Why isn't breakfast included in the price? A guide to American breakfast culture

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and this is definitely the case in the USA.

American breakfast culture is diverse, fascinating and packed with both traditional and modern breakfast menus.

But why is breakfast such an important part of experiencing American culture? And why do we not include breakfast in the price of all our tours to the USA?

Here we give you a guide to the breakfast culture in the USA and explain why we think you should eat your breakfast in some other place than the hotel.

Roots of the breakfast culture

In the pre-industrialisation era, when many Americans worked in the countryside, little value was attached to the morning meal. For agricultural workers, the meal was eaten early, and it therefore had to be something easy and accessible. These were often heavy meals that provided lots of energy, e.g. leftovers from the day before or corn porridge.

With the industrialisation and urbanisation, where people moved from the countryside to the cities in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became necessary with different type of food than the heavy farmer’s diet.

The breakfast meal was still to be easy and quick, but it was now also important that it was not as heavy as before. Therefore, cereal (breakfast products such as cornflakes) became a lighter and popular choice. Cereal only requires a bowl and milk, which was a perfect match for the busy American lifestyle.

So what do Americans eat for breakfast today?

When you hear the words “American breakfast”, you automatically think of slightly heavier food, e.g. the classic American diner food that we know from movies and series.

While cereal is still at the top of favourite things to eat for breakfast today (according to a survey from 2023), Americans actually eat incredibly varied breakfasts, with dishes ranging from quick fast-food breakfast burgers to the fresher smoothie bowls and avocado toasts spawned by the healthy eating wave.

Why do Americans eat out so much?

Eating in a restaurant or ordering take-away has long been a big part of American culture. Studies have shown that the average American eats food they have not made themselves 5-6 times a week on average. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that, as the percentage of Americans who made breakfast at home increased from 37% to 60% during the pandemic.

Since the Americans returned to work after the COVID-19 pandemic and started having busy weekdays again, they have become much more inclined to grab an energy bar or have take-away breakfast just like before. It provides a break from cooking at home and also offers an opportunity to socialise with your friends.

When you travel to the USA, you will find that the country has many restaurants and, not least, different types of restaurants. Regardless of whether you are willing to try something new or you want to eat something familiar, you can almost always find exactly what you are looking for in the major American cities.

So why is breakfast not included?

Which brings us to the question at hand.

Why don’t we include breakfast at all the hotels on our tours to the USA? Seeing that breakfast is such an important part of American culture?

First of all, a large number of hotels do not offer breakfast, and in the places that do, the price is simply too high relative to what you get for your money – typically a very simple menu with a ‘plain’ bagel and simple breakfast products. And having breakfast at the hotel is not only an expensive addition to the price of your tour – it also means that you will miss out on an important part of American culture by NOT exploring breakfasts at the local cafés, restaurants or the like.

In the neighbourhoods around your hotel, you will discover a wealth of breakfast options that are much more exciting and tastier than the simple bagel and standard breakfast products that often make up the breakfast offered by the hotel. Eating out can both be cheaper and give you an authentic taste of the local culture. This is a great way to meet locals and experience the authentic breakfast culture that is deeply rooted in the hearts of the Americans.

For your information, some hotels in our programmes include a continental breakfast in the room rate (a service for which you do not pay extra). At these hotels, breakfast will, of course, be included in the price of your tour.

So where can I eat breakfast?

The options for enjoying a good breakfast in the USA are virtually endless. No matter where you are in the USA, there will be something for everyone.

If you are looking for an authentic American experience, you can visit one of the many diners scattered throughout the country. They serve classic American breakfast dishes such as bacon, eggs, pancakes and freshly brewed coffee throughout the day.

If you are instead looking for something quick and easy, chains like Wendy’s, IHOP, McDonalds and Taco Bell offer more modern breakfast options like bagels or fast-food breakfast products such as breakfast burgers and burritos.

For a fresher and trendier breakfast, try cafés that specialise in smoothie bowls, avocado toasts and organic coffee. These places are often found in the trendy neighbourhoods of the big cities.
And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try a local food truck? Many of them offer innovative and delicious breakfast options that reflect the local cuisine, which can, for example, be inspired by Mexico.

Whatever your preferences, you will find a wealth of breakfast experiences in the USA that make it worth exploring the neighbourhood around your hotel.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller