# What is the most unusual thing about the American diet to people of other nationalities? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 15, 2012, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980 "2012-02-15T23:44:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/201 "2012-02-17T14:05:53Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > We have root beer here though (it’s called Dandelion and Burdock - and it’s different from American root beer, but it is a root beer) By that logic, so’s ginger beer, surely? ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/202 "2012-02-17T14:14:13Z")
I’m American and I recently was introduced to macaroni and cheese pizza from a place called Cici’s in the Cincinnati area. Yes, the pasta is on the pizza. Bizarre. Apparently it has its fans. ---
**Author:** ![SanibelMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/203 "2012-02-17T14:17:28Z")
The Russians appear to have a strong aversion to ice in drinks, according to [this New York Times op-ed.](http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/ice-enough-already/) ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/204 "2012-02-17T14:18:00Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > By that logic, so’s ginger beer, surely? Yes, I’d say so - they’re all part of a family of root or spice flavoured (originally) brewed beverages. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/205 "2012-02-17T14:26:16Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Yes, I’d say so - they’re all part of a family of root or spice flavoured (originally) brewed beverages. I’d disagree and say while they are each _a_ root beer, only a base of (fake) sassafras root and sarsaparilla makes it “Root Beer”. “Root Beer” is a flavour, not a category. Like “Cola”. Pepsi and Coke taste different, but they’re both Colas, and Sprite isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/206 "2012-02-17T14:28:13Z")
> [@grude](#): > > Look if you have a gourmet or import grocery by you go find some Euro chocolate, Germany has many good ones that are easy to find in the USA and not too expensive. The superiority over Hershey is indisputable, hell even cheap kids stuff like Kinder Eggs taste like heaven compared to Hershey. Its so soft and the taste so subtle and milky it melts in your mouth ummmmmmmmm. I’m afraid I simply don’t agree. I can’t stand Cadbury’s-- I find it to be incredibly oversweet (to the point where I’ll eat the inside of a Creme egg and throw out the chocolate, because chcoolate being that sugary is wrong) and it has a really strange bitter off milky taste that’s gross. I also discard the chocolate from a Kinder egg because it tastes like absolutely nothing, so why bother? Chocolate should taste like chocolate not lightly sweetened margarine. By comparison, I like Toblerone and Ritter Sport. I’m not even a fan of Hershey’s milk chocolate, but it’s plain wrong to say that one thing is “indisputably” better than another. - de gusibus non disputantem – you can’t argue with personal preference. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/207 "2012-02-17T14:40:44Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > It’s also important to remember that those ginormous cups are filled almost completely with ice before the soda is poured. The amount of actual soda in one of them is surprisingly small. Ice or not, I’m still surprised when I see someone talking about drinking six cans of Diet Coke over the course of a day (or whatever). I’ve only heard of Americans doing that kind of thing. ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/208 "2012-02-17T14:47:00Z")
You can get root beer in some areas of England- my local corner shop sold it, I used to drink it regularly as a teen- that and sarsaparilla. I’ll agree it’s not widely available though. Both also available in Australia; Bundaberg brand. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/209 "2012-02-17T15:00:44Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > I’m American and I recently was introduced to macaroni and cheese pizza from a place called Cici’s in the Cincinnati area. Yes, the pasta is on the pizza. Bizarre. Apparently it has its fans. I’m American too and not a connoisseur of anything (I like Hershey’s chocolate and American cheese just fine) but blecch! I had some Cici’s pizza once and was hard pressed to not spit it out. There’s a _reason_ they practically give it away. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/210 "2012-02-17T15:12:46Z")
> [@SanibelMan](#): > > The Russians appear to have a strong aversion to ice in drinks, according to [this New York Times op-ed.](http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/ice-enough-already/) I want to know why her grandmother melted the ice cream on the stove before serving! Now that’s wacky. > [@hogarth](#): > > Ice or not, I’m still surprised when I see someone talking about drinking six cans of Diet Coke over the course of a day (or whatever). I’ve only heard of Americans doing that kind of thing. I have a friend who drinks Diet Pepsi all day, even for breakfast. I find it weird as hell. But I also find it weird as hell that another friend tells me that he just doesn’t like the taste of his dinner unless he has a little wine with it. They’re both Americans. > [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > I’m American and I recently was introduced to macaroni and cheese pizza from a place called Cici’s in the Cincinnati area. Yes, the pasta is on the pizza. Bizarre. Apparently it has its fans. > [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > I’m American too and not a connoisseur of anything (I like Hershey’s chocolate and American cheese just fine) but blecch! I had some Cici’s pizza once and was hard pressed to not spit it out. There’s a _reason_ they practically give it away. Cici’s is foul, foul pizza. Most frozen pizza is better. But, hell, you can put _anything_ on pizza. California Pizza Kitchen has a green salad pizza and a tostada pizza (with refried beans!). I like them both. