The UK has always had a huge cultural influence on the rest of the world, but over the years, plenty of British trends, traditions, and quirks have made their way across the pond and become massive in America.
Some of these imports have been given an American twist, while others have stayed true to their British roots. From TV shows to snacks, our influence is everywhere in the US, often in ways that Brits ourselves might not have expected. Whether it’s a love for cosy pubs or an obsession with reality TV, here are just some of the things from over here that our Yankee friends have really taken to.
1. The “Great British Bake Off” phenomenon
Americans love a good cooking show, but “The Great British Bake Off” introduced them to a whole new kind of food competition—one that’s more about charm, politeness, and sponge cakes than cutthroat rivalries. Unlike high-stress American cooking shows with dramatic music and intense judges, this one stood out for its wholesome vibes and supportive contestants.
The show’s runaway success led to an American version, “The Great American Baking Show,” but many still prefer the original British format. Thanks to its popularity, more Americans are now trying their hand at traditional British bakes like Victoria sponge, scones, and sticky toffee pudding. Whether they’re getting the technical challenges right is another question, but the enthusiasm is definitely there.
2. The love of decent tea
The UK isn’t as obsessed with tea as Americans like to make out, but we appreciate a good cuppa, and while America has traditionally been a coffee-first country, the appeal of a proper brew is growing. More Americans are swapping their morning coffee runs for English breakfast tea, and specialty tea shops are popping up everywhere.
British tea brands like PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea have gained a cult following, and even the idea of adding milk to tea—once considered strange in the US—is catching on. It’s still a work in progress, though, as many Americans continue to make it far too weak or commit the ultimate crime of microwaving the water.
3. British pub culture
Americans have bars, but the British pub experience is something different. Cosy interiors, hearty food, and a slower, more social atmosphere have made UK-style pubs incredibly popular across the States. Unlike American sports bars with blaring TVs, British-style pubs are designed to feel like a home away from home.
More American cities now have “authentic” British pubs serving up fish and chips, bangers and mash, and proper pints. Even the tradition of pub quizzes has become a big hit in the US, with many bars now hosting weekly trivia nights.
4. British reality TV
The UK has been setting the bar for reality TV for years, and American audiences can’t get enough. Shows like “Love Island” (our version, not the American one) have developed a massive US following, thanks to their over-the-top romance, British slang, and the sheer chaos that unfolds each season.
The obsession has become so big that America now has its own versions of “Love Island” and “The Traitors,” though many fans still prefer watching the originals. The unique British humour and unfiltered honesty of UK reality stars seem to resonate with audiences in a way that scripted American versions sometimes fail to capture.
5. The obsession with Premier League football
Football (or soccer, as Americans insist on calling it) has exploded in popularity in the US, and a huge part of that is down to the Premier League. More Americans are tuning in to watch clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal than ever before, and it’s no longer unusual to see Premier League jerseys being worn across the country.
Bars across the US now open early for weekend matches, and dedicated fan clubs for UK teams have popped up in cities all over America. Some Americans even wake up at ridiculous hours just to catch live games—something that would’ve been unheard of a decade ago.
6. British chocolate superiority
Americans are starting to realise that British chocolate is simply better. The creamier texture, higher cocoa content, and richer flavour of brands like Cadbury and Galaxy have won over a growing number of fans (even though most of us Brits know the quality of these brands has gone down massively over the past decade or so).
Shops that import British sweets are booming, and US supermarkets have even started stocking Dairy Milk and Flake bars. Once you’ve had proper British chocolate, it’s hard to go back to the waxy, overly sweet American versions.
7. The rise of afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is no longer just a fancy British tradition—it’s now a full-on trend in America. Tearooms serving scones, finger sandwiches, and clotted cream have been popping up in cities across the country, offering a more refined alternative to the usual coffee shop hangout.
What was once seen as an old-fashioned custom has become a fun experience for special occasions, bridal showers, and weekend outings. Americans are loving the excuse to sip tea from delicate cups while stacking their plates with pastries, though finding proper clotted cream in the US is still a bit of a challenge.
8. The British sense of humour
Dry, sarcastic, and self-deprecating—British humour is very different from the more direct style of American comedy. But over the years, US audiences have embraced it, thanks to shows like “The Office,” “Fleabag,” and “Derry Girls.”
Many American sitcoms and stand-up comedians are now taking cues from British comedy, proving that a well-timed awkward silence or witty comeback can be just as funny as a traditional punchline. Shows with a more understated comedic style are finding a bigger audience, and it’s clear that our humour has well and truly crossed the Atlantic.
9. British royal family obsession
America fought for independence from the British monarchy, but that hasn’t stopped them from being completely fascinated by the royal family. From Princess Diana to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Americans have followed every twist and turn of royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex even live there full-time now!
Royal weddings, scandals, and even minor updates from Buckingham Palace make headlines in the US. It’s safe to say that, despite having no real connection to the monarchy, America is just as invested as some Brits are—if not more.
10. The full English breakfast
A traditional fry-up with bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, and toast might seem heavy to Americans used to pancakes and coffee, but the full English has carved out a space on US brunch menus. While they might not be sold on the black pudding, they’re definitely warming up to the idea of a hearty, savoury breakfast.
More Americans are discovering the joys of a plate piled high with eggs, grilled tomatoes, and hash browns, though they’re still a little unsure about the beans. One thing’s for sure—once they try a proper fry-up, there’s no going back.
