If you are craving familiar American snacks while travelling abroad in the UK, finding a store that sells specific American snack foods may be difficult. The stores that do carry the brand you’re craving may be grossly overpriced. In addition, some snacks may even taste different due to reformulation. Even major American snack brands such as Doritos may be hard to come by because many of the additives, preservatives, and coloring used in American snack foods are banned in food outside of the US.
Cheez-Its and Crackers
Cheez-It is one of those snack foods that is difficult to find in the UK. These best-selling American cheese crackers might be some of the top sellers back home, but in the UK, the heavily processed cheese flavor is one of those tastes that is not widely accepted abroad. While the UK does have its own version of cheese crackers, according to World’s Sweet & Savoury Snacks, you may be able to find Cheez-Its in specialty stores. If you are on an extended trip and have the time, you can even consider ordering Cheez-Its from some of the online shops that specialize in selling American snacks to the UK.
Twinkies
Although Americans are unlikely to find Twinkies and other Hostess products while on vacation in the UK, curiosity with these treats due to mainstream American TV series and movies has inspired a fascination for these novelty pop culture snacks. If you feel like you’re having a one-time craving, look for the American food aisle in some of the larger UK supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s or Tescos. However, the selection may be limited and come with a higher price tag. According to Ship7, residents of the UK often have difficulty finding their favorite American items without paying a heavy price for shipping for imports.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
When it comes to spicy, hot chips such as Takis or Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, it is almost impossible to find them anywhere in UK supermarkets. Back around 2010, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, tests were conducted in Europe observing the effects of consuming food additives and coloring in children. When the results came out, many countries in Europe banned food that contained these chemicals in their countries. Many American snacks that contain these banned chemicals were eventually reformulated or outright banned from being sold. Some snacks were more heavily affected than others, and people craving these snacks would have to order online or bring it into the country themselves.
Travelling to a different country comes with a culture shock, and sometimes the food is the remedy during the adjustment period. Due to the restriction on many popular American snack foods, sometimes it is easier to pack a few bags to take with you before you leave. If not, then the most direct way is to look for the American shelf in the international food section in large markets. As a last resort, specialty stores and online shops may also carry a more comprehensive collection of popular brands that are inspired by American pop culture.