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/211 "2012-02-17T15:16:47Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I’d disagree and say while they are each _a_ root beer, only a base of (fake) sassafras root and sarsaparilla makes it “Root Beer”. “Root Beer” is a flavour, not a category. Like “Cola”. Pepsi and Coke taste different, but they’re both Colas, and Sprite isn’t. I don’t see anything here to disagree with. There’s a category ‘root beers’ that contains a member named ‘Root Beer’. I was never arguing for exact equivalency. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/212 "2012-02-17T15:23:54Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > It [marshmallow fluff] is also sold in pretty much all large supermarkets I have been in in Sweden. I have also never seen anyone buy it, but surely someone must be? I’ve seen it used two ways. It’s part of a recipe for quick fudge, which doesn’t taste half bad. And it’s used in mixed-ice cream banana splits as a topping for the chocolate scoop. The other two scoop/topping pairs are usually vanilla/chocolate syrup and strawberry/straberry syrup. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/213 "2012-02-17T15:28:25Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > California Pizza Kitchen has a green salad pizza and a tostada pizza (with refried beans!). I like them both. Is California Pizza Kitchen the same outfit that makes those “California” frozen pizzas in the yellow boxes? I tried one of those, and it was awful. I’ll stick with Tombstone for my frozen pizza fix. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/214 "2012-02-17T15:31:35Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > Is California Pizza Kitchen the same outfit that makes those “California” frozen pizzas in the yellow boxes? I tried one of those, and it was awful. I’ll stick with Tombstone for my frozen pizza fix. I’ve never had the frozen pizza, but the actual fresh pizza at California Pizza Kitchen is pretty good in my book. I love their margherita Neapolitan-style pizza. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/215 "2012-02-17T15:32:20Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > I’ve seen it used two ways. It’s part of a recipe for quick fudge, which doesn’t taste half bad. And it’s used in mixed-ice cream banana splits as a topping for the chocolate scoop. The other two scoop/topping pairs are usually vanilla/chocolate syrup and strawberry/straberry syrup. Another use for marshmallow fluff (and this may have been the original intent) was that it melts faster with less risk of burning, for making things like Rice Krispy Treats. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/216 "2012-02-17T15:51:04Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > Is California Pizza Kitchen the same outfit that makes those “California” frozen pizzas in the yellow boxes? I tried one of those, and it was awful. I’ll stick with Tombstone for my frozen pizza fix. the restaurant is much, much better. why they put their name on those bland planks in the freezer section is beyond me. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/217 "2012-02-17T16:49:50Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > It is also sold in pretty much all large supermarkets I have been in in Sweden. I have also never seen anyone buy it, but surely someone must be? It DOES have uses other than fluffernutters. The aforementioned fudge for one, but you can use it for any dish where you want your marshmallows melted. My sister-in-law uses it for her sweet potato casserole, and I add a dollop to the mug when I’m having cocoa to drink. ---
**Author:** ![gracer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/218 "2012-02-17T17:10:25Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > It DOES have uses other than fluffernutters. The aforementioned fudge for one, but you can use it for any dish where you want your marshmallows melted. My sister-in-law uses it for her sweet potato casserole, and I add a dollop to the mug when I’m having cocoa to drink. Haha, then I need to add another item to the list of things foreigners don’t understand about American food: putting marshmallows in a casserole :S No disrespect to your sister’s cooking, I’m sure it’s great. Just baffling! ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/219 "2012-02-17T17:25:18Z")
> [@gracer](#): > > Haha, then I need to add another item to the list of things foreigners don’t understand about American food: putting marshmallows in a casserole :S > > No disrespect to your sister’s cooking, I’m sure it’s great. Just baffling! It’s not that it’s delicious, it’s a Thanksgiving tradition, and those run deep here. It’s one that I gave up long ago. Instead of topping it with marshmallows, I stir in cognac and sour cream. That makes a lot more sense to me. ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980/220 "2012-02-17T17:33:24Z")
I have a … well, sorta relative by marriage … from Boston. The first time he visited my very Southern grandmother’s for Thanksgiving, back in the eighties, he was very puzzled by the casserole. To this day, members of my family refer to Grandmother’s sweet potato casserole as “baked beans with marshmallows.” 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-unusual-thing-about-the-american-diet-to-people-of-other-nationalities/612980.md?page=12)