Many of the foods we consider American classics have a surprising backstory—they didn’t actually originate in the United States. While these dishes have become household favorites, their roots trace back to different cultures and countries. From beloved comfort foods to everyday staples, these 19 popular dishes have been embraced across the U.S., but their true origins might surprise you.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer's personal beliefs.
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are another food item that is constantly being battled over because Germany and America can’t seem to decide who’s responsible for the food. Americans claim hot dogs originated in the U.S., but many historical claims suggest hot dogs originated in Frankfurt, Germany. This might make sense since German pork sausages, which are distinctly similar to hot dogs, are called Frankfurter.
Peanut Butter
Here’s the thing: Peanut butter might not be American. Thorough research reveals it made its way through North America, so many claim this sweet-salty spread as American. But tracing the spread centuries back will lead you to the Incas, who used ground peanut paste to butter their food.
Hamburger
When you picture America, the first food that pops up in your mind is a classic hamburger. I mean, is there anything more American than the timeless McDonald’s hamburger? But you might be surprised to know that hamburgers originate not from America but from Germany’s port city of Hamburg. Obviously, that’s where they get the name from.
Still, there are many who still believe hamburgers originate in the U.S.
French Fries
French fries weren’t initially associated with America, but they’ve become such a popular food that now people automatically assume it’s because they’re American. Since we’re discussing french fries here, it’s pretty obvious they’re not from the land of the mighty eagle.
But before you say, well, duh, that’s because they’re French. Unlike the name, these fried chips don’t belong to France. Instead, many historical sources claim French fries originated in Belgium, way back in the late 1600s.
Apple Pie
Halloween isn’t Halloween without the classic apple pie to keep you full and cozy, but like many foods we think are American, apple pie isn’t. Apple pie originated in England, from where it then made its way to surrounding nations and eventually was introduced to the U.S.
But truth be told, this wasn’t as surprising as I thought.
Mac and cheese
Lastly, if you thought there was one dish that was surely American, you’d probably say mac and cheese. But alas, we were to be betrayed here too. Mac’n’cheese originates in Europe, possibly in France (which makes sense). Some say the idea to replicate mac and cheese in the U.S. came on its own, while others claim the dish was loved by Thomas Jefferson so much that he decided to share the idea with his cooks back home.
Ketchup
Now, here’s one that’ll surely shock you because my jaw is still on the floor. The condiment many Americans freely throw on their fries, burgers, and even their pizza isn’t American. In fact, it’s not even close to the U.S.
Ketchup originates in China, where it was originally based on fish. A rough translation of the Chinese word that sounds like ketchup literally means fish sauce.
Meatloaf
While meatloaf is one of the most common foods at an American dinner, it doesn’t belong to any of the 51 states. It originates from either Germany or Belgium, and many historians suggest it traveled to the U.S. after German immigrants moved there.
However, some suggestions also indicate that the Romans invented meatloaf, so who knows?
Fried chicken
One of the most common finger-lickin’ good foods in the U.S., fried chicken has quickly become a favorite. But many trace fried chicken to the Scottish, and of course, the dish has West African roots, too.
But it’s not like one nation suddenly invented fried chicken because it has been a popular dish in China, Korea, and other nations for as long as possible. It might just be one of those dishes that magically sprouted everywhere on its own.
Donuts
There’s a theory that donuts are descendants of oily cakes, a small fritter-like delight that’s popular with the Dutch. Many theorized that Dutch settlers brought donuts to New York, where restaurants and local food chains quickly picked up the idea.
Bacon
Are you surprised to see this on the list? I was, too. I’d always thought bacon originated from the U.S. because what’s more American than that? But it turns out that bacon traveled all the way from China, where thin stripes of salted pork belly were being cooked centuries ago. In fact, bacon is so old that it wasn’t even called bacon until the 16th century, and that’s older than most foods we know.
Mayonnaise
I know Americans are quite fond of mayonnaise, and some might even say too fond, but unlike the common idea that it is American, it was the French who actually invented mayo. According to culinary history, a French chef whipped cream and eggs to make a white concoction and then began serving it with food back in the early 1500s.
Mustard
Mustard is a staple condiment in many homes in the United States. But is it really all that American? Mustard actually originated in ancient Rome. Romans would grind mustard seeds with liquids to make a paste for dipping foods. The original mustard may be a little different from what we eat in squeeze bottles today, but the concept still belongs to the Romans.
Waffles
Waffles are a pretty common American breakfast. A plate of big, fluffy waffles covered in maple syrup is a standard in many homes. But waffles are not unique to the USA. In fact, modern waffles were originally made in Belgium. However, Americans are probably the only ones who put fried chicken on top of waffles. That weird dish is unique to the US!
Chocolate Bars
The idea of eating chocolate as a candy bar may be pretty popular in America, but it started in England. The first chocolate bar was invented in the 19th century by a British chocolatier named J.S. Fry. No matter where the chocolate bar was first created, we are just happy that it is available in the United States. We can't live without our chocolate bars!
Barbecue
Americans do love a good barbecue! We also tend to claim barbeque foods as our own invention when, in reality, this way of cooking was first used in the Caribbean. Barbacoa was a method of grilling over a fire that many islanders used to cook their meat. Americans loved barbacoa so much that we took it, twisted it up a bit, and decided to call it barbecue!
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears are definitely an American candy, right? Wrong. They were actually a German invention first created in the 1920s. The Haribo company that makes most of the gummy bears we Americans eat is also based in Germany. Yes, Americans eat more gummy bears than any other country in the world, but they did not invent them.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is often categorized as a real American dessert. Cheesecakes are quite popular in the US! But, according to Wikipedia, the first cheesecake was actually created in Greece in the 5th Century BCE.
So, while the dessert may be a little different now than it was then, it is still not from the US! Cheesecake is (unfortunately) not an authentic American dessert.
Turkey
A giant Thanksgiving turkey is as American as it gets but think again. The indigenous people of what is now Mexico were the first to start cooking this tasty bird.
Eventually, Native Americans adopted the practice of eating turkey and then passed this tradition on to the English settlers. So, while Turkey has always been part of American history, it really started with those who now call Mexico their home.
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