Fast food is a large part of America's culture. It is seen as a quick, cheap, and tasty alternative to cooking at home or waiting at a restaurant. The United States is currently the number one consumer of fast food in the world and a study from 2018 shows that on average, about 40% of Americans eat fast food on a given day. While these convenient fast-food restaurants dominate the United States, they can easily be found all around the world.
The photos above show American fast-food restaurants in Barcelona, Spain. McDonald's, Taco Bell, Starbucks, and more can be found on the streets surrounding La Sagrada Familia- Barcelona's most famous tourist attraction. On the outside, these beloved chain restaurants may look the same as they do in the States, however, it is not all the same inside.
Cultural Effects on the Menu
While there is a variety of food you can get anywhere from fast food, the menu can have changes to better fit a region.
Spain- and Europe as a whole- differ a lot in food options. With more carbs in food or vegetable-based meals, European meals seem to be very different than America as a whole. It seems that products within European fast food reflect two main things. The first being more American food and the other being more food reflecting the region.
The photos above show two menus, the left being from Starbucks in Barcelona and the two right photos being from a McDonald's in Barcelona.
On top of their normal products, Starbucks has added many more juice and fruity option drinks to their menu. Drinks such as the strawberry frappuccino or the coconut lime refresher are not available in America but in Spain they are. This reflects the region as Spanish culture and food revolve very much around more natural ingredients. Going into any cafe in Spain and there is a large chance you will see a juice machine of some sort and Starbucks follows this trend.
Looking at the McDonald's menu, it seems to have much more options than American McDonald's. Not only do they have more burger options with a different variety of toppings, they also have products such as Gazpacho and wedge fries that are more accustomed to Spain.
"I think it's really interesting to see the difference in menus," Kyle, a tourist from Scotland who has spent time studying abroad in America discusses his opinion on the menu options, "Back in Scotland and the UK we have products that are more shaped around our region. I am personally not a large fan of American cuisine, however, I do think it's cool that there are many options here that allow people to choose between exploring American cuisine or more Spanish-based food."
These changes in menu items bring a lot to the fast-food industry. It gives options and a new experience for both locals and tourists.
By giving the option of both a taste of American cuisine and fast food Spanish food, it pokes at people's curiosity.
A large part of every culture is curiosity. These fast food places press on the curiosity of people as they see a familiar place that is also so different at the same time.
Culture plays a large role in humans as a whole. The scent of a familiar American burger, the cheesy bite of a quesorito from a European Taco Bell, or even a tangy taste from a new fruit drink that is niche to Spain all plays to this culture and overall causes such an interesting change in a menu.
Changes to Normal Products
While the new products are exciting and different, the products that are regulars everywhere may not be completely the same. While some ingredients or recipes may have similarities, the source of ingredients and flavors may change to fit a region more.
Europe, in general, is deemed healthier than the United States. With an emphasis on more natural food, smaller portion sizes, lack of GMOs, and more, it's no surprise Europe's natural habits have bled into fast food.
As many American-based fast food places are wanting to become healthier, many are not taking the necessary steps to reach this healthiness.
Europe has more of a focus on natural ingredients, such as fresh meats and healthier kinds of milk. This results in their products having more nutrients and being healthier (in terms of comparison to the USA, not overall).
"I think it's pretty obvious in the taste alone that there's a difference between American and Spaniard fast food," Elizabeth, a student from the United States who has been studying abroad for the past year in Spain discusses her experience with fast food, "While I think the idea is there, I think as an American I prefer the American version. Yes, Spain tastes healthier, but American fast food has a much more comforting feel. I also think it can be because I just am not used to it and its ingredients."
The ingredients within this food play a large role in its health and respect the region. In order to support the country they are in, fast food companies typically gain their resources for ingredients in a different way.
Starbucks and Mcdonald's for example both get their ingredients from local farmers in order to help them and to gain more natural ingredients. This also allows for the taste to have more of a Spanish feel as the ingredients that are used are more similar to the culture and can play deeply into the different tastes.
When eating, this taste can be very obvious. The chicken and beef seem more natural and less plastered in comparison to America's. The soft serve ice cream in Spain is amazing as the ice cream is perfectly creamy and smooth. The fries do lack salt, but it seems that much of Spanish food leans on other seasonings and the fries are no stranger to that.
A European Effect on Fast Food
While it is important to discuss the differences in the food, it's also important to discuss the difference in the portrayal of the fast-food chains. The most notable change may be their packaging.
It's no secret the difference between Europe and the USA in their view of environmental issues. Europe has a step up in being more green with the United States falling fall behind this- and this is very evident in their packing.
One of the most notable things that can be seen with the packaging is the lack of plastic. As you get your food from wherever you ordered, you usually get a bag similar to the one pictured to the left.
"While I do think European fast food goes a little far with the amount of packaging," the study abroad student mentioned before, Elizabeth, shares her opinion on fast food packaging, "It is very evident the lack of plastic. Plastic is one of the biggest pollutants coming from individuals and while the paper bags can be big and excessive at some points, it's easy to recycle and get rid of."
McDonald's can also be seen following this trend. As they have the same packaging as the one shown above, even their desserts lack plastic.
As shown in the photo to the right, McDonald's ice cream, known as the McFlurry, comes in a smaller cardboard cup with a wooden spoon. This makes it fully composed of biodegradable material and makes it easy to throw away when done, in comparison to American McFlurry's containing both plastic spoons and tops.
Even Starbucks, who is very famous for their large excessive cups, differs in packaging. While the cup is still plastic-which is only an option for cold drinks-, it comes with no cap and a paper straw. It gets rid of any unnecessary plastic and allows for more sustainable packaging.
Starbucks, Mcdonald's, and Taco Bell all have discussed their goals in regard to sustainability and environmental issues. While in America they have only taken small steps to this goal, it is very evident that ideas and culture within Europe have influenced these companies to be more green.
Is Fast Food in Spain Worth Trying?
While anyone can get fast food anywhere, it's important to wonder if it is worth trying these chains in different countries while there's a range of new foods to try. The answer truly varies.
Being in a new place opens many options. While it's important to immerse oneself into the culture and food in a country, such as Spain, it is always interesting to test the differences. Whether it may be trying to see the difference in Starbucks' coffee or trying Taco Bell's exclusive European quesorito, it's definitely something to try.
Don't let these products take away from your experience in Spain, however, if you need a quick bite or just taking a nice walk around La Sagrada, definitely try to grab one of these fast snacks and see if you can taste the European influence on American fast food.
Comments