Grocery stores around the world often try to persuade their customers to buy more by having "exotic" displays of foreign products. However, they aren't necessarily accurate. Take the American sections, for example. You can find them in pretty much any country. Wild flavors of Dr. Pepper, chocolate-covered pretzels, hamburger cookies, and of course, Snapple—the cornerstones of every American diet. Continue scrolling, take a look at these shelves, and let us know in the comments if you think this is actually what Uncle Sam eats or the stores have stocked up on too much sugar and are trying to get rid of it!
This post may include affiliate links.
I think this one is mostly ok. Substitute Virgil's for Budweiser, ad some mac & cheese and that's about it.
American supermarkets have a European section- it is called fruit and vegetables
The price of American cereal over here is ridiculous. I’ve never tried any, only because I refuse to pay that much for a 330g box of cereal that wouldn’t share between 5 people for the week .
As an American, most of this looks right to me as quintessential American food. But canned black beans? I had no idea those were unique to the USA. I assumed canned black beans were a universal staple.
its not unique but im guessing thats just an American brand of black beans. its like we have peanut butter from NZ but we'd still put Jif in the international section
Load More Replies...
I wouldn’t call this “quintessential American food.” I’d call it a handful of products from stores that are generally the size of a half of a city block. “Quintessential American” would be a produce department that takes up a quarter of the floor space in a store with a plentiful selection from growing regions all over the Western Hemisphere. Quintessential American would be a meat department with every animal and cut of meat that one could want. Quintessential American would be store shelves packed full of goods with unparalleled selection and variety. Quintessential American is pure abundance. But if looking at a junk food section labeled “American” fits within your narrow world view, vaya con Dios.
1. this was posted on the 4th of july, (independence day) 2. IS THAT REESES PEANUT BUTTER CUPS PEANUT BUTTER WHERE CAN I GET THAT?
Cherry flavored marshmallow fluff? I don't live in a part of the US that is that fancy.
Jif peanut butter is plain weird to an Aussie. Over here, Jif is a brand of cleaning product.
I would have cried in happiness if I was in a foreign country and saw Vlasic Pickles. So often, you can't find a good American-style pickle anywhere.
the only thing i eat in that entire display are the pickles. native NYer here.
I'd eat the ro-tel tomatoes, black beans and vlasic pickles. I'm from the U.S.
American here - I eat Vlassic pickles and canned pumpkin once or twice a year. That's it. The other stuff - meh.
The only people buying that is teenagers who have been smoking loads of weed, no-one else is interested in that sugary bollocks.
Peanut butter and pickles! well if "Jiff" is actually made from peanuts...
These foods might be uniquely American, but by no means are they the only things we eat. I know I am going to get down voted, but I grow tired of Murican-bashing. We aren't perfect, but who in this world is?
The Rotel is a pretty good find. Good Mexican or Tex-Mex is super hard to find in Europe, unless you make it from scratch. And even then, the spices and especially the right chilis can be impossible to find.
Why bother though? I mean the large supermarkets have ample choice. I know English tea (bags?) sold in America are nothing like what we buy in the UK
In Greece, we do not use canned food a lot. We prefer fresh produce or frozen food. Cans are considered student food or food for people who don't have time to cook.
It's the same in the US, although those who can't cook use frozen processed food or prepared food from grocery stores.
Load More Replies...
The pickles, pancake syrup and relish are about the only things I'd buy from that shelf. And those, rarely
Black beans are used in the UK, but they're definitely not a staple. We use haricot or flagelet more commonly.
Smash some of those black beans and mix them into hummus, you won't regret it.
Load More Replies...
20 years in Colorado and I was completely oblivious to our state’s official marshmallows XD
this is the most accurate to actual American supermarkets. Some healthy cereal, some junky, crackers, oil, dressing, cookies, jello, vinegar, pudding. I live in the US and this seems right.
