Ask a Brit who’s just come back from the States what they brought back, and chances are it’s not a Statue of Liberty fridge magnet.
It’s something far more random, oddly specific, and almost impossible to find back home. There’s just something about certain American brands and products that Brits become quietly obsessed with. Here are the weirdly niche items people cross an ocean for — and yes, they really do pack entire suitcases around some of them.
1. Over-the-top flavoured cereals
From Lucky Charms to Cinnamon Toast Crunch, American cereal aisles are like a sugar-coated fever dream. Brits stare in awe at the sheer scale of it — marshmallows, cartoon mascots, and flavours no one asked for but somehow work. Yes, you can sometimes get these at UK import shops, but the prices are laughable. So it’s no surprise people make room in their luggage just to bring back breakfast that tastes like childhood and artificial vanilla.
2. Giant tubs of peanut butter pretzels
These salty-sweet snacks have gained a bit of cult status, especially the ones from Trader Joe’s or Costco. Brits walk in for a look around and leave wondering how they ever lived without them. They’re addictive, travel surprisingly well, and somehow feel like a reward for dealing with US airport security. Plus, no one wants to pay triple the price on Amazon back home for what is essentially a snack drawer essential.
3. 500-flavour lip balms
Whether it’s eos, Burt’s Bees, or a weird seasonal scent of ChapStick, American lip balm options go way beyond the basics. Brits often get a bit carried away and come home with enough stock to last until the next flight out. It’s not just about hydration — it’s the novelty of flavours like pumpkin pie, root beer, or cotton candy. They might never get used, but they look good in a bedside drawer and make great low-effort gifts.
4. American brand toothpaste
It sounds ridiculous until you realise just how obsessed some Brits get with whitening toothpaste options in the US. Brands like Crest offer an endless variety that you just don’t see in your local Tesco. It’s partly the marketing, partly the perceived strength, and partly that smug feeling of having whiter teeth than usual. Whatever the reason, people come home brushing with a sense of accomplishment, and a suitcase that smells faintly minty.
5. Pumpkin spice everything
America’s autumn obsession has become a full-blown export item. Brits roll their eyes at first, and then quietly fill their suitcase with pumpkin spice coffee, candles, and pancake mix. It’s kitschy, yes, but also strangely comforting. And by the time it hits UK shelves (if at all), the season’s already over, so you might as well stock up at the source.
6. Drugstore makeup you can’t get in the UK
US drugstores are like treasure chests for makeup lovers, with brands like Wet n Wild, e.l.f. (in fuller ranges), and Milani all tempting you from behind those fluorescent-lit aisles. Even Brits who aren’t makeup obsessed find themselves picking up a few bits just because they can. It’s not always about price, it’s about access. And somehow, buying a lip gloss from CVS feels a lot more exciting than doing the same in your local Boots.
7. Kraft Mac & Cheese (the boxed kind)
No, it’s not gourmet. But for some reason, the neon-orange magic of Kraft Mac & Cheese hits a comfort food sweet spot that British versions never quite match. There’s something oddly satisfying about the squeeze packet or powder mix that tastes like nostalgia and convenience. It’s cheap, cheerful, and packs perfectly into your suitcase for a post-holiday dinner that requires zero effort.
8. American vitamins and gummy supplements
Whether it’s hair vitamins, melatonin gummies, or absurdly large multivitamin bottles, Brits weirdly love stocking up on US wellness products. Maybe it’s the branding, maybe it’s the feeling that it must work better if it’s in gummy form. And while it might be mostly psychological, there’s no denying the appeal of buying wellness in bulk. Plus, they just look better than the bland, chalky tablets at home.
9. Ziploc bags and cling film that actually work
Ask anyone who’s used American kitchen supplies, and they’ll tell you — their Ziploc bags are built like tanks. No torn seams, no cling film that sticks to everything but what it’s meant to. It’s one of those everyday things you don’t realise you’ve been missing until you use the good stuff. Suddenly, you’re packing home Tupperware and freezer bags like they’re premium souvenirs.
10. Ranch dressing and weirdly flavoured sauces
Americans put ranch on everything, and Brits have slowly started catching on. It’s tangy, creamy, and somehow works with pizza, salad, chips — you name it. Most UK shops don’t carry the good stuff, so fans stockpile bottles from the States alongside other niche sauces like Chick-fil-A, honey mustard, and buffalo wing dips. You might not need 3 bottles of ranch, but you’ll absolutely bring them home anyway.
