1

Tin can tab holes

Image: frame harirak

The tab on a tin can, which we use to open it, has two holes—one smaller than the other. If you turn the tab around and place the smaller hole over the can’s opening, you can slide a straw through it , keeping it in place.

2

F and J bumps on keyboards

Image: Jan Loyde Cabrera

Have you ever noticed the small bumps on the F and J keys of every computer keyboard? These bumps are tactile information that lets you know where your fingers are placed on the keyboard without having to look at them.

3

Pasta scoop holes

Image: María Sainz Cabezalí

Most people think the hole in the middle of a pasta scoop is just a strainer for draining excess water. While it does serve that purpose, it is actually designed to measure a single serving of spaghetti .

4

Oven under drawer

Image: Andrea Davis

The drawer beneath an oven is designed to keep food warm without cooking it further. In some models, it functions as a broiler drawer , it can be used for grating cheese. A heating element above the drawer allows for high-heat cooking.

5

Extra fabric

Image: PlanetCare

Some clothing items come with a small piece of extra fabric, matching the garment's material. This fabric isn’t meant as a patch for repairs but rather for testing in the washing machine , allowing you to check how it reacts to different wash cycles before laundering the entire garment.

6

Pan handle hole

Image: Mara Conan Design

The hole at the end of most pan handles is designed to hold a wooden spoon , preventing messes on the kitchen counter. Simply slide the handle of the wooden spoon into the hole, letting the spoon rest over the pan when not in use.

7

Toaster crumb tray

Image: Daniel Salgado

Hidden away at the bottom of your toaster’s side is a small removable tray designed to catch and collect crumbs . You can slide it out to dispose of the crumbs and slide it back in for easy cleanup.

8

Marker on laundry detergent’s bottle cap

Image: Julianna Arjes

Most people who do laundry know that the bottle cap on laundry detergent is used to pour the liquid into the washing machine. However, not everyone notices that these caps have markings inside to measure the correct amount of detergent for a single wash cycle.

9

Utility knife blade replacement

Image: ds_30

When your utility knife blade starts to show signs of wear, you can break off the end segment to reveal a fresh, sharp edge . To do this, remove the detachable plastic piece from the back of the knife. This piece has a small slot where you can insert the blade’s end segment and snap it off safely. Once done, simply reattach the plastic piece, and your knife is ready to use again.

10

Color thread on wheel tire

Image: Jaye Haych

Many tire manufacturers embed colored threads near the outer edge of tires to indicate when they need to be replaced. These thread lines help measure tread depth . When the tread wears down to the level of these colored lines, it signals that the tire is approaching the end of its usable life and may need to be replaced.

11

Pint glass bulge

Image: tito pixel

If you've ever wondered what the bulging part on the sides of a pint glass is for—besides aesthetics—the answer can be found in bars and pubs everywhere. When glasses are stacked, they can sometimes get stuck together . However, pint glasses with a bulging design prevent this from happening .

12

Tic Tac dispenser

Image: jarmoluk

Tic Tac containers have an oval-shaped indentation in the lid, where a single Tic Tac can fit snuggly . This design functions as a dispenser for individual servings. Instead of shaking the container like a salt shaker, simply tilt it on its side, open the lid slowly, and a single candy will appear on it.

1

Hamburger

Image: Carles Rabada

Due to their popularity and widespread appeal, hamburgers are considered an unofficial national dish of the United States, and there’s good reason for this. It's hard to think of a more American dish than a hamburger, right?

Well, hamburgers may be a national treasure today, but their very name gives us a clue about their true origin: Germany’s Hamburg .

2

Hot dogs

Image: Peter Secan

Few things are as American as buying a hot dog from a street vendor and enjoying it in the sun, right? Well, not exactly. The more formal names of the humble hot dog—frankfurters and Vienna sausages—give us, once again, a hint about their German and Austrian true origin.

3

French fries

Image: Elizabeth Jamieson

While French fries have been a national staple for quite some time, their very name also gives away their foreign origin. There is an ongoing debate about whether these fries are actually French or Belgian , but in any case, these delicious bits of joy are not American.

4

Mustard

Image: Peter Werkman

Mustard, the first of many popular condiments cherished by Americans, was first consumed by the Egyptians in its original seed form and later by the Romans as the paste we most commonly use today.

5

Ketchup

Image: Dennis Klein

Another condiment that is at least as popular as mustard in America, if not more, ketchup originated as a Chinese fermented fish sauce called "kê-tsiap." Over time, the sauce evolved, leaving the fish behind and replacing it with tomatoes to become the ketchup we know today.

6

Pickles

Image: Mehmet Uzut

Another food highly appreciated on American soil is pickles. Whether on burgers, served as a side with sandwiches, chopped into relish for hot dogs, or enjoyed in many other ways, these vinegar-soaked cucumbers are a staple of our cuisine. But multiple records trace the origin of these treats as far as ancient Egypt , where even Cleopatra was rumored to love them.

7

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

This may be shocking to some, but alas, it is true: the quintessentially American apple pie is not really American. The earliest known recipes for apple pie belong to the ancient Greeks . And Dutch bakers created the modern version of the pie in the 15th century.

8

Mac and cheese

Image: Hermes Rivera

Thomas Jefferson is often credited with inventing macaroni and cheese after bringing back a macaroni machine from a trip to Europe, but he was not the first to come up with the idea.

