90 Weird American Snacks To Tantalize Your Taste Buds
The Rundown: Embark on an edible expedition to discover the weird and wonderful world of American snacks! From deep-fried butter to bacon-flavored soda, these bizarre bites embody the adventurous essence of American cuisine.
Americans, with their insatiable appetite for all things extreme, have earned a reputation for delighting in culinary curiosities like nowhere else on Earth. From mashed potato cupcakes to pickled turkey gizzards, the snack scene in the US of A is a melting pot of sweet, savory, and truly curious concoctions as varied as the people who live there (...here? wherever you are)! If you're looking for a fresh and freaky snack experience, here are 90 weird American morsels that you need to try… if you dare!
The Gastronomic Gusto: Defining Weird American Snacks
When we say “weird American snacks”, we mean those that defy convention. Blending incompatible flavors and incongruous textures, results may vary, but they’ll always surprise! With some high highs and low lows, it’s fair to say these truculent treats showcase all the variety of the strange New World they come from.
Why Americans Eat… Weird
There are a few reasons Americans gravitate toward the unknown shores of cuisine. For some, it's the thrill of the unexpected, the excitement of something new. Even if new can be… confusing! For others, it's a sense of nostalgia, a throwback to childhood memories of feasting on forbidden treats. And for a select few, the daredevils, the real FREAKS, it's the sheer audacity of the thing. To pair peanut butter with pickles, or deep-fry a whole block of butter. It’s, well, the chutzpah!
The Appeal of the Weird
The allure of weird American snacks is multifaceted. For some, it's the novelty of trying something they’ve never tried before. For others, the familiarity and comfort of wacky childhood favorites draws them in. And then there’s the freakazoids, the kooks, forging new frontiers in culinary peculiarity. Whatever the reason, weird American snacks are a testament to the country's love of food, freakish or fine, and its willingness to experiment with funky flavors and trailblazing textures.
A Jooourney Through Tiiime… The Wild History of Weird American Snacks!
The origins of weird American snacks can be traced back to the country's roots as a big messy melting pot of many different cultures. Immigrant communities arriving from all around the world introduced their own unique culinary customs, and they mixed and matched in a million unpredictable manners!
As mass production and industrialization became the name of the game, the snack industry boomed, and gave rise to a whole new era of processed foods and sugary treats. This era saw the birth of iconic snacks like Hostess Cupcakes and Twinkies, which might not seem so weird now, but were a sight to behold in 1930! Snacks like these embodied the American essence: convenience meets indulgence.
The globalization of the snack market has further fueled the rise of weirdo American treats. As American brands expanded their reach across the oceans to every foggy corner of the world, they often introduced their freaky flavors to new audiences, sparking curiosity, confusion, and sometimes kooky new combinations of their own.
A Culinary Carnival: The Wacky Wonders of Weird American Food
The wonky, wild stuff that Americans eat is as diverse as Americans themselves. From sweet to savory, crunchy to chewy, salty to spicy, frozen to fried, there are regional specialties, seasonal delights, and snacks that defy categorization altogether.
But amidst this culinary carnival, one particular snack stands out for its sheer oddity and irresistible appeal: the gummy worm. These wiggly, whacky colored confections, with their sweet, sour, saccharine taste, gummy goodness, and of course iconic shape like wriggling grubs fresh from the earth, are a staple of American childhoods, and a testament to the country’s love of all things weird. Rotten is an American company that’s proud to bring you sickeningly delicious gummy worms that will send you freaking into the weird and wondrous world of American snacks.
Embark on a culinary expedition and discover the wild, wonderful and… sometimes disgusting world of American snacks. You might just find a new fav to tantalize your taste buds, or even challenge your puny preconceptions about what constitutes a "snack." It’s time for our 90 favorite weirdo American noshes, nibbles, bites, bits and morsels. Here goes!
Sweet n’ Savory
1. Chocolate-covered bacon: This treat is a culinary contradiction, but irresistible nonetheless. Salty, smoky bacon pairs perfectly with rich, creamy chocolate (salt enhances chocolate, or didn’t you know?), creating a freaky flavor explosion that's both decadent and, well, debilitating.
2. Deep-fried Oreos: These classic American cookies (dating back to 1912!) get a deep-fried freak-over, taking their deliciousness to undreamt apogees. The crispy, golden-brown batter encases that warm, gooey Oreo filling, making for a Jekyll and Hyde of texture that's eerily impossible to resist.
