10 American Eating Habits That Shock Europeans

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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. 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. 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.

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.

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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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