The original recipe for macaroni baked with cheese sauce first appeared in the 14th-century cookbook Liber de Coquina, which is believed to have been written by an Italian author.

9

Bacon

Image: Casey DeViese

Nobody "invented" bacon, right? It’s just a piece of meat. The origins can be traced back to the ancient world, where curing and preserving pork became a common practice. But, as it happens, most sources agree that the Celts were the first to prepare and cook it in the way we do today.

10

Meatloaf

Image: RitaE

A humble recipe, for sure, meatloaf was made in Medieval Europe from scraps of meat held together by fruits, nuts, and seasonings. It was created to stretch leftover beef or create a more substantial meal from less expensive cuts of meat.

11

Mayonnaise

Image: May_hokkaido

The third and final condiment on our list is another American staple, even though its French name might give us a pretty straightforward idea of its origin. But it's not that simple.

The French mayonnaise is likely derived from Spanish versions of aioli, which is a garlic mayonnaise.

12

Barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Surely, something as American as a barbecue must be a local invention, right? Wrong, again. Known as "barbacoa" in the West Indies long before it became popular in America, barbecues have been around for a long time. Even the modern barbecue, with spice-rubbed meat slowly cooked over a fire and topped with sauce, originated in the Caribbean .

1

Florida - Key Lime Pie

Image: Delfina Iacub

Let’s open with a classic: This tangy and refreshing treat is a true Sunshine State main character.

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, tart filling nestled in a graham cracker crust. It’s often topped with a fluffy meringue or whipped cream. The key limes, smaller and more tart than regular limes, give this pie its signature flavor.

2

Arkansas - Chili Cheeseburger

Image: René Roa

Pure Americana, hearty and satisfying meal. The Arkansas chili cheeseburger takes a juicy beef patty and smothers it in a savory, meaty chili .

Of course, melted cheddar cheese and diced onions are included. Chili cheeseburgers have been a staple in Arkansas diners and drive-ins since at least the 1950s.

3

Kentucky - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Image: Erik Mclean

Nothing like the crispy, golden goodness of Kentucky Fried Chicken when you are hungry. This finger-lickin' good dish, featuring Colonel Sanders' secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has been a Kentucky staple (and a national favorite) since the 1930s.

Whether you prefer the original recipe, extra crispy, or those tasty chicken tenders, KFC is a true Kentucky comfort food classic.

4

Delaware - Thrashers French Fries

Image: Louis Hansel

In Delaware, Thrasher’s French Fries reign supreme. These crispy, golden fries are cooked in peanut oil and served piping hot in a paper cone, with a generous shake of salt and a side of apple cider vinegar for dipping. Forget ketchup or mayonnaise!

The Thrasher’s bucket has been a Delaware tradition since 1929, and it’s now a must-have snack for any beach day.

5

Indiana - Hoosier Pie

Image: Corleto Peanut butter

A delicious and comforting dessert that's perfect for sharing (or not): Indiana's Hoosier Pie, a.k.a. the sugar cream pie , features a flaky crust with a creamy, custard-like filling that tastes like butter and vanilla.

This pie is believed to have been a popular treat in Indiana farmhouses in the 19th century.

6

Illinois - Deep-Dish Pizza

Image: Chenyu Guan

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has its naysayers, but it also has its fans. A hearty pizza with a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, plus toppings.

Some argue it’s not a pizza as much as a cheese pie . But it can be both, and it’s unarguably delicious. Whether you prefer it with pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, this is a must-try iconic Illinois treat.

7

Georgia - Peaches

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Simple as that! Georgia, the Peach State, lives up to its name with its juicy and flavorful peaches, and its citizens voted this as an unmissable treat.

Whether you enjoy them cold, baked in a cobbler, or preserved in a jar, Georgia peaches are a true Southern delight. But locals suggest you try them fresh off the tree .

8

New Hampshire - Maple Waffles

Image: nabil boukala

A breakfast that's sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. New Hampshire's maple waffles are fluffy, golden, and drizzled with pure maple syrup , made from the sap of the state’s maple trees.

The state's long history of maple sugaring dates back to the Native Americans, and today, New Hampshire maple syrup is prized for its flavor and quality. You can enjoy your waffles plain or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

9

Pennsylvania - Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Snappr

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich legend, born and bred in the City of Brotherly Love. It features thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed with onions and melted cheese (usually provolone or Cheez Whiz), all piled high on a soft hoagie roll .

The story goes that this sandwich was invented in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, hot dog vendors who decided to try something new.

10

New York - Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel

Image: Nancy Ingersoll

New York City's lox and cream cheese bagel is a classic deli staple that's perfect for breakfast or lunch!

A chewy bagel topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox) , creamy schmear, and often some capers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a New York City icon enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

11

North Carolina - Krispy Kreme Donut

Image: leannk

What's amazing about North Carolina's Krispy Kreme donuts is that people prefer their original version: light and airy donuts with a signature glaze .

The company was founded in the 1930s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and their "Hot Now" sign became a beacon for donut lovers everywhere. Of course, they offer many versions nowadays, like chocolate-iced or jelly-filled ones.

12

Rhode Island - Calamari

Image: Bart ter Haar

Rhode Island's calamari is a seafood lover's dream. This dish features tender squid, lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp , often served with marinara sauce or a spicy aioli.

With its long coastline and rich fishing tradition, Rhode Island is known for its fresh seafood, and calamari is a local favorite.