3. Grilled cheese donut: Okay, here’s a weird one. This sweet and savory mashup is a true oddity, but it's also surprisingly delicious. The soft, fluffy donut is filled with gooey, melted cheese, creating something that’s comfort food and dessert all in one.
4. Mashed potato-filled cupcakes: Oh God it keeps getting weirder. These cupcakes are a savory twist on the classic dessert. The light and fluffy cupcake batter is filled with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a unique experiment that’s more fit for Sunday roast than a birthday party.
5. Chocolate-covered spaghetti bites: This dessert is sure to raise eyebrows (and goosebumps), but it's also surprisingly tasty. Fried spaghetti strands are coated in chocolate, creating a sweet crunch that's familiar yet funky. Anyway, who doesn’t want pasta for every meal?
6. Jell-O Salad: This real American classic dessert is a gelatinous concoction of fruit, marshmallows, and occasionally veggies (I know, can you believe it?). It's a sweet and colorful treat that's nostalgic, cooling and well, pretty weird (though not as weird as that aspic stuff!).
7. Ambrosia salad: This fruit salad is a Southern staple made from pineapple, Mandarin oranges, and marshmallows. A sweet and tangy treat, this guy’s perfect for any potluck or picnic.8. Peanut butter and mayo sandwich: Okay, I know, yuck, but hear us out. This sandwich is a controversial creation, and not for the faint of heart (literally), but it's oddly delish. Creamy, salty sweet peanut butter is paired with tangy mayo for a freaky flavor combo that won’t disappoint.
9. Frog eye salad: Similar to Ambrosia, this Midwestern delicacy is also made with pineapple, Mandarin oranges and whipped cream. The catch? The rest is pasta! And like we said, who doesn’t want pasta for every meal?
10. Pickle cotton candy: This sweet and sour treat is a pickle lover's daydream (we prefer “pickle passionate”, just FYI). The cotton candy is infused with pickle juice, creating a sweet, salty, briny burst of flavor to shock, bewilder, and give you lots of yummy cavities.
11. Pickle-flavored bubble tea: That’s right, for the pickle passionate there’s more! This Taiwanese beverage is a colorful combo of pickle juice, tapioca pearls (ya know, boba), and milk. Weird? Yes. Pretty good? You betcha.
12. Bacon-wrapped pineapple bites: More pineapple. More bacon. This time? Together! These two-faced treats are perfect for a party or snacking on the go. Pineapple chunks are wrapped in bacon and then grilled or baked, making for a delightful combo of flavors and textures. Like gushers that grow on trees! And on… pigs… (Look, pineapples grow on bushes but that made for a less punchy joke.)
13. Blue cheese and honey popcorn: This popcorn topping is a bold and savory choice. Dare we say too bold. Salty, sharp blue cheese pairs with sweet, sticky honey, for a gooey and… pretty stinky delight. Good for a movie, but best keep this one at home.
14. Peanuts in Coke: Not that kind! This classic American combo is a crunchy, caffeinated, carbonated treat. Good for bars, baseball, and everything between.
Candy!
15. Sour Gummy Worms: These tangy, tongue-puckering delights are an indisputable classic. Plus, they’re worms! Rotten’s sour gummy worms have 60% less sugar, 100% compostable packaging, and come in a variety of freaky flavors: Mischievous Mango, Barfin’ Blue Raspberry, Slobberin’ Strawberry, and Weirdo Watermelon. So get out there and Feed Your Freak!
16. Sriracha-flavored candy canes: These sweet spicy candies are a twisted twist on a holiday classic. Searing sriracha mingles with minty candy cane for a combo that will get those taste buds a-rollicking.
17. Maple bacon lollipops: Ever wanted breakfast maple bacon on the go? No? Too bad! Sweet maple syrup pairs perfectly with the salty, smoky bacon for a toothsome treat that's sweet and savory in one. Blame Canada!
18. Kimchi-flavored chocolate: Kimchi makes everything better. Right? This adventurous bar combines kimchi’s Korean kick with rich, creamy chocolate for a whacko treat that's sure to challenge, confuse, and, maybe, delight.
19. Candy Corn: This Halloween classic has been a love-it-or-hate-it situation for generations. These sweet, waxy kernels always end up somewhere in the trick-or-treat haul. The question is: first or last?