I an truthfully say, as an american, that we have none of this, and I have NEVER heard of this brand. My guess is that it is in Europe and makes "American" food to appeal to the market.
This is the first photo that has Ranch dressing in it. I do think that's a "must" for an American grocery section.
All the stores feature representations of sugar galore in the 'American' section. What I find curious is no protein bars.
Cholula hot sauce and Stubbs BBQ sauce are about the best there is, really. And what’s with the baking soda??
Come on now. Baking soda? Surely this store also sells baking soda. I don't believe that's uniquely American. 😂
I am amused at the choice of "French's" for mustard at a French supermarket. I think it's one of the better yellow mustards.
What's with all the Nerds? And I thought Jelly Belly's were British?
I wonder who chose these particular items. The others have largely been a product of what people eat on American television, but this is a decidedly southern regional palate.
Whether anyone wishes to understand or "believe" ALL FOOD IS GENETICALLY MODIFIED. If it is fruits and veggies, they are all hybrids aka genetically modified, all protein are derived from hybrid animals aka genetically modified. What it should say, if correct, is screwed with the genes.
FLUFF again! Most Americans outside of New England have never seen FLUFF!
Awwww yiss: Newman's Own salad dressings! (First time I've seen Campbell's soup in one of these pictures, I think?)
You can get them a pound cheaper and also not in an "american food" section in B&M in my experience. Thankfully, I got over my addiction to these, but my love of the Penn State sour cream and chive pretzels however, will never go away. ever.
The only truly American foods I see there are Kraft mac & Cheese, Chips Ahoy, and Snickers. Oh, Cracker Jack!
That’s actually bang on. They even got Yorkshire tea which is the best lol. Not to sure bout the curry. Very surprised hinez rival Branson isn’t there though lol
Has anyone ever seen bottled hotdogs for sale in the US? I lived there for 20+ years and have never seen anything like those.
I think it’s interesting how many stores had multiple kinds of Nerds. I’ve never seen them like that in the US. The only time we got Nerds was in tiny packages at Halloween.
can't relate to this post as I'm european and visiting the US is only a plan. Could someone explain what is wrong here?
Americans don't just eat junk food and sugary cereal
Load More Replies...
A lot of these are what I would call “ comfort foods “ you don’t eat it every day but have a craving for your own taste of home occasionally.
Which I think is the point. Everyday 'normal' food that we all eat will be available in the rest of the shop. This is just a taste of home that is specific to the US but in the way that all countries have. UK will have unhealthy nostalgic treats too.
Load More Replies...
Be interesting to see how the international sections in American supermarkets compare. Think those sections in any supermarket always tend towards the stereotype - German bratwurst, Spanish chorizo, British baked beans, etc.
In my neck of the woods there is a chain of stores called 'World Market' and they stock food and booze from all over the world. Obviously not an entire grocery stores worth for each country, but a good showing. It's all packaged food though, nothing fresh.
Load More Replies...
I just realised that I have never seen an "American" section in a supermarket before. We have an Asian food section, a Mexican food section and an international food section which mainly consists of food from the UK and Europe. The American foods we do have are scattered in the relevant aisles ie gobstoppers and nerds are in the lolly/ chocolate aisle, pop tarts in breakfast food section, oreos in biscuit section etc.
I've been on this planet a long time, neither I or anyone I have ever known has bought marshmallow "fluff". Nice find = sweet baby rays, wtf = jar of hot dogs, missing=ketchup
you guys should try pop tarts, not the kinds like "smores" or "cookies and cream" those arnt any good. but the fruit ones like strawberry and cherry are the best.
I thought pop tarts have been around in Europe since the 90s? I remember having some around then...
Load More Replies...
This is what the rest of the world thinks of us? From the looks of things, the rest of the world didn't do enough research.
Is it just me, or was Tabasco missing entirely? I never cared for Tabasco, I like other got sauce way more, but it is a staple in most households in America.
