You’d think the food on U.S. grocery store shelves would all be safe and healthy, especially with food regulations in place. But the truth is, some of the most popular snacks and beverages we enjoy in America contain ingredients that other countries won’t even allow. Whether it’s a colorful candy or a breakfast pastry, these foods have additives that have raised red flags in Europe, Japan, and other parts of the world.
It’s not always about flavor or calories. Sometimes, it’s about what’s inside the product that makes it controversial. Certain dyes, preservatives, and artificial chemicals used in the U.S. are either banned or highly restricted abroad. Let’s take a closer look at seven well-known American foods that are raising eyebrows around the globe.
Skittles: Taste the Rainbow, But at What Cost?
Skittles might be one of the most iconic candies in the U.S., but in Europe, they come without one controversial ingredient—titanium dioxide. This additive is used to make the colors brighter and whiter, but it’s been linked to potential cancer risks in some animal studies. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in 2022, and you won’t find it in their candy aisles. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Skittles still use it, making the original version off-limits in many European markets.
Apple Jacks: A Is for Apple, B Is for Banned
Apple Jacks might taste like a sweet apple-cinnamon breakfast treat, but their ingredient list is anything but sweet in some countries. Japan, for instance, doesn’t allow cereals with Yellow No. 6 dye, which Apple Jacks contains. The cereal also includes BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), a preservative that has been banned in countries like the U.K. and Australia due to concerns about its links to cancer. In the U.S., it’s still widely used in cereals to keep them from going stale.
Gatorade: Electrolytes With a Side of Dye
Gatorade is a go-to drink for athletes and fitness fans in the U.S., but if you’re traveling abroad, don’t be surprised if it’s missing from shelves. That’s because many Gatorade flavors include synthetic food dyes like Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, and Red No. 40. These dyes are either banned or heavily restricted in countries like Norway and Austria. While some U.S. versions have been reformulated, many still contain these controversial additives.
Pop Tarts: Not Your Everyday Toaster Pastry Overseas
Pop Tarts are a breakfast staple in American homes, but don’t expect to find your favorite flavors in many European grocery stores. The reason? A number of them contain artificial colors like Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children and are banned in several countries across Europe. Some Pop Tarts also use BHT, which, as mentioned, is a no-go in places like the U.K.
Little Debbie Snack Cakes: Not So Sweet Abroad
Who doesn’t love a Little Debbie Swiss Roll? Soft cake, sweet cream, chocolate coating—what’s not to love? Well, in other parts of the world, these snack cakes aren’t welcome. The dyes used to give Swiss Rolls their vibrant appeal include Yellow No. 5 and Red No. 40, both of which are restricted or banned in countries like Norway and the U.K. Some consumers are also concerned about the potential link between these dyes and behavioral issues in children.
Mountain Dew: More Than Just a Caffeine Kick
Mountain Dew might be known for its bright color and intense flavor, but one ingredient used in some versions—brominated vegetable oil (BVO)—has led to it being banned in Japan and the European Union. BVO has been linked to neurological issues and potential hormone disruption. While PepsiCo has removed BVO from many of its U.S. beverages, older formulations and off-brand versions still sometimes contain it.
Ritz Crackers: A Snack With a Side of Controversy
They may seem harmless, but Ritz Crackers contain partially hydrogenated oils, a source of trans fat that’s been banned in several countries. While the FDA in the U.S. has moved to eliminate trans fats, some processed snacks still contain trace amounts. Countries like Switzerland and Denmark have long banned these ingredients due to their links to heart disease.
If you’re traveling abroad and wonder why you can’t find some of your favorite American snacks, it may come down to what’s in them. These food bans show how different countries approach food safety—and just how important it is to know what’s in the foods we eat every day.
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