10 American Eating Habits That Shock Europeans
10 American Eating Habits That Shock Europeans
When Europeans visit or move to the U.S., they often find American eating habits quite surprising. From meals to manners, these differences can take you off guard.
Having lived in the USA and in Europe myself, I’ve gathered the eating habits that are most often brought up in conversation. Here’s a look at some of the most unusual American eating habits that might shock someone from Europe.
1. Not Eating Together for Every Meal
In many European homes, sitting down together for meals is a cherished tradition. In France, where I’m from, it’s very important to eat together. If you get up because you’re done before everyone else is done, then it’s considered really rude.
However, in the U.S., it’s common for family members to eat separately due to varying schedules. For instance, one might grab a sandwich while another reheats leftovers later in the evening, making shared meals less frequent.
2. Having Popcorn for Dinner
This one always made me laugh but I got accustomed to it! While popcorn is typically a snack in Europe, it’s not uncommon for Americans to have popcorn as a meal, especially during a casual movie night at home. “Just popping some corn for dinner” can be a real scenario in an American household, reflecting a more relaxed approach to evening meals.
3. School Canteen Lack of Balanced Meals
American school cafeterias often serve foods that might startle a European visitor. My school’s menu included corn dogs, burgers, and pizza, usually accompanied by a token serving of vegetables, like a handful of baby carrots.
This contrasts sharply with the more balanced meals served in my high school back in Europe and I’ve heard similar comments from other foreigners in the USA.
4. Ordering In as the Norm
In the U.S., ordering food delivery is extremely common and not just reserved for special occasions. Busy lifestyles drive many Americans to order in rather than cook. “Having pizza delivered on a Tuesday? Totally normal,” reflects this typical convenience-first approach.
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5. Eating Out Even on School Days
Americans tend to eat out frequently compared to Europeans. It’s not unusual for American families to dine at a restaurant on a school night, breaking from the European norm of home-cooked meals, especially on weekdays and school nights.
6. Not Having a Real Meal for Lunch
Lunch in the U.S. can often be as simple as a sandwich or a salad, rather than the hot, multi-course meals common in parts of Europe. Many Americans see lunch as a quick refueling stop rather than a significant meal, saying things like, “I’ll just grab a sandwich to get me through.”
7. Having Only Savory Popcorn at the Movies
In the U.S., the popcorn sold at movie theaters is typically savory, topped with butter and salt. This is a stark difference from some European countries where sweet popcorn, often sugared or caramelized, is the norm.
Read More: 11 Foods From France The US Will Never Approve Of
8. Drink Refills at Restaurants
Free refills of soft drinks in American restaurants are a surprising concept to many Europeans. The idea that you can keep getting more soda without paying extra is unusual in Europe where each drink is typically paid for separately.
9. Putting Marshmallows in Everything, Even in a Fruit Salad
Marshmallows are a popular ingredient in American kitchens, often found in dishes where Europeans wouldn’t expect them, like in fruit salads. This sweet, spongy addition can be quite a shock to those used to more traditional salads.
10. Not Setting a Knife Per Plate
In the U.S., it’s common not to set a knife at each place setting unless there’s meat that requires cutting. I remember always having to get up and grab a knife as, as a French person, I just don’t know how to deal with my food without one. “Forks for everyone, unless we’re having steak,” illustrates this practice, which can seem unusual to Europeans accustomed to a more formal table setting for every meal.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.