Comfort Food!
20. Garbage plate: This hearty dish from Rochester, New York is a construction of culinary chaos. A heaping plate piled high with macaroni salad, french fries, fried eggs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs, all smothered in a rich and savory white sauce, this gastronomic gallivanting should be left to the pros.21. Poop on a shingle: Sounds great, right? This Southern delicacy, despite its name, is a fan favorite. It's made with chipped beef, a type of dried beef that's rehydrated and cooked until tender, and then smothered in creamy gravy. Rich and filling, this regional classic is perfect for a chilly day.
22. Spray Cheese: Okay, hear us out: it’s like spray paint… but cheese! Sold in a pressurized can, this dairy delight is simple to spread on crackers, chips or sandwiches… or you could always suck it straight from the can. Banksy, you interested?
23. Green bean casserole: A classic American dish of yore, this holiday staple is great whether it’s yuletide or poolside. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and sometimes a cheesy topping, this is creamy crunchy cuisine that never fails.
24. Chicken fried steak: More Southern comfort! No, there’s not any chicken in this steak, but the whole thing is breaded and fried like its cluckier cousin. The steak is pounded thin, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and then fried until golden brown. Usually served with gravy and mashed potatoes, this one’s always a pleaser.
25. Fried chicken and waffles: If you’re not familiar this one might sound weird, but it’s a true classic! This sweet and savory combo is another Southern concoction, but these days it’s available nationwide. Deep fried chicken and syrup-drizzled waffles absolutely dazzle. Turns out they’re great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
26. Reindeer Hot Dogs: These festive franks are a popular treat in Alaska during the holiday season. Made from real reindeer sausage, they have a slightly gamy flavor that locals can’t resist. Served with sauerkraut and reindeer gravy, they’re absolutely worth a try. Just make sure to leave some for Santa, or he won’t be going anywhere this season!
27. Panhaas or Scrapples: This Southern surprise is made with pork liver, cornmeal, and a mix of spices. A breakfast staple, it also works great as a snack or appetizer. Savory and slightly sweet, they’re always a textural treat.
28. Donut burger: We’re insane? You’re insane! This decadent delectation is just what it sounds like: a burger sandwiched between two glazed donuts. The donut’s glaze turns to butter on the burger’s hot savory patty… too much, too good, too many, all in one!
29. Beer cheese soup: Three words that just fit together, don’t you think? This rich and creamy soup is a popular appetizer in the enlightened midwest. We’ll give you three chances to guess the ingredients. The beer adds a slightly hoppy flavor to the soup, while the cheese makes for a silken slurp like no other.
30. Cincinnati chili: This refined chili is made with spaghetti, ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices. Often served with shredded cheddar cheese and a side of oyster crackers, this one’s a beloved dish in certain parts of the country. You’ll never guess where!
31. Sloppy Joes: If you’ve never had a Sloppy Joe, are you even an American? Pretty sure it’s required for citizenship. This classic sandwich is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices, and served like a hamburger… that exploded. Messy but delish, these are a fav whether you’re on the schoolyard or in the break room.
32. Bacon-wrapped turkey legs: Look, if you add fat it’s just gonna taste better. Facts of life. These savory treats are great whether you’re spicing up some Ren Faire fare or heading to a potluck. The turkey legs are seasoned and wrapped in bacon, then roasted or grilled until cooked through, making for an extra salty, extra smoky treat.
33. Macaroni salad: This classic American side dish is made with macaroni, mayo, and the rest is up to you (celery, onions and pickles are some popular picks). Light, creamy and cooling, the headline reads: better than it should be!
34. Sweet Potato and marshmallows: Another one that sounds weird but just isn’t. This sweet potato casserole is a classic Southern dish during the holidays. It's made with sweet potatoes, marshmallows, brown sugar, and different spices. The sweet potatoes are baked until tender, then topped with a layer of marshmallows that melt down for a deliciously gooey suffusion of sweetness. Perfect to perk up your Thanksgiving or any other.
35. Tater Tot casserole: Casseroles don’t have to be boring! This cheesy, crunchy big bake is always a crowd-pleaser. It's made with tater tots, cheese of your choice, and a creamy sauce to top. The tater tots are cooked until golden brown, and then smothered, and the whole thing goes in the oven until it’s a melted and bubbly bonanza. Top with chives and sour cream and you’re good to go!
