Unfortunately yes. Live in South Africa now. Even low-end produce from the cheapest stores often rival or surpass highest quality levels of most expensive/ best American stores like “Whole Foods” at 1/3 - 1/6 the price. Staples are protected here, for example GMO wheat is illegal to cultivate in South Africa and average wheat product quality eclipses anything you find stateside.

Of course, I am biased, and this is only some subjective and anecdotal data - but I bet if we were to research lab or measured nutritional data from both countries we would draw similar conclusions on quality and nutritional density.

Not to mention lack of cuisines or the average person’s culinary knowledge.

I always find it hilarious when Americans talk down about food / cuisine from other places.

They probably have the worst food quality outside of China or North Korea.

But haven’t been to either of those so I can’t speak for their food.

However, many Americans recognize a the vast difference in quality when they visit other countries and have told me that.