I was surprised to discover that some foods that are widely known and consumed in the United States are actually prohibited in other countries. I initially assumed that these banned foods would be unfamiliar to me, but to my astonishment, they are everyday items that most Americans are familiar with and have likely enjoyed at some point.
Gatorade is
As per information from the Market Realist website, specific flavors of the popular sports beverage Gatorade include Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes, which are prohibited for consumption by children in Norway and Austria. In the rest of the European Union (E.U.), these particular types of Gatorade are required to have a warning label.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a popular
According to Market Realist, the reason why this guilty pleasure, which is loved by Americans, is prohibited in the UK and other British Commonwealth nations, is due to the presence of yellow dyes.
Quick and convenient mashed potatoes.
Although these mashed potatoes may not provide the same level of comfort as homemade ones, they can still serve their purpose. However, their availability is limited in the UK and Japan due to the presence of a preservative called BHA, as reported by the Eat This website.
The company known as Kellogg's
Frosted Flakes are considered to be delicious, but they are not allowed in the UK, Europe, and Japan due to a ban imposed on them. This ban exists because Frosted Flakes, along with several other cereals, contain a preservative called BHT. This preservative is commonly used in cosmetics and rubber products.
The brand known
A seemingly harmless indulgence in snacks is generally acceptable, except for Swiss Cake Rolls. Depending on the European Union country, they are either prohibited or accompanied by strong warnings. The main reason, as stated by Market Realist, is that these cake rolls contain food dyes that are considered harmful to children, such as Yellow 5 and Red 40. Another contributing factor for the restrictions or complete ban is the presence of palm oil.
Skittles is
Austria, Sweden, and Norway have prohibited the sale of Skittles due to the presence of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes we previously mentioned. In the other countries of the European Union, Skittles are allowed but are required to have a warning label.
Pork produced in the United States
The United States is known for using growth hormones, specifically ractopamine, in the farming practices of pigs. This practice is not widely accepted globally, making the US one of the few countries that still permits it, as reported by Eat This.
The biggest disappointments at the 2024 Oscars
Musical groups lacking any original members
Image credit: Nick DeRiso
Additional content is available from Taste of Country. Find out more by following them on