Why is American bread sweeter than what I am used to in Ireland and England?

Difference in Palate: Sweetness preferences can vary significantly across regions. Americans generally tend to have a preference for sweeter foods compared to some European countries like Ireland and England.

Industrialization and Mass Production: The large-scale industrialization of bread production in the United States has contributed to the wider availability and popularity of sweeter bread varieties. Mass-produced bread is often made using refined flours, sugar, and other additives that enhance its sweetness and appeal to a broader audience.

Ingredient Differences: American bread often contains higher levels of sugar, sweeteners, and corn syrup compared to bread produced in Ireland and England. These ingredients are added to enhance flavor, texture, shelf life, and consumer appeal.

Availability of Sweet Ingredients: The United States has a history of high-yielding corn production, making corn-derived sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, widely available and relatively inexpensive. This has contributed to the increased use of sweeteners in various food products, including bread.

Cultural Influence: The food culture in the United States is known for its diverse influences from various cuisines around the world. Sweetened bread varieties, inspired by international cuisines like French pastries, donuts, and sweet rolls, have become popular and integrated into American baking traditions.

Variations in Recipes and Traditions: Different countries have their own traditional bread recipes and variations that reflect local preferences and ingredients. In the case of Ireland and England, breads such as soda bread, scones, and farmhouse loaves are common, which tend to be less sweet compared to some American bread varieties.

Consumer Preference and Demand: Ultimately, the sweetness level of bread is driven by consumer preferences. American consumers have generally shown a preference for sweeter bread, which has influenced the production and availability of sweeter bread varieties on the market.