’s still an oddball choice.
14. Turducken
If you’ve never heard of turducken, buckle up—it’s a chicken stuffed into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey. It’s the ultimate holiday showpiece and possibly the most American thing ever invented. It’s impressive, excessive, and completely overwhelming.
People from other countries tend to find it absurd—why go through all that trouble? But fans love the novelty and the chance to try three meats at once. It’s more of a conversation piece than an everyday meal. If nothing else, it proves Americans really know how to commit to a theme.