10 American Food Stereotypes That Are Totally Wrong

Think American food is just burgers and fries? Think again! There are many myths about the USA's cuisine that need busting. From coast to coast, American food is diverse and full of surprises. Let's debunk 10 common stereotypes and show the real flavors and variety of food across the United States.

Table of Contents

1. It's Too Expensive To Eat Healthy
2. The Only Cheese Is Kraft Singles
3. American Cuisine Is Fast Food
4. American Beer Sucks
5. Everything Is Deep-Fried
6. Biggest Portion Sizes in the World
7. Only Kids Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
8. No Fresh Foods
9. The Only Real Pizza Is in Italy
10. American Food Has No Flavor
16 High Protein Meals For Quick Weight Loss
12 Awkward Things You Should Never Say in an Elevator
12 Things Old People Wish Were Still Around
12 Retro '60s and '70s Dishes You Won't Find Anymore

1. It's Too Expensive To Eat Healthy

israeli salad — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While many believe eating healthy in the U.S. is much too expensive for most families, the real problem is that Americans don't have enough time to prepare healthy meals. "Rice, beans, potatoes, pasta, and other staples are very cheap and nutritious," says one commenter. "They take longer to prepare than waiting in line at a Burger King, but they're available."

2. The Only Cheese Is Kraft Singles

Los Angeles, California, United States - 08-09-2019: A view of several packages of Kraft Singles at the grocery store. — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

People from outside the U.S. often have the misconception that the only cheese you can find in America is those flavorless sheets of bright orange cheese. However, that's nowhere near the truth. Not only are there many more delectable varieties of American cheese than Kraft singles, but you can go into any grocery store and find a massive cheese section with diverse options from various regions across the U.S. and abroad.

3. American Cuisine Is Fast Food

Europeans often equate American cuisine with fast food chains like McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, the U.S. has many cultural cuisines that are more than just famous restaurant chains. Have you ever tried barbecue from Texas or Cajun and Creole food from Louisiana? Those are all authentic American cuisines that are to die for, and they're not the only ones.

4. American Beer Sucks

Tasting fresh brewed beer. Handsome young male brewer in apron tasting fresh beer and keeping eyes closed while standing in front of metal containers — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

For many years, beer from abroad was mainly higher quality than in the U.S. But with the explosion in popularity of craft beer, the U.S. has tons of diverse brews to try. "We have thousands of craft breweries across the country now. Many have won awards around the world. Saying U.S. beer is bad because of Coors is like drinking a Heineken, disliking it, and stating all European beer is bad," argues one respondent.

5. Everything Is Deep-Fried

Happy woman with french fries — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

What's with the outrageous rumor that all American food is deep-fried and gluttonous? "the only time I have seen some outlandish deep-fried concoctions is at state fairs. I've never had a deep-fried Oreo outside of that. And I've never actually witnessed deep-fried butter or deep-fried coke," writes one American.

6. Biggest Portion Sizes in the World

While I can't deny restaurants in the U.S. serve massive portion sizes regularly enough for me to plan on bringing half my meal home for later, it's not true that America is the only country that does this. "After seeing British TikTokers show their full English breakfasts and Sunday roast dinners, I'm formally demanding that they all shut up about American portion sizes. They're filthy hypocrites," says one forum member.

7. Only Kids Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

People from both abroad and in the States often claim peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (PB&Js) are "garbage and only fit for small children." But one user asserts, "Say this, and I know you've never had a good PB&J." If you get high-quality peanut butter, homemade jelly, and some fresh bread, you can make a delectable sandwich for any age.

8. No Fresh Foods

Woman eating apple — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

"Stop acting like you can't find fresh, whole foods in a grocery store," says one annoyed American. "They're everywhere. It's a blatant lie. Yet so many little comments on the internet about how nice it is that in their country they have fresh vegetables and not everything is frozen or packaged, unlike the U.S." I know I eat fresh vegetables every day and have no problem picking them up from my local grocery stores.

9. The Only Real Pizza Is in Italy

Group of friends eating big Pizza — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While no one can deny that pizza originated in Italy, you can still find delectable forms of pizza in other countries, including the U.S. "The only qualifier of food should be how it tastes once prepared. Food improves the more you experiment with it, and the styles in the U.S. are just as delicious as an authentic Neapolitan pizza, just in different ways," argues one pizza lover.

10. American Food Has No Flavor

Cayenne Pepper — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The internet is rife with rumors that American cuisine is bland and flavorless. While that is true of some types of American food, comments like these ignore the delectable American cuisines filled with spice and flavor. "American food, especially from the Gulf South and Southwest, is flavorful. Cayenne and Tabasco are staple peppers in Gulf South cooking. The Southeast also cranks out some great flavor," claims one commenter.

Source: Reddit.