36. Turducken: The holy trinity. It’s a bird! It’s a pl-... No, it’s just more birds. This culinary feat of engineering is a chicken stuffed inside a duck, which is then stuffed inside a turkey. Yup. The turducken is a symbol of extravagance and abundance, and is often served as a centerpiece at holiday feasts. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
37. Twinkies: The quintessential junk food dessert. These golden-brown cakes are filled with a creamy vanilla filling and baked to perfection. They're a classic American snack that's been enjoyed for generations, and they will outlast us all (literally).
Crunchy n’ Chewy
38. Bacon-flavored popcorn: Salty? Why not… more salty? With bits of bacon thrown into this classic crunchy treat, you’ll be sated until the movie’s end no matter the runtime. Just be sure to bring napkins.
39. Ranch-flavored sunflower seeds: The only thing tricky about these is how to eat ‘em. One at a time? By the handful? How dextrous are those chompers? These sunflower seeds are coated in a creamy ranch dressing that’s perfect for a game or a picnic. Just beware indoors… those shells gotta land somewhere!
40. Chapulines (grasshoppers): In the New World Order bug protein will be the only kind you get - so better get used to it! These crunchy insects are a popular snack in Mexico and around the world, often roasted and seasoned with salt and lime for a slightly nutty flavor. (As far as bugs go, we prefer the gummy kind).
41. Alligator jerky: As far as exotic jerkies go, dried alligator reigns supreme. With its smoky flavor and tough texture, it’s a protein-rich snack that's sure to satisfy. Chomp into it before it chomps into you!42. Beef jerky covered in chocolate: Does too much of a good thing really exist? You give this a try and let us know. This classic road snack sings with a chocolatey twist, because like we’ve already established: chocolate and salt are best friends!
43. Nutter Butters: These peanut butter cookies are a go-to American classic. They're made with two peanut butter wafers sandwiched together with a layer of peanut butter between. Nostalgic and always good for a snack at any hour, these earthier Oreos offer a load of legume!
44. Fried chicken gizzards: What could be more appetizing than another critter’s stomach? These crunchy treats are fried up from some lesser-loved parts of the bird. Let nothing go to waste, we say! With a gamey flavor and chewy texture, these freaky fritters are a popular snack throughout the Southern United States.
45. Pickled Turkey Gizzards: If you like ‘em fried then why not pickled? These grander gizzards are a tangy and savory snack, and another fav throughout the South. They're made from turkey stomachs that have been pickled in a vinegar brine with various spices. They’ve got a slightly chewy texture, and the pickling process adds an irresistible zing.
46. Cheetos milk: Straight from the breast of Chester himself! This bizarre beverage is made by pulverizing Cheetos and blending them into milk, creating a sweet, cheesy, and (most importantly) bright orange beverage. Tang begone! There’s a new drink in town!
47. Cricket protein bars: More bugs for the proletariat worker bees of the future! These high-protein bars are made with cricket flour, and pack a crunchy, nutty punch that's a good source of fiber to boot.
48. Circus peanuts: These colorful peanuts are a candy twist on the American classic. Not actually peanuts at all, they're sure shaped like it, and are coated in a hard candy shell. With their sweet and chalky flavor they’re a popular treat for parades, carnivals, and their eponymous festivals too.49. Corn dogs: Look, it’s a hot dog on a stick. What more needs to be said? These savory dogs are dipped in cornbread batter and deep-fried until golden brown. They're often served with ketchup or mustard (shocking, I know), and they're a popular snack from ballparks to theme parks.
50. Pork Rinds: It’s deep-fried pig skin, and it’s just better than it should be. Crunchy, smokey and delish, try it with salsa for some extra zing!
Salty n’ Spicy
51. Scorpion chips: The legendary scorpion pepper is about as nice as it sounds. Showcased here, these hot-hot-hot chips are made from tortilla and coated in a blend of spices, including the eponymous scorpion pepper. Fiery and fierce, these buggers are not to be taken lightly!
52. Funyuns: These crunchy golden rings are a classic American snack. Shaped like their namesake onion rings, don’t be fooled: they’re all cornmeal! Still, with a zesty zing and a compelling crunch, these favs are not to be missed!
53. Fritos: Another American staple, Fritos are the perfect gas station corn chip. Salted and fried, these little strips of tortilla are best by the handful.
