We all have our favorite go-to snacks—those comforting, salty, or sweet bites that make a movie night, road trip, or grocery store impulse purchase a little better. But what if we told you some of those beloved snacks aren’t welcome in other parts of the world?
Countries have different standards regarding food safety, artificial ingredients, and even advertising to children. That means your favorite munchies might be off-limits elsewhere. Here are 15 snacks banned in other countries, and why you won’t find them overseas soon.
15. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
These spicy, nuclear-orange snacks are a staple in many American lunchboxes, but some schools and countries see them as a no-go. Concerns about artificial coloring and high-fat content have led to bans in places like the UK.
14. Kinder Surprise Eggs
The classic chocolate egg with a toy inside may seem harmless, but the U.S. banned them due to choking hazards. Many countries still allow them, but others have issues with non-food objects inside edible items.
13. Mountain Dew
That electric green soda is a favorite among gamers and sugar lovers, but some countries won’t touch it. It contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an additive banned in Europe and Japan due to health concerns.
12. Pop-Tarts (Certain Flavors)
While not all Pop-Tarts are banned, some versions contain food dyes restricted in the UK and parts of the EU. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, prompting tighter regulations.
11. Skittles
Can you taste the rainbow? Not in some places. Skittles has been scrutinized for using titanium dioxide, an ingredient banned in the EU for potential health risks.
10. Little Debbie Swiss Rolls
These nostalgic treats are packed with preservatives and dyes that aren’t allowed in certain countries. The European Union, for example, has stricter regulations on food coloring and additives.
9. Instant Ramen (Certain Brands)
Some instant noodles have been banned or pulled from shelves in countries like South Korea and Norway due to excessive sodium or unsafe chemical preservatives. Thus, not all ramen is created equal.
8. Fruit Loops
The bright, loopy cereal may be a breakfast favorite, but its artificial coloring has raised red flags abroad. Countries like Norway and Finland have had issues with their synthetic additives.
7. U.S. Wheat Thins
Wheat Thins sold in the U.S. contain BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), a preservative banned in several countries. While they’re crunchy and addictive, not every country is on board with that extra shelf life.
6. Gatorade (Certain Versions)
Some versions of Gatorade contain food dyes and BVO, leading to bans or reformulations in countries with stricter food safety laws. Electrolytes are cool, but questionable additives—not so much.
5. Frosted Flakes
Tony the Tiger is great, but the EU isn’t thrilled about some U.S. versions’ artificial vitamins and sugar content. They prefer cereals with fewer chemical fortifications and less marketing to kids.
4. Hostess Twinkies
The iconic snack cake contains ingredients some countries consider unfit for human consumption. Twinkies’ long shelf life might raise eyebrows, but the additives often trigger the bans.
3. Doritos (Certain Flavors)
Certain flavors of Doritos include dyes and preservatives that are not approved overseas. While they’re a party favorite in the U.S., they don’t make the guest list elsewhere.
Read More: 20 Banned Foods We Definitely Shouldn’t Have Been Eating
2. M&M’s (U.S. Version)
The American version of M&Ms uses artificial coloring, which is banned in Europe. That’s why European M&Ms look and taste slightly different—less neon and more natural.
Read More: What You Need to Know About the FDA’s Ban on Red Dye No. 3
1. Lucky Charms
This marshmallow-packed cereal might be magically delicious, but not everyone is under its spell. Due to health concerns, some of its dyes and ingredients are restricted or outright banned in several countries.
Read More: 10 Popular Snacks That Contain Ingredients Banned in Other Countries
