Johann Hunt
American snacks can be thrilling, weird, and occasionally unexplainable. Some dishes are loved so much that people can’t get enough, even if outsiders find them completely baffling. They’re bold, unexpected, and totally American in spirit. Curious to find out what makes these foods such a hit despite their strange reputation? Check out ten of the most outrageous examples Americans adore.
Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a true American classic. Most kids learn to make one before they’re ten. Meanwhile, peanut butter stays mysteriously absent from French, Italian, and Chinese cooking. And this sweet-salty pairing continues puzzling international visitors, even as Americans embrace it wholeheartedly.
Kool-Aid Pickles (Koolickles)
Forget regular pickles—Southern cooks decided to mix things up by soaking cucumbers in Kool-Aid, a sweet powdered drink mix! The result? “Koolickles”—brightly colored snacks that taste both sweet and tangy. Weird to outsiders, but they’re a hit at Mississippi fairs and convenience stores, surprising taste buds everywhere.
Candy Corn
Candy corn looks cute with its white, orange, and yellow stripes, but don’t let that fool you. This sugary, waxy treat—originally called “Chicken Feed” in the 1880s—divides candy fans and leaves many foreigners scratching their heads over why Americans love such an intensely sweet Halloween snack.
Deep-Fried Butter
Just imagine walking through a fair and spotting golden spheres of butter on a stick. That’s deep-fried butter, a Texas State Fair creation from 2009. Frozen butter gets battered and fried, then usually sweetened with powdered sugar or honey, thereby leaving international visitors amazed and slightly horrified by this over-the-top American indulgence.
Jell-O Salad
Jell-O salad isn’t your everyday dessert. Flavored gelatin gets mixed alongside everything from sweet fruit to shredded carrots, olives, or even tuna! Weird? Definitely. But this quirky American creation became a Midwest and Southern favorite at potlucks and holiday tables, delighting guests since World War II.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
In the American West, festivals proudly serve Rocky Mountain oysters—deep-fried bull testicles also known as prairie oysters or calf fries. Sliced and fried, these unusual appetizers are a regional favorite in Colorado and Montana, and they shock visitors while preserving a long-standing culinary tradition.
Lutefisk
Lutefisk, a Scandinavian whitefish treated with lye, has taken root in the American Midwest. Particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Lutheran churches serve it during holiday fundraisers. While rare elsewhere in the U.S., it has become a beloved local tradition, puzzling those not used to its gelatinous texture.
Scrapple
Ever tried scrapple? This Pennsylvania Dutch invention mixes pork scraps with cornmeal, baked into a loaf, and fried until crispy. Served with eggs or condiments, it’s a Mid-Atlantic breakfast staple. Weird to outsiders, but once you try it, you’ll understand why locals love this quirky, hearty dish.
Processed Cheese / Cheese In A Can
Nothing screams “only in America” like canned cheese. Spray it straight into your mouth, and you’ve got a bright yellow, creamy snack. Foreign visitors, used to traditional cheeses, often gape in disbelief; however, locals love this odd convenience, which has become a surprisingly iconic part of American food culture.
Corn Dog
The corn dog is comfort food on a stick. That crispy cornmeal coating gives way to a plump, juicy hot dog, sometimes stuffed with cheese or spiced up for an extra punch. Sweet and fried to golden perfection, it’s no wonder this 1940s state fair favorite keeps Americans coming back for more.