Moving or traveling overseas can be an exciting adventure, but it also means leaving behind some everyday comforts. For many Americans, certain favorite ingredients are surprisingly hard to find abroad. This article highlights the foods and pantry staples people often miss most when living outside the U.S. If you're planning an international move, you might want to stock up — or prepare to find a few creative substitutes.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter holds a special place in Americans' hearts, and they most certainly miss it when traveling or moving to places that don't sell it. Its creamy, nutty goodness pairs perfectly with Jelly in a sandwich.
BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is an American staple ingredient, especially in the summertime, the national season for Barbeque. It has smokey and tangy flavor notes and is often used to season chicken and burgers.
Ranch
Americans can't live without this creamy, savory condiment when overseas. It's incredibly versatile: It can be drizzled over salads and used in wraps, and who can forget to use it as a dipping sauce for their favorite pizza?
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is an essential ingredient and flavor profile for Americans while overseas. Spicy foods are common in the US, and Americans love to drizzle hot sauce on top of just about anything to add a little kick to their cuisine.
Pumpkin Spice
It's no secret that Americans love pumpkin spice and even dedicate the Fall season to this flavor profile. Popular beverages like the Pumpkin Spice Latte help them feel a warm, nostalgic piece of home while overseas.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a beloved ingredient that Canadians and Americans worship. It's a household staple for dishes like pancakes and a familiar sweet treat that can be a reminder of home when overseas.
Salsa
Salsa is a vibrant and essential ingredient that Americans have grown to love and can't live without, even when overseas. Its fresh and flavorful appeal makes it a delicious dish on top of grilled meat or seafood.
Canned Beans
Different types of canned beans (like refried beans, baked beans, and kidney beans) are a household staple in the US. Americans love the convenience of this familiar food overseas, making it an easy side dish for any meal.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is tangy, sweet, spicy, and packs a punch. It's often used to coat chicken wings (hence the famous "Buffalo Wing") but also makes a delicious marinade, and Americans can't get enough of it at home in the US or elsewhere.
Marshmallow Fluff
Marshmallow fluff is a unique and fun ingredient that Americans are accustomed to. Its name perfectly explains it (a fluff paste made from marshmallows). Have you ever heard of the Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Fluff sandwich? Even overseas Americans still crave this light, fluffy treat.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is an ingredient that isn't as popular as it used to be due to health concerns, but it has a unique and distinct flavoring used for sweetening in many food products in the US and elsewhere. Overseas, Americans can find comfort in the nostalgic ingredient.
Old Bay
This popular seafood seasoning is an American classic. Go anywhere outside of the USA and it is pretty impossible to find Old Bay. When traveling overseas, you may have to try to make your own homemade Old Bay to get that salty, seasoned flavor that you crave!
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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