7 American Junk Foods That Make the Rest of the World Gag

There’s no doubt that America is constantly leading the way with its junk food options. With strange and fascinating combinations, satisfying and uncomfortable textures, and junk foods that constantly push culinary boundaries, America has basically gone rogue when it comes to junk foods. Anything goes in any way, shape, or form.

Sometimes, though, these junk foods make the rest of the world gag and question its’ creation. Today, we’re sharing 7 American junk foods that the rest of the world can’t stand. You’ll find bizarre flavor combinations, unique textures, and maybe your next favorite snack! Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

1. Sour Patch Kids

Sour Patch Kids are a junk food that America adores. They are shockingly sour and then satisfyingly sweet with every single bite. They have the perfect texture, with an inviting chewiness and coated sugar that almost gives them a gentle crunch. Sour Patch Kids offer a bold flavor journey from the very second you pop one in your mouth. They even come in many flavors, like mystery, tropical, and watermelon. Sour Patch Kid’s dual sensation gives Americans a sort of nostalgic feeling as they remember enjoying them during their childhood. And one of the best parts of all is that Sour Patch Kids can be enjoyed nearly anywhere. They come in a small bag, and you can toss one in your mouth at a movie theatre, grocery shopping, at the park, or anywhere else. However, be aware that your face may make some funny expressions and twinges because the sour level of this junk food is no joke! For many – they’re enough to make your eyes squint and leave you questioning why you put that little candy in your mouth at all.

2. Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Of course, we all know that bacon is great. But what if you combine bacon with chocolate? Most people would probably gag at the thought of this. But hear us out. Sweet and salty marry with this decadent junk food. Requiring only two ingredients—chocolate and bacon—it’s pretty simple to throw together. It feels somewhat gourmet or posh while remaining simple and still delicious (or at least that’s what Americans think). So the next time you fry up some bacon for breakfast, why not coat it in chocolate for an ultra-lavish dish?!

3. Grilled Cheese Donut

The grilled cheese donut celebrates the fusion of two iconic foods. Although it may seem unappealing to some, America loves its cozy comfort foods, and that’s exactly what you get with the grilled cheese donut. It’s a curious combination that results in an unusual junk food that may just surprise you. It’s sweet and savory, Instagram-worthy,  and, oh, so nostalgic. The grilled cheese donut combines two well-loved foods to create a junk food that many find satisfying and comforting. The outer part offers a sweetness that you’d expect from a donut, but once you reach more toward the middle, a gooey cheesiness awaits. For Americans, it’s a fantastic combination of flavor, texture, and layers. If you love both donuts and grilled cheese, this American junk food may surprise you! But, if you don’t love bizarre textures or the idea of grilled cheese in donut form, then this is enough to make you gag for sure.

4. Jell-o Salad

Picture flavored gelatin, fresh fruit, marshmallows, and nuts all combined together, and you have yourself the iconic American Jell-O salad. Americans love making this dish for potlucks, barbeques, and even holidays. It’s colorful, texture-rich,  and convenient. It’s pretty simple to make and is kid-friendly, so it’s perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. However, what the rest of the world sees is a salad made up of wobbly and slippery substances. The combination of all the textures may be overwhelming for many, and Jell-O salad tends to be quite sweet. For many, the word salad brings to mind vegetables and salad dressing, so it can be too much to imagine something wiggly and jiggly wrapped up with sweetness and color.

5. Pickle Cotton Candy

Tart and tangy, pickle cotton candy is an American junk food that makes the rest of the world gag. It has the same fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all know and love about cotton candy, but after that initial taste, comes the tangy pickle flavor with dill and spiced undertones. For many, the flavor combination poses a curious intrigue that prompts the desire for more. But, for others, the surprising pickle taste in cotton candy form can be a bit much. 

6. Maple Bacon Lollipops

Have you ever imagined bacon in lollipop form? Maple bacon lollipops are an American junk food that many can’t stomach. The unconventional combination of sweet, thick maple syrup and smoky bacon pieces on a stick makes these lollipops a hit at American state fairs and family events. The first taste teases your taste buds. It invites you to linger just a little longer. For many people, this complex flavor combo is just too much. A bizarre blend of sugary and bacon pieces makes it a junk food that not everyone loves. However, Americans love this sweet treat for many reasons. It’s packed with sugary maple flavor and tantalizing texture thanks to the bacon pieces. 

7. Deep-Fried Oreos

Excessively sweet with an intriguing texture, deep-fried Oreos are an adored American junk food. To make them, the iconic cookie is hugged with a crispy golden batter. Once deep-fried, they become a mix of crunch and goo with melted and creamy insides. But many gag at the thought of a deep-fried cookie. They may despise the unique texture, high level of sweetness, and greasy outer part. Though most of the world will probably agree that Oreos are fantastic, enjoying them deep-fried is another story.

Conclusion

These seven American junk foods are enjoyed all the time by many. From the sour-sweet taste of Sour Patch Kids to the unconventional chocolate-covered bacon, the nostalgic grilled cheese donut, iconic Jell-o salad, bizarre pickle cotton candy, sweet and divine maple bacon lollipops, and finally, melty, gooey deep-fried Oreos, these seven treats confuse the tastebuds of most of the world. From strange flavor combinations to unusual textures, these American junk foods have all the components to make everyone else gag.