Canadian grocery stores are full of snacks & sweets that seem completely normal to us. But down south, many Americans find our food choices a little strange or perhaps unappealing.
It might be because some of these items never caught on down there. Perhaps it’s because these tastes are different from what Americans expect.
Either way, here are twelve Canadian foods that many Americans hate, for one reason or another. Which of these do you think is the most divisive?
Thrills gum
Most Canadians know Thrills gum for the fact that it tastes more like perfume than candy, and it’s one of the reasons why we love it. But it’s a huge turnoff for Americans.
Quite a few of them think it tastes more like soap or floral water, and it’s a kind of taste they’re not used to.
Most Americans expect to get mint when they’re chewing gum. Having such an unusual flavor makes some Americans feel like Thrills gum is practically inedible, so they’ll avoid it entirely.
Maynards wine gums
Americans are usually confused when they see Maynards Wine Gums in Canadian stores because they’re not used to seeing candy with names like “sherry” or “gin.” Of course, these candies don’t actually have these flavors in them. But that alone is confusing.
Once you factor in that wine gums have a much firmer texture than many American gummies, it’s not hard to see why people down south hate them. They’re more familiar with eating softer & bouncier candy.
Lay’s ketchup chips
Ketchup chips may be a popular option in many Canadian households, yet the flavor never really caught on in the States. It’s likely because the chips have an odd mix of sweet & tangy flavors.
They’re also quite vinegar-heavy, which can be a little overwhelming for those expecting a subtle tomato taste. Even the idea of ketchup-flavored chips is too much for some Americans.
Hawkins cheezies
Many Canadians enjoy Hawkins Cheezies for their sharp cheddar flavor. They also have a texture that’s somehow both thick & crunchy, although it’s not something that many Americans enjoy.
Cheezies have a harder and more intense flavor than the majority of American cheese snacks. The taste is a little aggressive for them. After all, they’re expecting light, airy cheese puffs, not strong-aged cheese.
Mackintosh’s Toffee
You can’t beat Mackintosh’s Toffee when you want some hard toffee. In fact, many Canadians joke about how you’ll need to get dental work after eating some, and that’s why Americans dislike it so much. They’re used to soft caramel or chewy toffee.
They’re sometimes surprised by how solid & stubborn Mackintosh’s Toffee is, especially since it neither melts nor stretches. You need strong teeth to enjoy these candies.
Montréal bagel
Yes, many Americans like bagels, but they’re not usually big fans of Montréal bagels. They don’t match the fluffy, deli-style bagels that they’re expecting, mostly because they’re boiled in honey water & baked in wood-fired ovens.
It gives them a sweeter taste and a tighter chew than regular bagels. Such a dense texture can be disappointing to Americans who would rather have salty & oversized pieces of bread instead.
Maple syrup pie
You can’t get more Canadian than maple syrup. Unfortunately, lots of Americans feel a little overwhelmed when they eat maple syrup pie because it’s a rather sweet dish that doesn’t let up easily.
It’s made from maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, cream, vanilla & cornflour.
Together, these ingredients make a sticky cake that may feel heavy after a few bites. Any American who prefers tart or fruity desserts is almost guaranteed to think that a slice of maple syrup pie is too much.
Fish and brewis
Fish and brewis is quite a tough sell for American visitors. For those outside Newfoundland who don’t know about it, it’s essentially salt cod with soaked hardtack, usually served with salt pork. The dish has quite a rural tradition.
However, the intense saltiness is not something many Americans enjoy. The overall texture of fish and brewis is enough for them to hate the dish, especially since they don’t have the childhood memories associated with it.
Seal flipper pie
The majority of Americans won’t even have a bite of seal flipper pie. It’s mostly because the dish uses harp seal flippers, baked under pastry with vegetables & gravy. What many Americans tend to dislike is the meat.
It’s rather dark & tough, as well as gamey, and while it might be a local tradition, lots of U.S. visitors have a negative reaction to the name alone. The idea of seal flipper pie is enough for many Americans to say “no.”
Pâté chinois
The name “pâté chinois” is rather confusing to many Americans. It’s even worse for them when they find out the ingredients.
The dish is a mix of ground beef & corn with mashed potatoes, and it’s quite a common meal in places like Quebec.
But lots of Americans are shocked by the sweet corn layer in a meat-and-potato dish. They find it to be quite off-putting.
Sushi pizza
Americans love sushi, and Americans love pizza. But not together. Normally, they’d prefer to eat traditional Japanese food by itself, and the Toronto-born dish, sushi pizza, is too much for them. They find the entire concept rather unnecessary.
Americans don’t understand how anyone could like a fried pressed rice base topped with raw fish & sauces. The crunchy extras make it even worse for them.
Steamie
Hot dogs are as American as they come, but steamies are something else. They’re hot dogs from Montréal that are served in a steamed bun that keeps the dog soft & moist. It’s not something many Americans enjoy.
They tend to find steamies too soggy. The soft texture of a steamie, along with the lack of crispiness, is enough to turn the majority of American visitors right away.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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