Many iconic foods are often thought to be as American as apple pie—yet their origins tell a different story. From crispy fried chicken to creamy macaroni and cheese, these beloved dishes actually hail from other parts of the world. In this list, we uncover the surprising international roots of foods we mistakenly believed were American classics.
1. Fried Chicken Was Introduced In The UK
Most people associate fried chicken with the American South, but it likely originated in Scotland or England. One of the earliest recipes was found in a 1747 British cookbook, and Scottish settlers brought the dish to the US, where it became a Southern staple.
2. Peanut Butter Was Invented In Canada
While John Harvey Kellogg popularized peanut butter in the US, it was actually Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson who first created peanut paste and patented the process in 1884.
3. Starburst Candies Were Invented In England
Initially released as “Opal Fruits” in the UK in 1960, Starburst got a name change when introduced in the US in 1967. The original UK name was briefly brought back after public demand.
4. Apple Pie Was Invented In England
Although seen as a symbol of America, apple pie originated in England in the 14th century. Early versions were made without sugar, and the crust was mainly a container for the filling.
5. Macaroni And Cheese Originated In Italy
Mac and cheese, a beloved American dish, actually comes from Italy. A 13th-century Italian cookbook first mentioned pasta and cheese, which eventually made its way to the US through Thomas Jefferson’s chef.
6. Doughnuts Hail From The Netherlands Or Britain
Doughnuts have roots in both the Netherlands and the UK, with Dutch settlers bringing “olykoek” (fried dough) to America. The British also had their own fried dough traditions tied to holidays like Fat Tuesday.
7. Mayonnaise Was Invented On An Island In Spain
Though popularized by the French, mayonnaise originated on the island of Minorca, Spain, after a chef created the egg-and-oil sauce following a battle during the Seven Years’ War.
8. Watermelon Was First Grown In Africa
Watermelon, a staple summer treat in the US, was first cultivated in Africa around 5,000 years ago. Over time, sweeter varieties were created and spread worldwide through trade.
9. Hamburgers Were First Made In Germany
Though perfected in the US, the hamburger has its roots in Hamburg, Germany. Originally served as “chopped beef” with gravy, Americans added buns to make the dish portable.
10. Candy Bars Were Invented In England
The world’s first chocolate bar was created by British chocolatier Joseph Fry in 1847. He transformed liquid chocolate into solid form, setting the stage for the modern candy bar.
11. Hot Dogs Originated In Germany
The hot dog, a baseball game favorite, hails from Germany. Both Frankfurt and Vienna claim to have invented the sausage, which immigrants brought to the US in the 1800s.
12. French Fries Aren’t French – They’re Belgian
French fries, though enjoyed globally, were likely invented in Belgium in the 17th century. Belgians fried potatoes to replace fish during winter, and the dish eventually made its way to America.
