As Americans, peanut butter is basically engrained in our diets. We can’t complain about this, obviously we love it. But what we don’t really think about is that maybe peanut butter is just an American thing.
Does this mean that other countries around the world have their own spread that they are just as obsessed with? We American’s have dabbled in these other spreads, but what countries do they actually belong to?
Nutella:
GIF courtesy of tumblr.com
We have all become aware of this mind-blowing chocolate-hazelnut spread that reached the United States a few years ago. So, thank the Italians for changing our lives with not only spaghetti and pizza, but also Nutella. Bless you, Italy.
Dulce de Leche:
Photo by Lauren Martinez
Popular in most Hispanic countries, dulce de leche is a common spread to put on toast, while also used to flavor sweet treats like cookies, ice cream, cakes, etc. It can best be described as a sweet, caramel-like spread that will change you for the better.
Dulce de leche started in Argentina, which is where I first tried it, but has branched out to different Spanish-speaking countries over the years. Häagen-Dazs even has a dulce de leche ice cream flavor that was introduced to the U.S. in the ’90s.
Vegemite:
GIF courtesy of buzzfeed.com
This gooey paste is the #1 spread for toast, crackers and even pastries in the land down under. I know I first heard of this salty spread when I saw Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen try it in their movie, “Our Lips are Sealed” (a true classic). This dark spread is definitely an acquired taste; and I’m not really sure if I want to acquire it, sorry Australia.
Speculoos:
Photo courtesy of tumblr.com
Speculoos, aka cookie butter, has taken us by storm. We’ve seen Trader Joe’s cookie butter a lot in the past few years, but this revolutionary spread started in Holland and became popular in Belgium less than a decade ago. Honestly, what could be better than crushed up cookies to spread on your toast, or rather, to eat directly from the jar with a spoon?
Photo by Paige Twombly
Give your breakfast some international love. If you get the chance to study abroad or visit any of these cool places, definitely make an effort to try these foreign spreads in their home countries. But, most importantly, don’t forget to pack your jar of peanut butter!
For more delicious toast options, check these articles out:
- 23 Amazing Toast Combinations That Will Get You Excited to Start Your Day
- Create Dope Avocado Toast by Poaching an Egg in Your Microwave
- Honey Ricotta Toast