If you're planning to move abroad but the idea of giving up burgers, pancakes, and grocery-store mac and cheese sends you into a cold sweat, you're in luck. ObjectiveLists created a Food Similarity Index, a data-backed ranking that compares global cuisines based on ingredients, cooking methods, and overall flavor profiles to see which countries eat most like the U.S.
Here are 5 countries whose cuisine is most similar to what Americans eat every day.
Most Similar Diet Score: 79.8
It’s not just cheese and chocolate — Switzerland low-key eats like a fast-casual American chain, just tidier and more expensive. Burgers and pizza are wildly popular, American-style breakfasts are easy to find, and the fast food scene is surprisingly strong. If you squint, it’s like eating in the U.S. — just with better trains and a functioning healthcare system.
Most Similar Diet Score: 80.6
Chile might not seem like an obvious match, but dig a little and the connections start to show. U.S. cultural influence surged here in the 20th century, especially post-1970s during a period of strong U.S.-Chile political and economic ties. American products, media, and food habits crept in, and fast food chains followed. But Chile’s similarity goes beyond imported brands. Their obsession with sandwiches — like the completo (a hot dog with avocado, mayo, and tomato) and the chacarero (a steak sandwich with green beans and hot peppers) — echoes America’s deep love of handheld, over-indulgent foods.
Most Similar Diet Score: 81.8
Down under, the food feels oddly familiar, and there is a reason why. Both countries were British colonies that developed frontier-style food cultures: resourceful, meat-heavy, and proud of it. After WWII, American influence in Australia skyrocketed — through movies, music, military alliances, and yes, burgers. American chains started popping up in the ‘70s and haven’t stopped since. Today, you’ll find fast food, chicken parm (parma), milkshakes, and big café breakfasts that feel like they were born in California.
Most Similar Diet Score: 83.3
They drink tea and say “crisps” for potato chips but when it comes to comfort food, the UK and U.S. are eating from the same greasy playbook. British settlers laid the groundwork for American cuisine, bringing with them barley, wheat, and cattle, meat pies, roasts, and a very committed relationship with potatoes. But in recent decades, the flow of influence reversed. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and KFC spread across the UK in the '70s and never left. Their love for fried fish, heavy breakfasts, and pub food keeps the transatlantic food resemblance strong.
Most Similar Diet Score: 85.4
This one’s obvious. Canada and the U.S. grew up side by side, with similar British colonial influences, mass industrialization, and a post-war boom that introduced convenience foods, supermarkets, and diner culture on both sides of the line. The U.S. and its northern neighbor share all the staples — burgers, pancakes, pizza, donuts — but with a few regional upgrades. Canada’s poutine is basically American fries with a college degree: gravy, cheese curds, and a cult following. Grocery aisles are packed with the same processed comfort foods, and their coffee-and-doughnut culture (Hi, Tim Hortons) mirrors Dunkin’s.
If you like eating in the U.S., you’ll have zero problems eating your way through Canada.