The Foreign Food section in Chinese supermarkets isn't labeled American Food but should be. Typically it contains at least 25 types of chewing/bubble gum, Red Bull and other energy drinks, potato crisps and other rubbish. If you are very lucky there may be pasta sauce.
I want to know where all those countries found "Twinkies" cuz you sure don't see them for sale anywhere near my part of the USA!
They all basically look like a rest stop/truck stop convenience store shelf. Not actual food.
Ok anyone not from America, please tell me why you think we have such an infatuation for marshmallows? Don't get me wrong. Yea they're tasty and they make great s'mores (graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow) but we don't sit around eating this stuff. The candy is accurate, but again, not many of us just walk around downing fist fulls of nerds and other candy daily. Pizza is good. But it definitely doesn't have hot dogs on it. I'm just confused.
Marshmallows can be thought of as American because of the films with people melting them around a campfire. Similar with hotdogs - films with newyorkers eating them on the street. As for pizza - beats me, pizza is Italian.
Load More Replies...
1. A lot of Americans actually eat real f*****g food 2. It's actually gotten a little old, how much Americans are stereotyped. 3. Yes American food has a lot of sugar but that's not all we eat. 4. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are revolutionary
1. I guess that's the point of the article, but you're right, that is a common belief among many. 2. I'm not sure America is stereotyped any worse than any other country, although the proliferation of American culture means it is more visible. 3. I think that's the same point as 1. 4. They haven't really taken off anywhere else, though, have they? I've never seen them outside of the US myself. And, controversial opinion, I found them a little underwhelming after they'd been built up so much by Americans. A hotpot in beijing or yakiniku in Osaka blew my mind far more, but it's always personal I guess.
Load More Replies...
In The Hague there is/was the 'Expat Store' in the harbour of Vlissingen. It was ran and visited by US expats, and was basically a supermarket but with overseas products (as if dishwashing detergent shipped across the pond would make a difference --- but it was mainly that kind of simple stuff). And yeah it was similar to most of these photos above: Junkfood, regular household products, terrible 'chocolates'... but given owners and clientele, it's what americans think what american products are.
OK, tiny to nothing hot sauce sections, no barbecue sauces/seasonings, this is literally nothing but contempt shelves.
Honestly, there are whole sections in supermarkets with other brand sauces, hot or otherwise. These are just familiar brands that people from the US may prefer. We all get brands we like better after all. I think these are just items that wouldn't normally be sold in whichever country the shop is in, but that most people's needs are easily met with the normal offerings in the shop. People don't need US veggies but might be pleased to see US sweets for example. I think those people taking photos and assuming that this is all American's eat are being daft, of course it's not. That's how I see it anyway. If I was in a different country and saw my preferred brand of something I'd probably just be pleased the shop was bothering.
Load More Replies... 
Who said it was? Have you ever actually been grocery shopping, and looked how food is sorted?
Load More Replies...
Has anyone ever seen bottled hotdogs for sale in the US? I lived there for 20+ years and have never seen anything like those.
I think it’s interesting how many stores had multiple kinds of Nerds. I’ve never seen them like that in the US. The only time we got Nerds was in tiny packages at Halloween.
can't relate to this post as I'm european and visiting the US is only a plan. Could someone explain what is wrong here?
Americans don't just eat junk food and sugary cereal
Load More Replies... A lot of these are what I would call “ comfort foods “ you don’t eat it every day but have a craving for your own taste of home occasionally.
Which I think is the point. Everyday 'normal' food that we all eat will be available in the rest of the shop. This is just a taste of home that is specific to the US but in the way that all countries have. UK will have unhealthy nostalgic treats too.
Load More Replies... Be interesting to see how the international sections in American supermarkets compare. Think those sections in any supermarket always tend towards the stereotype - German bratwurst, Spanish chorizo, British baked beans, etc.
In my neck of the woods there is a chain of stores called 'World Market' and they stock food and booze from all over the world. Obviously not an entire grocery stores worth for each country, but a good showing. It's all packaged food though, nothing fresh.
