5 American Brands You Won't Find in Any Supermarket in Europe
Image source: General Mills (official site) – generalmills.com/our-food/brands/lucky-charms
Some American brands simply never made it to the shelves Europe supermarkets – not because they aren't popular, but because distribution just doesn't cover the European market. Here are five such brands worth getting to know.
1. Pop-Tarts – toaster breakfast
Pop-Tarts are rectangular pastry treats with filling, designed to be heated in a toaster in just a few minutes. They have been produced by Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) since 1964, and in the US, there are typically 20-30 flavours available at any given time. You can hardly find them in Europe regular stores.
Image source: Kellanova (official site) – kellanovaus.com/us/en/brands/pop-tarts
2. Lucky Charms – cereal with "magical" mini marshmallows
Lucky Charms is a cereal produced by General Mills since 1964 – a combination of crispy cereal and soft, colourful mini marshmallows shaped like hearts, stars, and clovers. The brand mascot is the green leprechaun "Lucky". Although globally recognisable (thanks to movies and TV shows), it is rarely seen in Europe outside of specialty stores.
3. Kool-Aid – powder that becomes a drink
Kool-Aid is a brand of powdered drink mix invented in 1927 in Nebraska. Just mix a packet with water (and sugar if desired) to get a brightly coloured, fruity drink. Today, it is owned by Kraft Heinz and is a symbol of American pop culture from the 80s and 90s.
Image source: Kraft Heinz (official site) – kraftheinz.com/kool-aid
4. Swedish Fish – candy that, despite the name, comes from America
The name is misleading – Swedish Fish are primarily an American phenomenon today, gummy candies shaped like fish, with a mild fruity flavour, popular in cinemas and at movie nights across the US.
5. Dr Pepper – a drink that isn’t cola, even though it looks like one
Dr Pepper has been around since 1885 and is not officially classified by the FDA as a cola, root beer, or fruit drink – it is a unique blend of 23 flavours. In Europe, it is distributed by Suntory, so availability remains limited compared to the US.
Where to try these brands in Europe
Find all the mentioned brands, and many others you won't find in regular retail, in the American food store selection at OhMyCandyBox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t these brands sold in Europe supermarkets?
Mostly due to distribution agreements – some brands simply don’t have a European distributor or their presence is limited to specific markets.
Are Swedish Fish really Swedish?
Not in practice – they are now recognisably an American product, despite the name suggesting Scandinavian origins.
Is Dr Pepper a type of cola?
No – the American FDA officially did not classify it as a cola, root beer, or fruit drink in 1966.
