Settling into life in Germany naturally includes exploring and shopping in the local grocery store. But as I’m already becoming a little homesick for American junk food, nothing catches my eye as quickly as the red, white, and blue of an American flag across the label of products on the shelf. Finding “American” products in Germany has really reminded me that while Americans may not be the kings of cuisine, Americans have created several (in)famous products that reach across oceans and appeal to people around the world. Such products include…
Pancake Mix
Muffins
Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns
Jalepeno Poppers (I was quite impressed with this find)
Hamburgers
Sliced “Sandwich” Bread – which the Germans like to call toast even though it’s not yet toasted and they’ve already cut off the hideous end pieces that no one likes. Why haven’t we thought of this yet?
(Unbearably overpriced) Peanut Butter – but at least they have both types!
and of course…
“The Delicious American Marshmallow Spread” – AKA Marshmallow Fluff
If you search hard enough you can also find American brands you know and love…but don’t expect to pay the same prices!
Pringles – but instead of Pizza and Salt and Vinegar flavors you’ll find Onions and Cheese and Paprika
Miracle Whip! But spelled “Miracel” to sound phonetically correct in German
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky – New on the shelves and in tiny little portions
Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Philadelphia Cream Cheese – and the Germans have done the ingenious by adding Milka chocolate
And Oreos – at the going rate of $3 for a 16 count…start crying now 😦
And most surprisingly…I found a whole array of “American” food I didn’t even know was American! Including…
Hamburger Sauce – Not sure what it tastes like but I imagine they are attempting to imitate Big Mac special sauce or something. You can find several differing brands of “hamburger sauce” all claiming to be the original.
An “American” and “American Caesar” Salad Dressing – something I’ll have to try out
“Amerikaner” (or American) Cookies – Basically a little tea cookie with chocolate and lemon frosting
American Style Popcorn which only comes sweet – basically kettle corn, which isn’t typical in America. In fact, Germans only like their popcorn sweet and are usually appalled when you tell them that the only popcorn you’ll get in an American movie theater is buttered and salted.
Cookies with “Famous American Cranberries” – didn’t know they were so famous! But it’s also a bit relieving that cranberries haven’t crept their way into every kind of juice on the shelf over here.
And every sort of sauce or variation of BBQ sauce you could want…Germans loooove condiments!
But when German “American” food can’t satisfy the cravings…it’s time for a care package from home! My first package cost my mom nearly $100 in shipping because it was so filled to the brim with lots of goodies! Starbursts, tortillas, MilkDuds, canned Ranch Style beans, and Velveeta Mac and Cheese were only some of what was included.
Worst case scenario, you can order some of your favorites through several websites a friend pointed out to me that will ship right to Germany…but be prepared for the heart attack that comes when you see the prices!
Check one out here >>>http://www.americanfood4u.de/
That’s right! For only $7 you get a bag of Fritos, a bottle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup is only $6, and the going rate for Aunt Jemima’s Pancake Syrup is $9.50. But the most shocking is a 24-can case of Coors Light for a wopping $57! Who knew it was such a coveted commodity?
For now, I’ll just enjoy exploring German cuisine, taste-test the “American” food they have to offer, and wait for the next care package!
My Germerican Life 