Americans have always loved snacks, colorful cereals and super easy fast food, right? The shelves of your local grocery store are often well-stocked with a variety of delicious foods. Many look like childhood or everyday necessities.
However, there is a surprising fact to consider. While we often don’t think twice about grabbing the old standbys of these. In fact, many other countries ban or severely restrict the use of these foods. Some ingredients that are perfectly fine and common in the U.S. are considered potentially harmful abroad.
Does this seem surprising? You’re certainly not the only one who thinks so. It makes you wonder what’s really in the food we eat every day. We’ve researched the details, found some American foods that are banned elsewhere, and explored the reasons why.
Have you ever wondered what a rainbow tastes like? If you try to buy Skittles in Norway or the EU, you may end up with completely different candies, or you may not be able to find them at all. The problem lies mainly in the ingredients that make the candies bright and colorful.
Specifically, the US version of Skittles contains titanium dioxide. This chemical is added to enhance whiteness and brightness. While the EU has not completely banned rainbow candy, its candy versions do not include this ingredient. This is because some studies suggest that titanium dioxide may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Additionally, the information also notes that this popular children’s snack contains artificial dyes such as Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. These dyes are often associated with hyperactivity or allergic reactions in children.
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Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
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Features:
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Froot Loops, the classic American breakfast cereal, is renowned for its vibrant colors and fruit-shaped ring design. However, it is actually banned in several European countries, including France, Austria, Norway, and Finland.
This is primarily due to its vibrant colors and other ingredients. Relevant documentation clearly states that Froot Loops contains a significant amount of food coloring, including lemon yellow (Yellow No. 5) and sunset yellow (Red No. 40). These countries consider these colorings to be harmful. It is claimed that numerous scientific studies have shown that these artificial colorings are associated with abnormal cell growth.
In addition to color, this cereal also contains soy. It also contains cottonseed oil and hydrogenated coconut oil. These oils are also considered hazardous substances and are banned in the aforementioned European countries. Therefore, the issue is not solely about artificial colorants but rather the combination of artificial colorants with certain hydrogenated oils. This has led to the ban on this classic American breakfast cereal being consumed as breakfast abroad.
Sports drinks—Gatorade. Some Americans may drink Gatorade to replenish the electrolytes they need. However, in other countries, people may choose to drink water or other beverages instead. This popular sports drink is not popular everywhere, with Norway and Austria in particular banning the sale of the product.
The problem still lies with artificial colors. These colors give Gatorade its iconic bright appearance. The article mentions that the drink may contain lemon yellow (Yellow No. 5). It may also contain lemon yellow (Yellow No. 6) and sunset yellow (Red No. 40). These specific dyes have been banned in some European countries. Some countries only restrict their use. Norway and Austria, however, have decided to ban the entire product containing these dyes.
Athletes living in these regions must find new ways to hydrate and replenish fluids after exercise. This highlights the significant differences in food additive regulations across regions, even for widely used beverages.
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Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
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Features:
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5. 20 Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12)
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Pop Tarts, these warm treats baked in a toaster, are so convenient and delicious! Pop Tarts are a very popular breakfast food and a common snack in the United States. However, this delicious treat is not commonly found in many European countries.
The same situation arises again. The ban is primarily due to the addition of artificial food coloring. Like Gatorade and other products on the list, the American version of Pop Tarts contains Yellow No. 5 coloring. They also contain Yellow No. 6 and Red No. 40 coloring. These are precisely the colorings that are banned or restricted in many European countries.
However, some European countries do sell Pop Tarts. But these are likely not the American version. Pop Tarts sold in countries like the United Kingdom may be safer, as they likely do not contain these banned ingredients. Therefore, while the United States offers a wide variety of flavors, other countries prioritize avoiding certain problematic additives.
Product on Amazon: Pop-Tarts Toaster Pastries, Breakfast Foods, Kids Snacks, Variety Pack (60 Pop-Tarts)
Brand: Pop-Tarts
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 23.59 USD
Flavor: 4-Flavor Variety
Item Weight: 2.3 Kilograms
Allergen Information: Wheat, Soy
Package Weight: 3.36 Kilograms
Number of Pieces: 60
Package Information: Box
Manufacturer: Kellanova
Global Trade Identification Number: 00038000223396
Unit Count: 101.5 Ounce
Features:
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4. Stock your pantry with these shelf-stable snacks; Perfect adult snacks to go
5. Includes one, 6.349lb case containing five 20.3oz boxes of Pop-Tarts; Packaged for freshness and great taste
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Twinkies, these highly processed soft cakes, are a classic symbol of American snacks. They contain a cream filling inside. But if you’re looking for Twinkies in Norway? Or Finland, or Austria? You might not find them. These countries have banned this golden snack.
The ban is solely related to one artificial food coloring: Yellow No. 5. It is this additive that gives Twinkies their distinctive golden hue. Related studies have linked Yellow No. 5 to allergic reactions such as hives. People may experience symptoms like itching, coughing, or even vomiting. It may also lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral issues in children.
While the EU requires warning labels on products containing certain artificial colorings, Finland, Norway, and Austria have taken a tougher stance. They have chosen not to allow this golden-yellow soft cake to appear on their store shelves. This is another example of how different countries have differing views on the safety of food additives and the level of risk they are willing to accept.
That’s the situation—from dyes used to color candy and cereals to preservatives in snacks. What is considered normal here may be completely banned elsewhere. This clearly reminds us that food standards are not the same everywhere. And the labels on the food packaging you buy? They are definitely worth reading.
Related posts:
7 American Foods Banned in Other Countries
9 Foods Banned in Idaho Grocery Stores
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