Moving abroad comes with a whole package of challenges, emotions and quite a few cravings. In particular, when you’re used to having your favorite foods readily available in the United States, and you find out that they’re hard to come by in other countries, it’s perfectly normal to miss a few things from home.
So if you’re asking yourself: what should I bring with me when I move abroad? Here are the most common food items you’re likely to miss when you move to Italy, Spain, Croatia or mostly anywhere abroad for that matter:
1. Spices
American supermarkets have a well-stocked spice aisle and an overly-generous spice mix selection. From Famous Dave’s rib rub, Montreal steak seasoning and Lawry’s lemon pepper to the popular everyday staples like Adobo seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and Mexican taco seasoning, you quickly notice that what you thought were universal spices are in fact delicious American inventions that Europe has hardly heard of.
If you miss any of these spices, there’s a fairly easy solution. Since spices are light, cheap and have a long shelf life, pack a couple of your favorites to bring back next time you visit the United States. They’re well worth the space in your luggage.
2. Salad dressing
This comes as a shocker to many Americans when they move abroad, but salad dressings are simply not a thing in Europe. There is a poor selection of a few boring bottled salad dressings in grocery stores that is sure to disappoint any salad lover. If you’re missing your ranch dressing, your blue cheese dressing or your favorite raspberry walnut vinaigrette, you’re out of luck.
Once you get over the shock and accept this unfortunate situation, the best thing to do to quench your salad dressing cravings is to make your own. Salad dressings are surprisingly easy to make at home and you will most likely have all the ingredients handy. Helpful tip: for authentic ranch dressing, buy the ranch dressing seasoning ahead from the States and just prepare your dressing fresh whenever hot wings and a veggie tray are on the menu.
3. Dips
Dips are an American party food that is not very common in European countries. At least not the popular dips you’re used to: ranch, blue cheese, artichoke spinach, cheese-based dips and so on. If you were hoping to buy any dips pre-made, you’re certainly out of luck. The solution is again simple: make your own.
You’re probably starting to see a pattern here, yes. Living abroad will force you to make more of your food and buy fewer prepackaged foods. Once you accept that this is the way things are outside the United States, making some of your favorite foods like dips and dressings from scratch is generally a much healthier, better tasting way to connect with your own culture away from home.
4. Breakfast cereal
The kid in you might miss your childhood sugary breakfast staples such as fruit loops and frosted flakes. Unfortunately, high-sugar cereal are banned in the European Union because they contain toxic levels of sugar and additives that don’t meet European food safety standards.
When it comes to these types of cereal, you’re better off to simply let go. Instead, enjoy your local breakfast foods, like fresh-baked pastries, seasonal fruits, fresh eggs, and other authentic breakfast foods in your adoptive country.
5. Grape juice and grape jelly
It probably never crossed your mind that grape-flavored juice or jelly are not that common outside of the United States. Why other countries have not yet discovered the delicious purple flavor is a mystery. At best, you might find grape-flavored Fanta to tame your cravings.
Otherwise, if you’re big fan of the good ole’ peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, either you’ll have to hunt for it in every grocery store or ask a friend to bring you a jar next time they come and visit from the States.
6. Salsa
Good jarred salsa is typically not available in European supermarkets. You will be able to buy Pace or other big-brand jarred salsa, but gourmet varieties are very rare. Pico de gallo and other tomato-based salsa fresca might be easy to make from scratch, but other Mexican delicacies such as roasted salsa verde, chili pepper, poblano pepper or mango peach salsas have not made it to Europe apparently.
If you live in Spain, you may have discovered the Spanish salsa varieties that are also delicious. For authentic Mexican flavors, either seek out a Mexican restaurant or try to bring back a couple of jars of your favorite brands next time you fly to the States.
7. Buffalo wings
Hot buffalo wings with a side of celery, carrots and blue cheese dressing are an all-American guilty pleasure you miss the most when you’re watching a game or throwing a party for friends. Some European restaurants have managed to master the art of hot wings, but if you don’t have a such a restaurant nearby, your only option is to make them from scratch.
The secret is in finding the right sauce, such as Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce or whatever brand you were using back at home.
8. Crackers
From graham crackers to 100 kinds of salty crackers for a cheese tray, it will be hard to find the variety of crackers you’re used to. Fortunately, there are similar types of crackers to replace the ones you’re used to without too much fuss. If you’re in a large city, you may even find Ritz crackers in supermarket chains.
9. Cinnamon gum
This gum flavor is certainly an American staple that most Europeans have not heard of (and might have a shock of the senses when you have them try one). Cinnamon gum is generally not available on supermarket shelves abroad. If you’re a big fan of this particular taste, simply pack some in your suitcase before you move abroad.
10. Cherry-flavored candy
Twizzlers, Airheads, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers and many other famous American candies come in cherry flavor. Although there is a generous variety of packaged American candy in European stores, cherry-flavored candy is not one of them.
It’s hard to tell why that is, but take it as a sign to either cut down on your candy intake or substitute with some delicious local candy. You never know, you may discover your next favorite candy flavor to bring as gifts to your family and friends back home.
What flavors do you miss the most from home? Share with us in the comments below.
