The Great Norwegian/American Food Debate!
Americans complain to me a lot about not being able to find certain foods in Norway that they are used to, or if they do find them, they taste different (aka ‘weird’). I have to admit I am also guilty of this crime. It’s taken me almost 2 years to figure out what foods I can or simply can’t make without spending a ridiculous amount of money or having a ‘care package’ from America sent.
I typically like traditional Norwegian foods, and have also had no problem in the last year or so creating American foods I’m accustomed to using Norwegian ingredients (I’ve uploaded a few videos via youtube on this, and plan to do more.)
In this post I’ll compare Norwegian and American products, and give you some tips on where to find American foods, or how to make them using Norwegian products.
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First up is Nutella v Nugatti because I’ve had this conterversial discussion with many of my Norwegian friends. It’s conterversial because I disagree ;) I find Nutella smooth, creamy, and a perfect balance of hazelnut and chocolate. I find Nugatti much less creamy and harder to spread, and I can barely taste the nutty flavor. My vote goes to Nutella. I’ve found this product in Sweden, Deli de Luca, and at Centra (Near Colloseum Cinema in Oslo). I’ve also heard CC Vest has it (among others)
Next is Dots v Oreos. This is silly to me. Dots are supposed to be the “Norwegian Oreos” but I really don’t think they taste anything like Oreos, let alone are supposed to! Dots are chewy, and creamy, where Oreos are cruncy and very sweet in the middle. I love both of them, and don’t think we should choose one or the other. Just eat both and don’t tell anyone. It’s a tie!
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Peanut butter (Peanøttsmør). This one I am biased. I have never liked crunch peanut butter and have loved Jif and Skippy my whole life. Norwegian peanut butter is not as sweet as American, is difficult to find in a creamy spread, and it thicker with a more salty taste. American is just creamier, lighter, and sweet. This is really up to personal taste, not that either is better… Except for that American is. You can find American peanut butter at Deli de Luca, 711(citation needed), and again at the big stores like CC Vest and Centra.
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Frozen pizza in Norway is, and I may get in trouble for saying this, a travesty. Thin crust, very little cheese, sweet sauces, and miniscule pieces of meat that, in my opinion, adds up to tasting like plastic when you take it out of the oven. I like me some thick, cheese filled crust, big pieces of meat and even more cheese on top… DiGorno anyone? America wins.
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Cereal in Norway is healthy, hearty, and good to eat. Cereal in America is sugary, fatty, and usually includes either chocolate, marshmallows, or honey… And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I guess that’s why I never buy cereal in Norway. Before I moved, I really did love the more healthy American cereals like Special K with Red Berries and Honey Bunches of Oats (shut up, that’s healthy in my book.) Norway has neither in regular stores for decent prices! Normally you’ll be able to find small boxes of Rice Krispies, Cocoa Puffs, and Frosted Flakes. The rest are very healthy and good… But just not enough marshmallows for my liking. America wins.
Oh lordie, it seems I’m biased, right? America has one every food competition… But wait, there’s the big kahuna coming up… Dairy products. And Norway takes almost every single one (besides Cottage Cheese, what’s up with that??). Norway’s milk, cheese, and even meat from cows is amazing. It tastes fresh, even healthier. The cheese is creamy and has a nice subtle flavor (Norvegia). The milk tastes… Just better! I don’t know how to describe it. The only thing I reccomend Norway do is get a good cheddar out there… I can’t be paying so much for sharp bitter imported cheddar, you know! Norway takes dairy products.
Now, I haven’t mentioned candy… Because I’m saving the best for last. Norway has the best chocolate (wait for it) (…) in the World. Yes, I’ve tasted Swiss. It doesn’t have anything on Norwegian chocolate. If I had to choose one candy to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Kvikk Lunsj (Quick Lunch) the big, salty, delcious bar that I am currently salivating over while writing this. Gomp, another favorite of mine apparently made specifically for small children, is a type of jelly bean that dare I say is 1000x better than Jelly Belly. You heard it right. 1000x!!! I’ve even had on a few occasions an American chocolate bar to remind me of home, and regretted it. I’m talking imported, not Norwegian made so no one can argue with me on this one. Norway just knows what’s up when it comes to chocolate and candy..
If you need any help making American food in Norway, watch my exisiting videos and wait for some more to come… I usually have to make condensed soups from scratch (Chicken condensed soups get explained in the Enchilada video) and I’ve created the perfect chocolate chip recipe using Norwegian products that I’m going to record/post soon. Comment or email me if you need info on where to get/how to make certain American things, or even Norwegian! I’ve been dabbling lately in my Norwegian cooking skills and would be happy to help in any way I can explaining the food or how to cook it if my American friends are curious.
But you know… None of these food debates really matter right now. Do you know why? Because Norway has started implementing Starbucks products in regular stores and in three years, we’ll even have real life Starbucks to go into and order from. So no other food or drink is relevant. <3