10 Reasons American Portion Sizes Leave Foreigners in Shock

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10 Reasons American Portion Sizes Leave Foreigners in Shock

When foreigners visit the United States, one of the first things they often notice is the sheer size of the food portions. From massive plates of food to endless soda refills, American eateries serve up sizes that can really surprise visitors from abroad. Here’s a look at 10 reasons why American portion sizes leave foreigners in shock.

1. The sheer size of the plates and bowls used

You know how everything in America seems a bit bigger? That starts right with the dishes used to serve food. In many American restaurants, the plates and bowls are noticeably larger than those you might find in other countries. This not only makes the servings look grand but also psychologically encourages people to eat more, setting the stage for larger portion sizes right from the get-go.

2. Double or triple the portions compared to other countries

Imagine ordering a meal and being served an amount that could easily feed two or three people. That’s a common scenario in the US. Restaurants tend to serve double or sometimes even triple the portion sizes compared to what is typically served in other countries. This can be quite shocking for someone who’s used to more modest servings.

3. Unlimited refills on soda and coffee

Walking into an American diner or restaurant, you’ll often be greeted with the offer of unlimited refills on soda and coffee. This concept of never-ending drinks is somewhat unique to the US and can be quite surprising to international visitors. It’s not just about getting more for your money; it’s a way of life here.

4. The concept of “super-sizing” meals

The term “super-size” became famous worldwide thanks to American fast-food chains. Ordering a meal and choosing to super-size it means upgrading to a significantly larger portion for just a few extra cents. This option plays into the love for bigger and better in the American dining scene.

5. Large servings of bread or chips before meals

In many American restaurants, it’s common to receive complimentary bread or a basket of chips before your main meal even arrives. These starters are not only free but often come in generous portions themselves, filling up diners even before they start on their ordered meals.

6. Massive desserts like sundaes and cakes

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, America is the place to be. Desserts here aren’t just a nice finish to a meal; they’re often grand showcases. Massive sundaes, towering slices of cake, and giant cookies are common. Such dessert sizes can be a delightful shock to many foreigners.

7. The expectation of doggy bags for leftovers

Given the large portion sizes, many diners find they can’t finish their meal in one sitting. Rather than waste food, Americans have normalized the practice of taking leftovers home in “doggy bags.” This is so common that waitstaff will often ask if you need one as they see you winding down your meal.

8. Bigger portions also mean more sugar

With bigger portion sizes, there’s also an increase in sugar content in many dishes, particularly in processed foods and desserts. This can be a bit of a shock not just to the palate but to the body as well, especially for those from countries where food is less sugary.

9. Free side dishes and condiments that add to the meal size

It’s not just the main dishes that are big in America; many meals come with a variety of free side dishes and condiments. These extras help to make the meal even larger, often piling more onto the already full plates.

10. All small American sizes are at least a medium size in Europe

What’s classified as a small serving in the US could easily pass off as a medium or even a large in parts of Europe. This difference in sizing standards is often startling for visitors, who might order a small and still find themselves faced with more than they can handle.

American portion sizes are indeed a phenomenon that can startle first-time visitors but also adds to the unique dining experience in the country. Whether it’s the large plates or the free refills, there’s always something to talk about when it comes to food in America.