54. Ants on a log: Less gross than it sounds! This classic American kitchen confection has subsidized the playtime of many a summer day. Made from celery stalks filled with peanut butter and coated in raisins, you can see where they get their odd name. The celery provides a crunch, and the peanut butter and raisins combine for a touch of salty sweetness.55. Spicy mango licorice: Tropical and tangy, this spicy licorice is a unique treat. It’s got a sweet mango flavor coupled with a fiery kick of chili pepper. Careful or they’ll be gone before you know it!
Frozen n’ Fried
56. Deep-fried Oreos: The undisputed king of cardiac failure. These signature snacks at many a county fair are made by dipping classic Oreos in batter and deep-frying until crispy. The warm, gooey filling contrasts perfectly with the crispy outer shell, creating a delightful combo of heart-stopping delight.
57. Deep-fried Twinkies: Another carnival favorite, turns out dropping sweets in the deep fryer is just good sense. These Twinkies are given a similar treatment, dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Go on, bring your primary care physician to tears! That’s what they’re there for!
58. Fried rattlesnake: Next up on Man vs. Wild we’ve got a popular delicacy in Texas and throughout the Southwest. The rattlesnake is chopped into nuggets, then seasoned and fried until crispy. But unfortunately its rattling days are over!
59. Fried alligator: This chewy chunky fried delight is another example of eat-it-before-it-its-you cuisine. Its gamey flavor isn’t for everyone, but it's a popular snack through the Southern US, especially in Florida where these bad boys reign supreme.
60. Lobster ice cream: Rich on rich on rich. This oddball luxury dessert is made by adding chunks of premium lobster meat to an otherwise classic vanilla ice cream. Buttery vanilla pairs with buttery lobster for an unorthodox but delectable bite.
61. Root beer floats: A standby of American diners nationwide, this dessert is made with a heaping scoop of ice cream plopped into a glass of root beer. Sugary cream combines with syrupy carbonation for a fizzy, buttery treat like none other.
62. Parmesan garlic fried doughnuts: More dessert for dinner! These glazed doughnuts are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt, then deep-fried until perfectly golden. The savory Parmesan and garlic pair surprisingly well with the sweet, fluffy base, for a treat sure to delight and sure to confuse. What’s next, fettuccine alfredo or a bear claw?
63. Chicken pot pie popsicles: Alright, we can’t necessarily vouch for this one. These savory popsicles are made with chicken pot pie filling that's frozen in popsicle molds. For when you want your chicken pot pie on the go! Anyone? Anyone?
64. Deep-Fried Butter: The heavyweight champ that will deliver a roundhouse straight to your heart. Screw it. Goodbye cruel world. Butter in batter. Deep fried. What else do you need to know?
Regional Snacks
65. Reindeer Hot Dog (Alaska): These festive franks are a popular treat in Alaska during the holiday season. Made from real reindeer sausage, they have a slightly gamy flavor that locals can’t resist. Served with sauerkraut and reindeer gravy, they’re absolutely worth a try. Just make sure to leave some for Santa, or he won’t be going anywhere this season!
66. Loco moco (Hawaii): This Hawaiian specialty is made with a hamburger patty served on a bed of rice, topped with an over-easy egg and brown gravy. This hearty combo of cultures is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.67. Chitterlings or Chitlins (Southern US): These deep-fried pork intestines are a Southern delicacy. Yum, right? Every part of the buffalo, er, pig, as they say. Crispy and gamey, adventurous snack-a-holics won’t be disappointed.
68. White Castle burgers (Midwest): Like burgers, but mini! That’s why they come in fours. Once restricted to the Midwest and East Coast, the chain has since opened scattered locations throughout the US. Harold and Kumar here we come!
69. Fried Brain Sandwich (St. Louis): Venture into the culinary heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and you might stumble upon a peculiar delicacy: the fried brain sandwich. This adventurous dish features a thinly sliced calf brain, breaded and fried to a golden crisp, nestled between two slices of toasted bread. The brain itself has a surprisingly mild flavor, often likened to liver or mushrooms, but it's the texture that takes this sandwich to a whole new level. The fried brain has a soft, almost custard-like consistency, creating a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Yum… brains!