Load More Replies... I just realised that I have never seen an "American" section in a supermarket before. We have an Asian food section, a Mexican food section and an international food section which mainly consists of food from the UK and Europe. The American foods we do have are scattered in the relevant aisles ie gobstoppers and nerds are in the lolly/ chocolate aisle, pop tarts in breakfast food section, oreos in biscuit section etc.
I've been on this planet a long time, neither I or anyone I have ever known has bought marshmallow "fluff". Nice find = sweet baby rays, wtf = jar of hot dogs, missing=ketchup
you guys should try pop tarts, not the kinds like "smores" or "cookies and cream" those arnt any good. but the fruit ones like strawberry and cherry are the best.
I thought pop tarts have been around in Europe since the 90s? I remember having some around then...
Load More Replies... This is what the rest of the world thinks of us? From the looks of things, the rest of the world didn't do enough research.
Is it just me, or was Tabasco missing entirely? I never cared for Tabasco, I like other got sauce way more, but it is a staple in most households in America.
The Foreign Food section in Chinese supermarkets isn't labeled American Food but should be. Typically it contains at least 25 types of chewing/bubble gum, Red Bull and other energy drinks, potato crisps and other rubbish. If you are very lucky there may be pasta sauce.
I want to know where all those countries found "Twinkies" cuz you sure don't see them for sale anywhere near my part of the USA!
They all basically look like a rest stop/truck stop convenience store shelf. Not actual food.
Ok anyone not from America, please tell me why you think we have such an infatuation for marshmallows? Don't get me wrong. Yea they're tasty and they make great s'mores (graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow) but we don't sit around eating this stuff. The candy is accurate, but again, not many of us just walk around downing fist fulls of nerds and other candy daily. Pizza is good. But it definitely doesn't have hot dogs on it. I'm just confused.
Marshmallows can be thought of as American because of the films with people melting them around a campfire. Similar with hotdogs - films with newyorkers eating them on the street. As for pizza - beats me, pizza is Italian.
Load More Replies... 1. A lot of Americans actually eat real f*****g food 2. It's actually gotten a little old, how much Americans are stereotyped. 3. Yes American food has a lot of sugar but that's not all we eat. 4. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are revolutionary
1. I guess that's the point of the article, but you're right, that is a common belief among many. 2. I'm not sure America is stereotyped any worse than any other country, although the proliferation of American culture means it is more visible. 3. I think that's the same point as 1. 4. They haven't really taken off anywhere else, though, have they? I've never seen them outside of the US myself. And, controversial opinion, I found them a little underwhelming after they'd been built up so much by Americans. A hotpot in beijing or yakiniku in Osaka blew my mind far more, but it's always personal I guess.
Load More Replies... In The Hague there is/was the 'Expat Store' in the harbour of Vlissingen. It was ran and visited by US expats, and was basically a supermarket but with overseas products (as if dishwashing detergent shipped across the pond would make a difference --- but it was mainly that kind of simple stuff). And yeah it was similar to most of these photos above: Junkfood, regular household products, terrible 'chocolates'... but given owners and clientele, it's what americans think what american products are.
OK, tiny to nothing hot sauce sections, no barbecue sauces/seasonings, this is literally nothing but contempt shelves.
Honestly, there are whole sections in supermarkets with other brand sauces, hot or otherwise. These are just familiar brands that people from the US may prefer. We all get brands we like better after all. I think these are just items that wouldn't normally be sold in whichever country the shop is in, but that most people's needs are easily met with the normal offerings in the shop. People don't need US veggies but might be pleased to see US sweets for example. I think those people taking photos and assuming that this is all American's eat are being daft, of course it's not. That's how I see it anyway. If I was in a different country and saw my preferred brand of something I'd probably just be pleased the shop was bothering.
Load More Replies... Who said it was? Have you ever actually been grocery shopping, and looked how food is sorted?
Load More Replies... 