If you happen to dwell overseas, you’ve undoubtedly missed meals from house. The manufacturers and meals merchandise we grew up with aren’t at all times obtainable exterior the U.S. and that’s definitely true right here in France. Typically I discover myself craving for a style of my childhood or a consolation meals that hits in a different way than the French equal. If you happen to’re interested in what American meals aren’t obtainable France, carry on studying as a result of that’s precisely what I’m moving into on this submit.
Photograph credit score: Depositphotos.com/trongnguyen
Meals counts for a lot. It might convey individuals collectively, remind us of sure moments in our lives, and supply us with the comforts of house once we’re so far-off. Typically essentially the most insignificant-seeming meals convey again wonderful reminiscences. If you dwell overseas and at last get your palms on that elusive pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, it seems like a significant victory! A minimum of it does for me!
Earlier than I get into my listing of American meals you possibly can’t discover in French groceries shops, I’ve a fast disclaimer. These aren’t meals solely discovered within the U.S. or essentially American made. They’re meals you possibly can generally discover in American supermarkets, although.
Additionally, as I at all times say, this isn’t a judgment on meals within the U.S. or in France and my submit is supposed to be academic. The 2 nations are totally different so it is sensible that sure issues aren’t obtainable in France. Yow will discover wonderful merchandise on either side of the Atlantic. 😉
Talking of that, for all of your French grocery wants within the U.S., take a look at myPanier! They’re a beautiful French-owned on-line French grocery store with all types of goodies. I reviewed myPanier right here. They’ve on a regular basis grocery gadgets in addition to wonderful artisanal gadgets — together with a wonderful vacation choice. Use my promo code OUIINFRANCE for $15 off your buy of $49+.
11 Shocking variations between French & American supermarkets >>
Right here’s my listing of 6 American merchandise you possibly can’t discover in French supermarkets:
Photograph credit score: Depositphotos.com/rimglow
1. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: Who else loves this stuff? Completely tacky with simply sufficient salt and a pleasant crunch, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish remind me of rising up in suburban NJ. I used to eat these as a child and I’ve by no means seen an identical French product. Whereas there are little bins of Belin apéro crackers with a tacky style, I can’t say I’ve observed Goldfish or Cheeze-Its or something like that in France.
2. York Peppermint Patties: I like mint chocolate, and except for After Eight candies that are a lot flatter than Peppermint Patties (nonetheless good although!), there isn’t a lot that might evaluate to the darkish chocolate and minty goodness of York Peppermint Patties. And also you in fact gained’t discover any in Christmas tree shapes or vacation colours.
3. Macaroni & cheese: Boxed and already ready mac & cheese in U.S. supermarkets is so commonplace that it’d shock you to be taught it doesn’t exist in France. It’s not a culinary delicacy or something, however as a broke school child, a field of Kraft Mac & Cheese was GOLD. Not in France.
You gained’t discover bins of Kraft or Annie’s macaroni and cheese in any respect. It’s not a culturally French meals. The French do have coquillettes au jambon, which is sort of the identical concept (with ham), nevertheless it doesn’t are available a field and it’s not the identical factor (or coloration!). Fortunately, American-style mac and cheese isn’t tough to make from scratch.
9 Useful French grocery retailer buying suggestions >>
4. Cartons of egg whites or Egg Beaters: Most People are accustomed to the egg substitute Egg Beaters and the power to purchase cartons of simply egg whites within the refrigerated part. Each are fairly regular. For individuals with excessive ldl cholesterol, the more healthy choices are straightforward to search out and handy. Egg whites are additionally nice for sure recipes and it positive beats losing a yolk when solely the egg whites are wanted.
However in France, egg whites are usually not obtainable in cartons on the grocery retailer and I’ve by no means seen egg substitutes. Yow will discover bottles of egg whites on bodybuilder web sites the place you’d discover protein bars and that type of factor or massive portions at a restaurant provide retailer, however egg whites definitely aren’t commonplace French grocery retailer gadgets.
5. Flavored espresso creamer (and non-dairy variations): Each time I am going again to the U.S., the collection of espresso creamer amazes me. I’m at all times in awe of all of the flavors and non-dairy choices as a result of none of that exists in France. You may taste your espresso with low-fat dairy choices, almond milk, pumpkin spice creamer merchandise, or about 50 different selections within the U.S. For espresso lovers, it’s nice! Numerous chilly brew too.
In France, the collection of espresso creamer (and chilly brew) is proscribed. You gained’t actually discover half and half or something particularly for espresso within the refrigerated part. By the unrefrigerated milk, there’s a model referred to as Gloria that makes particular person creamer packs that are available sheets of about 10. You’ll discover all sorts of heavy cream and milk, however precise creamer — dairy or nut milk varieties — particularly for espresso shouldn’t be mainstream. And overlook about any enjoyable seasonal flavors like egg nog or pumpkin spice.
6. Ranch dressing or dip: Ranch salad dressing and dip are each fairly widespread taste choices for salads and vegetable platters at events. You may even discover ranch chips. In France, ranch flavored something is difficult to come back by, because it’s not a style that’s actually identified right here. Yow will discover salad dressing in France — there are a bunch of wonderful vinaigrettes — however there aren’t a ton of different choices and undoubtedly no ranch.
There are much more American meals gadgets you possibly can’t purchase in France, so that is simply the quick listing. Some others are: Canned pumpkin, refried beans, PAM cooking spray, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and common Cheerios.
Lastly, let me observe that whereas the meals talked about above aren’t generally present in France, it’s potential that they exist someplace. Many French grocery shops have specialty aisles the place you could find meals from overseas. That stated, not one of the gadgets I point out are mainstream in French meals tradition.
***
What American grocery retailer merchandise do you miss essentially the most in France? What are a few of your favourite French grocery retailer gadgets?
Disclosure: I’m an affiliate for myPanier.
PIN IT:
