20 American Foods That Are Banned in Other Countries
You might eat these foods every day, but in some countries? They’re outright illegal.
American foods often contain ingredients that clash with stricter regulations abroad. From artificial dyes to questionable additives, the contrast in food standards is startling. Prepare yourself for a tasty exploration of controversy and culinary curiosity.
This list uncovers 20 American staples that you won’t find on shelves elsewhere, detailing the alarming reasons behind these bans.
1. Kraft Mac and Cheese
That bright orange mac and cheese? It’s packed with artificial dyes that Europe doesn’t allow near their pasta. The synthetic colors, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, give it that iconic hue, but these additives have sparked controversy overseas. Linked to hyperactivity in children, these dyes are a no-go in the EU.
Instead, Europe opts for natural alternatives to keep their pasta looking delicious without the side of chemicals. While Americans enjoy this nostalgic comfort food, others see it as a vibrant warning.
2. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing may be a beloved condiment in America, but in countries like Australia, it’s not welcome. The reason? Titanium dioxide, used for its whitening properties, raises eyebrows abroad. This additive is often found in sunblocks and paints, not just food.
Australia bans it due to potential health risks like DNA damage. Instead, Aussies drizzle their greens with olive oil or vinaigrettes. For those hooked on Ranch, it’s a testament to how differently food safety is viewed.
3. Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew, a citrus-flavored soda, faces bans in Norway due to brominated vegetable oil (BVO). This ingredient prevents flavor separation but also contains bromine, linked to health issues like skin rashes and nerve disorders.
The absence of BVO makes for purer drinks, free from the cloud of controversy. Fans of the neon drink in America might be shocked to learn their favorite refreshment is deemed unfit abroad. So, next time you sip, consider the global perspective on what’s bubbling in your bottle.
4. Pop-Tarts
The sugary breakfast pastry, Pop-Tarts are off the shelves in several European countries. The culprit? Artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which don’t meet strict European standards. These dyes are linked to behavioral issues in children, prompting a precautionary ban.
Europeans prefer naturally colored foods, steering clear of synthetic additives. While many Americans pop these treats into toasters with delight, elsewhere they’re greeted with caution. The vibrant icing and filling may tempt taste buds, but the ingredients raise eyebrows.
5. Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon in the U.S. might seem like a healthy choice, but not in countries like Australia and New Zealand. The reason? Synthetic astaxanthin, used to give farmed fish their appealing pink color.
This additive is banned down under due to potential health risks. Instead, these countries favor wild-caught salmon, free from artificial coloring. While the pink hue is pleasing to the eye, the chemicals it contains may not be. Next time you dine, consider the color – and the controversy – on your plate.
6. Froot Loops
This vibrant cereal, is a breakfast staple in the U.S. but banned in Austria and Norway. Why? The artificial colors, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, are linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral issues.
These dyes don’t meet stricter European guidelines, leading to bans. While American kids dive into these rainbow rings each morning, elsewhere they’re replaced with healthier options. Consider the cheerful colors in your bowl, and why they’re not seen around the world. It’s a colorful cautionary tale at breakfast time.
7. Arby’s Beef ‘N Cheddar
Arby’s Beef ‘N Cheddar is a fast-food favorite, but Canada isn’t serving it. The cheddar sauce contains additives like Yellow 6 and Red 40, banned due to health concerns.
Linked to allergies and hyperactivity, these dyes face stricter regulations north of the border. For Arby’s fans in the U.S., it’s a cheesy delight; elsewhere, it’s a forbidden feast.
8. Little Debbie Swiss Rolls
Little Debbie Swiss Rolls are a beloved snack in America, but not in Europe. Preservatives like TBHQ and artificial colors like Red 40, don’t meet European standards.
Bans have been prompted by the health risks associated with certain substances. Others view these delights as a sinful pleasure that should be avoided, while Americans unwrap them with joy.
9. Betty Crocker Cake Mix
In the United States, Betty Crocker Cake Mix is a common kitchen ingredient, but not in all European nations. Red 40 and Yellow 5, two chemicals that are prohibited because of health risks, are included in the mixture.
Due to their association with hyperactivity and allergic reactions, these hues are subject to more stringent regulations in Europe. Europeans prefer cake mixes made with natural components rather than artificial coloring. Consider the colors that provide vibrancy to your batter as you bake your cake.
10. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls may grace American tables, but not in Europe. The dough contains additives like BHA and BHT, preservatives banned due to potential health risks.
Linked to cancer and hormone disruption, these chemicals face strict scrutiny abroad. Many world choose to circumvent synthetic preservatives altogether, relying on natural freshness. For your own health, opt for alternatives free from controversy.
11. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
An American delight, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are not on the menu in the UK. The reason? PGPR, an emulsifier that raises health concerns.
Linked to allergies and stomach problems, it is prohibited in the UK. Some people view this chocolate-peanut butter combination as a dubious luxury, but we Americans love it. Still, consider the components that combine the flavors as you open a Reese’s.
12. Skittles
Skittles, the candy that lets you ‘taste the rainbow,’ is banned in Sweden thanks to the artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Red 40. These dyes don’t meet the stricter European food regulations, resulting in bans.
Mars Wrigley produces alternative versions of Skittles using natural colorings for the European market. In the United States, the same artificial colors continue to be approved by the FDA, despite some studies linking them to behavioral issues in children and other health concerns.
13. Cosmic Brownies
Cosmic Brownies spark fierce nostalgia in American lunchboxes but remain forbidden in Germany. Little Debbie launched these cosmic treats in 1999, adding a playful twist to their classic brownies. The signature rainbow sprinkles and fudgy frosting captured kids’ imaginations.
But those same colorful toppings sparked concern across the Atlantic. Germany’s strict food regulations ban artificial dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 40, common in American snacks. Studies have linked these synthetic colors to hyperactivity and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
14. Milk with rBST
ecombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) created a global dairy divide in 1993. Monsanto developed this synthetic hormone to boost milk production by up to 15% in cows. While the FDA approved it, the EU and Canada took a harder stance.
Research showed rBST-treated cows face higher rates of mastitis and lameness. The hormone also increases IGF-1 levels in milk, though its human health impacts remain debated. The hormone’s use has actually declined sharply in the US, with less than 10% of dairy farms still using it.
15. US Beef with Hormones
American cattle farmers have used growth hormones since the 1950s. Six different hormones are currently approved for US beef production. The math seems compelling – hormones can add 40-50 pounds of lean meat per animal.
Yet the EU banned hormone-treated beef in 1989, citing studies about estrogen-sensitive cancers. American ranchers must now maintain separate hormone-free herds for European exports.
16. Bread with Potassium Bromate
California requires warning labels on bromate-containing bread. Most major US bakers have quietly abandoned it due to public pressure.
Japan banned it back in 1978, followed by the UK and EU in 1990. Modern alternatives like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) achieve similar results naturally. Yet the FDA maintains its “generally recognized as safe” status based on 1958 standards.
17. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes, a quick and easy side dish in the U.S., are banned in Japan. Why? Additives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which are linked to cancer and other health risks.
Japan’s BHA ban stems from their strict Food Sanitation Act. The preservative extends shelf life by preventing oils from going rancid. American instant mashed potatoes are often emerged in it. So when you whip up a batch, consider the preservatives that maintain it.
18. Doritos
Some varieties of Doritos, the crunchy, cheesy snack, are banned in Iceland. Artificial colors and flavors, which are linked to health concerns, are the reason why. Icelandic regulations prioritize natural ingredients, steering clear of synthetic additives.
While Americans enjoy the bold taste and vibrant colors, others see them as a snack best avoided. PepsiCo produces special batches using natural colors for European markets. These cost about 15% more to make but maintain the iconic orange hue.
19. Teddy Grahams
Teddy Grahams are a cute snack in America, but in the Netherlands, they’re not allowed. The culprit is once again BHT. Dutch researchers raised concerns about BHT’s effects on thyroid function.
The Netherlands’ BHT ban reflects broader EU caution about antioxidant preservatives. The Nabisco company now uses natural alternatives like rosemary extract in European markets. American versions still contain BHT, though levels have decreased since the 1990s.
20. Frozen Pizza
Italy’s frozen pizza ban is actually more nuanced than commonly reported. They restrict specific preservatives rather than all frozen pizzas.
Additives like potassium bromate and BHA limit the availability of some fozen pizzas that we eat in the US. Italians prefer fresh pizza made with traditional methods, avoiding chemicals in their beloved dish. It’s a hot topic of taste and tradition.