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When preparing to immigrate to the U.S., understanding Americans’ eating habits is an essential part of quickly adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. food culture, giving Vietnamese people a realistic perspective and better preparation for their new life.
Americans usually follow eating schedules quite different from those in Vietnam. A recent study by the U.S. Nutrition Institute (2024) shows:
Breakfast: 6:00 – 8:30 a.m., often a quick meal with cereal, toast, or eggs
Lunch: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., usually light with sandwiches, salads, or fast food
Dinner: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., the main meal of the day, often the most complete, and a time for family gatherings
According to a 2024 Gallup survey, about 28% of Americans regularly skip breakfast on workdays, while 44% tend to eat lunch at their desks or “on-the-go.”.
Americans usually follow eating schedules quite different from those in Vietnam
One of the first shocking things for many Vietnamese arriving in the U.S. is the portion size. American restaurants are known for very large servings, with a single portion sometimes enough for 2–3 Vietnamese people.
Comparison of average portion sizes between the U.S. and some other countries:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average portion size in the U.S. has increased by 138% since the 1970s, contributing to the current high obesity rate.
Fast food has become an integral part of U.S. food culture. According to the National Restaurant Association, Americans spend an average of about 13% of their income on meals outside the home, with 50% of that spent at fast-food chains.
Fast food is an essential part of American food culture
Statistics show:
37% of Americans consume fast food daily
85% consume fast food at least once a week
The average American eats 156 hamburgers per year
The most popular fast-food chains in the U.S:
McDonald's (14,200 locations nationwide)
Starbucks (15,500 locations)
Subway (21,000 locations)
Taco Bell (7,000 locations)
Burger King (7,200 locations)
The concept of “to-go” is very common in American food culture. From morning coffee to lunch or even dinner, Americans often choose takeout for convenience and time-saving.
According to reports from Uber Eats and DoorDash, revenue from food delivery services in the U.S. increased by 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching over 82 billion USD.
In particular, the “doggy bag” culture—taking leftovers home—is also very popular. Americans commonly ask for leftover food to be packed after dining at a restaurant, a habit that many Vietnamese newcomers may initially feel shy about.
Unlike Vietnamese people who often spend more time enjoying meals, Americans tend to eat faster:
Breakfast: 5–15 minutes
Lunch: 30 minutes (standard lunch break at many companies)
Dinner: 30–45 minutes
A survey by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that Americans spend an average of 64 minutes per day eating, significantly less than the French (132 minutes) or Italians (112 minutes).
Americans pay close attention to various diet trends and nutrition plans. According to Nielsen IQ, the most popular diets in the U.S. in 2025 include:
Keto diet: Focuses on consuming healthy fats and protein while limiting carbohydrates; about 15.7% of Americans follow it.
Plant-based diet: Increasingly popular, with 9.2% of Americans identifying as vegetarian or plant-based eaters.
Intermittent fasting: About 13% of Americans practice this method, focusing on eating times rather than specific foods.
Gluten-free: Around 30% of Americans look for gluten-free products, although only 1% actually have celiac disease.
Low-carb diet: Approximately 23% of Americans limit carbohydrate intake.
Americans also have distinctive drinking habits:
Water with ice: In restaurants, ordering water usually comes with ice, unlike the preference for warm or room-temperature water in Vietnam.
Coffee: Americans consume about 400 million cups of coffee daily. According to the National Coffee Association, 64% of American adults drink coffee every day.
Soft drinks: Although consumption is declining, Americans still drink an average of 148 liters of soda per person per year (2024).
Beer and wine: With a minimum drinking age of 21, Americans consume about 26 gallons of beer and 3.5 gallons of wine per person annually.
Americans consume 3.5 gallons of wine per person annually
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans spent roughly equally on dining in and dining out. However, according to the latest USDA study in 2024:
54.8% of food spending was for meals at home.
45.2% of food spending was for eating out.
Average monthly food expenses for a U.S. family of four in 2025:
Eating at home: $1,050–$1,250
Eating out: $850–$1,100
American eating habits have contributed significantly to the country’s high obesity rates. According to the CDC (2025):
42.8% of U.S. adults are obese
73.6% of adults are overweight or obese
19.7% of children and adolescents (ages 2–19) are obese
Common diet-related health problems in the U.S:
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Certain types of cancer
Bone and joint problems
In recent years, Americans have shown more awareness of health and nutrition:
67% read nutrition labels before purchasing food
82% try to reduce sugar intake
76% seek healthier food options
According to Gallup, the number of Americans following vegetarian or plant-based diets has increased 500% over the past decade.
Understanding American eating habits is an important part of integrating when relocating to the U.S. From large portion sizes and fast-food culture to diverse diet trends, U.S. cuisine has unique characteristics that Vietnamese newcomers may need time to adapt to.
Understanding American eating habits is an important part of settling in the U.S
The best advice for newcomers is to maintain balance: embrace the positive aspects of American food culture while preserving healthy traditional Vietnamese eating habits.
If you are preparing for your journey to settle in the U.S. or seeking the opportunity to obtain a second citizenship, Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai is the ideal partner. Contact Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai today for free consultation.
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