Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Norway Says It Brought Select Foods to World Cup for Performance, Not Distrust

The team’s head chef says an itemized shipment of about 580 kilograms was meant to keep players’ diets consistent and provide a taste of home.

Overview

  • Online posts this week falsely claimed Norway refused U.S. food and shipped large quantities because it distrusted American ingredients.
  • Norway’s head chef, Aron Espeland, confirmed the team imported roughly 580 kilograms of specific items to Greensboro and denied claims that the move reflected concerns about U.S. food quality.
  • The shipment listed by Espeland included 300 kg of salmon and trout, 100 kg of halibut, 80 kg of Norwegian brown cheese, and 100 kg of Jarlsberg cheese.
  • Players are served freshly squeezed orange juice made from locally sourced U.S. oranges and the team also uses high-quality local ingredients in its meals.
  • Nutrition experts and past examples from other national teams show this practice is standard for elite squads because familiar foods help reduce dietary variability and support recovery and performance.