70. Rocky Mountain oysters/Cowboy Caviar/Prairie Oysters (Southwest): Got something to prove? Look no further. That’s right, these deep-fried bull testicles are a regional delicacy in the American West and are often served as an appetizer or snack. They’ve got a chewy texture and mild flavor that some describe as similar to veal or sweetbreads (some, but like, not us). Really, it’s all about the dipping sauce. Or so we’ve heard. Give ‘em a try if you’ve got the… stomach.
71. Crawfish étouffée (Louisiana): As fun to eat as it is to say! Louisiana's culinary scene is renowned for bold flavors and unique ingredients, and crawfish étouffée is a prime example. This rich and flavorful stew is made with crawfish tails that are simmered in a roux-based sauce, typically seasoned with onions, celery, bell peppers, and a blend of Cajun and Creole spices. Often served over a bed of steamed rice, this charming chow is sure to tantalize those taste buds.
72. Funnel cake (amusement parks): No day at the roller coasters would be complete without this warm and fluffy deep-fried delight. This classic fairground treat is made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar, which is poured into a hot funnel-shaped mold and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside cake that's often dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with sweet and tangy sauces.73. Eskimo ice cream (Alaska): Eskimo ice cream, also known as akutaq or agutaq, is a traditional dessert of the indigenous peoples of Alaska (tho they prefer Inuit these days!). It's made from a mixture of whipped caribou fat, seal oil, berries, and snow. The whipped fat and oil create a smooth and creamy texture, while the berries add a burst of sweetness and tartness. Think you like ice cream? Why not try the progenitor!
74. Grits (Deep South USA): Grits are a staple in the culinary landscape of the Deep South, and are wildly underrated everywhere else! Typically made from coarse-ground cornmeal that's cooked slowly in water or milk, the resulting dish has a creamy texture and mild flavor that can be enhanced with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, butter, gravy, or shrimp. Grits are often served as a breakfast dish but can also be enjoyed as a side dish or even a main course. (Remember chicken and waffles above? Try ‘em with a side of this!)
75. Koolickle (Southern US): If you're looking for a zingin’ zappin’ summer treat, head to the Deep South for your first lick of a koolickle. This simple yet surprising concoction is made by freezing pickle juice into a popsicle. Yup. It rocks. The koolickle has a briny, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect way to cool down on a hot southern summer’s day.
76. Chicken-fried watermelon (Southern USA): More culinary peculiarities from down south! But don’t worry: much like chicken-fried steak, chicken-fried watermelon contains no chicken! It’s fried up as if it did. This unusual dish features slices of watermelon that are coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside treat that makes for a surprising balance of sweet, savory, and salty.
77. Green chile apple pie (New Mexico): New Mexico is chili pepper central, and green chile apple pie is just one of many beautiful testaments to this. This unique dessert features a sweet apple filling that's spiced with green chiles, for a warm and comforting treat with a touch of heat. The pie is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, providing a delightful dichotomy of temperature and texture.
78. Pimento cheese-stuffed pretzels (Southern US): Pimento cheese - a Southern special spread of grated cheddar, mayo, and pimentos - goes truly next level with stuffed into, that’s right, pretzels. Soft and chewy, warm and salty, this savory and satisfying snack is perfect for any occasion.
79. Crawfish Ice Cream (Louisiana): Too blue collar for the lobster ice cream we talked about earlier? Still want some freaky-deaky dairy? Why not head to the bayou? This unique dessert pairs the creamy ice cream with savory crawfish tails for a curious contrast in taste and texture. The crawfish tails are cooked and chopped before being added to the ice cream base, adding a subtle, seafood flavor that's sure to surprise..
80. Gumbo-flavored potato chips (Louisiana): If you're a fan of gumbo, the hearty Creole stew from Louisiana, then why wouldn’t you put it on a potato chip? These savory snacks capture the essence of gumbo goodness in crispy, crunchy form. The chips are seasoned with a blend of spices commonly used in gumbo, like paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, giving them a warm and smoky flavor reminiscent of the okra-tastic stew.
81. Chicago-style popcorn mix: Popcorn lovers rejoice! Chicago-style popcorn POPS this classic snack to a whole new level. This unique combo features popcorn kernels mixed with caramel-coated peanuts and cheddar cheese. Sweet caramel balances salty cheese, while peanuts add a satisfying crunch. The result is a flavorful festive popcorn mix that's perfect for parties or movie nights.
82. Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and Spam: Listen, spam just makes everything better, and if you don’t agree then you haven’t tried spam. Hawaiian pizza is a controversial cuisine, but we’re ready to settle the debate here and now: if you don’t like it, you’re wrong! This pizza features a sweet and savory combo of pineapple chunks and Spam, a processed meat product made from pork shoulder and ham, and a staple of Hawaiian cuisine since WWII. The pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor, while the Spam provides a salty, savory counterpoint. Try with jalapenos for an extra kick!
83. Fluffernutter Sandwich (New England): The Fluffernutter sandwich is a simple yet succulent treat, and a staple of New England cuisine. It's made with two slices of bread, each spread with a heaping layer of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter. The combo of sweet and nutty flavors is nostalgic and nourishing (maybe), and the sandwich is a popular choice for lunchboxes, picnics, and after-school snacks.84. Frog eye salad (Utah): Frog eye salad, despite its jumpy name, is a popular dish in Utah. It's a sweet and savory salad made with pineapple chunks, Mandarin oranges, and marshmallows. The marshmallows resemble frog eyes, hence the moniker. Similar to ambrosia, frog eye is frequently served with pasta (awesome, duh), and is perfect for any potluck or picnic.
85. Burgoo (Kentucky): Another one that’s fun to say! Burgoo is a hearty stew, and a long-standing culinary tradition in Kentucky. It's made with a medley of meats, such as chicken, pork, and beef, along with veggies like corn, potatoes, and okra. The stew is simmered for hours, but the wait is worth it. Burgoo is often served at festivals and fundraisers, and it's a popular choice for warming up on a cold winter day.
86. Snickers salad (Midwest): Gotta get those midwesterners to eat salad somehow! Snickers salad is a sinful midwestern dessert made with a mixture of pudding, whipped cream, Snickers bars, apples, and sometimes grapes. See? There’s fruit in there somewhere. Give it a try next time you’re hankering for a sugar coma.
87. Pop Tarts topped with American cheese (Iowa): While it may seem like a curious combination, Pop Tarts topped with American cheese is a popular snack in the state of Iowa. Sweet and flaky pastry crust is paired with the cheese’s gooey melted goodness, because actually we do like salt with our sugar! The combination is often heated in a toaster or oven, allowing the cheese to melt and blend with the sweet filling.
88. Spam (Hawaii): As we’ve discussed, spam is a processed meat product made from pork shoulder and ham that’s been popular in Hawaii ever since it was shipped over as rations for the allied troops during WWII. Though it often gets a bad rap, It’s a surprisingly versatile ingredient that has become a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. It's used in a variety of dishes from fried Spam musubi to pineapple fried rice. Its high fat content pairs nicely with any leaner dish for a buttery, salty bite.
89. Livermush (North Carolina): Venture into the kitchens of Western North Carolina and you might encounter an adventurous oddity: livermush. This savory spread is made from ground pork liver, cornmeal, and a blend of spices, and is cooked until firm. Intense and a bit gamey, it carries a hint of sweetness from the cornmeal, and is typically served sliced and fried, often topped with an egg or gravy. Why let chicken and cows have all the fun? It’s pork liver’s time to shine.
90. Elvis Sandwich (Memphis): The Elvis Sandwich, a culinary creation born of the King in his sprawling Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, is a true testament to American excess. The sandwich features white bread, peanut butter, fried bananas, and crispy bacon, all layered together and grilled until the cheese melts and the bananas caramelize. Apparently based on a similar concoction he first tried at the Colorado Mine Company restaurant, it was Elvis who added the bananas. Why not? It's a true rock and roll sandwich, as bold and unforgettable as the man himself.
Conclusion
From deep-fried to frozen, sweet to savory, crunchy to chewy, the American snack scene is a chaos of culinary oddities and delights. Only in America could deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies rub shoulders (testicles?) with Rocky Mountain oysters, could sweet potato casserole sit shotgun to cricket protein bars, and Elvis’s surreal sandwich reign supreme.
This diverse and dizzying array is a testament to the uniquely American mixture of cultures, to the spirit of experimentation, innovation and indulgence. We're not afraid to test our taste buds, and to embrace the weird and wonderful.
So next time you're feeling snacky, take the dive and venture beyond your everyday appetizers. Get wacky with it! You might just discover a new fav (or fantastic failure) to cure your cravings. And always remember: Rotten is here for you, so don’t be TOO scared to try our sickeningly delicious gummy worms!
After all, life is short. Feed Your Freak!