There’s a surprising truth lurking in plain sight: some of the most beloved, iconic, and seemingly “universal” things that Americans use and cherish are, in fact, only found in the United States. Many of these things have become so ingrained in American culture that they might seem like staples of global life. However, the reality is that not every person around the world is familiar with these uniquely American things. From food staples to cultural quirks, let’s explore the things that Americans didn’t know were exclusively American!
1. Peanut Butter: An American Staple
Peanut butter, that creamy or chunky spread that accompanies sandwiches, crackers, and even desserts, is something Americans take for granted. It’s a classic comfort food, and in the U.S., it’s nearly impossible to imagine life without it. However, peanut butter isn’t as common outside of the United States. While it’s available in other parts of the world, it’s nowhere near as ubiquitous or deeply loved as it is in the U.S.
In fact, peanut butter only became popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s, thanks to the innovation of companies like Skippy and Jif. Globally, other countries have their own variations, like nut butters from almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews. But a good ol’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an American original.
2. The “Thanksgiving” Tradition
Thanksgiving might feel like a universal holiday in the U.S., but it’s exclusively American. While the idea of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest is common across many cultures, the specific combination of foods (turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie) and the exact timing of the celebration (the fourth Thursday of November) is something that Americans alone observe. Even Canada, which celebrates a similar holiday called “Thanksgiving,” does so on a different day (second Monday in October) and with slightly different foods.
Thanksgiving is so ingrained in American culture that even non-religious Americans celebrate it. It’s a time for family reunions, parades, and football. But outside of the U.S.? Not so much.
3. American Football
While soccer (football in most parts of the world) reigns supreme globally, American football is a sport that is distinctly American. The National Football League (NFL) is a behemoth in the U.S., but outside of the country, American football has minimal popularity. Though some countries like Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe have leagues, the sport simply doesn’t have the same fervent following it has in America.
Many people around the world are baffled by the rules of American football, especially its scoring system and complex gameplay. What makes it uniquely American isn’t just the game itself, but the culture and the massive annual event surrounding it – the Super Bowl – which has become an unofficial American holiday.
4. The Drive-Thru
Americans love convenience, and the drive-thru is the epitome of that. From fast food to pharmacies, banks, and even coffee shops, the drive-thru culture is a massive part of American life. The concept of ordering and receiving items without leaving your car has caught on in certain places globally, but nowhere else is it as prevalent as it is in the United States.
The first drive-thru was created by a McDonald’s franchisee in 1947 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Since then, this convenience has become deeply embedded in American consumer culture. While other countries may have drive-thru locations for fast food, no place has embraced the drive-thru with the same enthusiasm as the U.S.
5. Root Beer
Root beer is a classic American beverage, often associated with BBQs, floats, and soda fountains. The drink is made from the roots of the sassafras tree, combined with sugar and various spices, giving it a sweet, aromatic, and distinct taste. While root beer might be found in some international markets, it’s almost exclusively American when it comes to popularity and cultural significance.
Outside of the U.S., the taste of root beer can be jarring, as it’s not a flavor that other countries typically enjoy. Some people even find the flavor of root beer to be off-putting. But for Americans, it’s a nostalgic and beloved drink that brings back memories of summer picnics and movie nights.
6. The Cheeseburger
Though burgers are enjoyed in many countries, the cheeseburgerspecifically the American-style cheeseburgerholds a special place in American culinary culture. The combination of a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments, all sandwiched in a soft bun, is a true American creation.
While other nations may have their own versions of a hamburger, the cheeseburger as we know it today, with its signature toppings and style, was perfected in the U.S. In fact, American fast food chains, like McDonald’s, are largely responsible for globalizing this American classic. But the distinct American “cheese on the burger” version? That’s entirely ours!
7. Tipping Culture
When you travel to many other countries, you’ll notice that tipping is either not practiced or not as expected as it is in the United States. In America, tipping is an essential part of the service industry, often accounting for a significant portion of servers’ and workers’ earnings. Whether it’s a taxi driver, restaurant server, or hotel bellhop, Americans are generally expected to tip around 15-20% of the total bill.
In many parts of Europe, for example, service charges are already included in the price of food and drink, and tipping is less common. In some countries, tipping can even be seen as offensive. However, in the U.S., tipping is deeply embedded in the culture, and failure to tip is often seen as rude or inconsiderate.
8. The “American Dream”
The concept of the “American Dream” is something uniquely tied to the history and ethos of the United States. While the idea of striving for a better life is universal, the specific notion of upward mobility through hard work, regardless of one’s background, is a distinctly American ideal. The phrase encapsulates the belief that anyone, regardless of their social class or birthplace, can succeed in America through determination and perseverance.
This idea has been a driving force in the nation’s history and continues to shape the aspirations of millions of people both inside and outside the United States. However, the “American Dream” is not a concept that holds the same meaning in many other countries, making it an intrinsically American idea.
Conclusion
While it might seem like many things Americans love are part of a global culture, several aspects of American life are, in fact, exclusively American. From food staples like peanut butter and root beer to cultural touchstones like Thanksgiving and the “American Dream,” these are elements of American culture that the world might never fully understand. However, they define what it means to live in the United States, creating a distinctive and cherished lifestyle. So, the next time you enjoy a cheeseburger, catch a football game, or tip your waiter, take a moment to appreciate how these uniquely American traditions and inventions have shaped life in the U.S.!
Experiences Related to American Things Americans Didn’t Know Were Exclusively American
As someone who has lived in various parts of the U.S. and traveled internationally, I’ve often encountered puzzled looks from non-Americans when I mention quintessentially American things. I remember being in Europe and offering my friend a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, only to be met with a confused expression. “What is this strange combination?” she asked, finding the mix of peanut butter and sweet jelly an odd pairing. Peanut butter, so deeply embedded in American life, seemed completely foreign to her.
Similarly, my experience at an international sports bar during the Super Bowl stands out. While Americans were enthusiastically cheering for their favorite teams, the rest of the bar seemed lost. Some were puzzled by the rules, and others had no idea why grown adults were so invested in a game that seemed to involve more pauses than action. The Super Bowl, with its ads and half-time performances, is truly a spectacle that doesn’t translate globally. The cultural significance of the event was something that people outside the U.S. couldn’t quite grasp, no matter how many times we tried to explain it.
Perhaps the most surprising discovery I made was when I visited a country where tipping wasn’t expected. As an American, I had been trained to tip 20% in restaurants, and I quickly found myself fumbling with my wallet, unsure of what was appropriate. In the U.S., tipping has become a near obligation, but elsewhere, it is often a voluntary act of kindness, not an industry standard. The concept of tipping, so central to the American experience, felt completely out of place in that context.
In many ways, these experiences highlight how deeply rooted certain American things are in our everyday lives, even though they might seem odd to people from other cultures. It’s a reminder of how cultural norms and traditions can be both uniquely American and uniquely defining of who we are as a nation.
