10 Things You'll Find In The American Section Of A British Grocery Store

It's no secret that U.S. companies have conquered the planet. Travel practically anywhere and you'll see familiar fast food chains, the ubiquitous Starbucks, and staples like Coca-Cola, Doritos, Pringles, Reese's, and Oreos in supermarkets and convenience stores. The United Kingdom is no exception. With lots of U.S. expats living in the U.K., and thanks to the world's appetite for all things American, most of the big supermarket chains stock a few familiar products from beloved brands.

While most British supermarkets have a "world foods" aisle, many don't have an "American" section per se — with the exception of some of the larger stores in bigger cities. However, U.S. products are found in different aisles across most of the stores. There are some everyday grocery items that are completely different in the U.K. versus the U.S., but lots of others are one and the same. Some products from companies that have gone global are now made in the countries in which they're sold rather than being imported from the U.S., so that's why in the U.K. you get Doritos in flavors like Pinch of Paprika and Sizzling Beef Taco or prawn cocktail-flavored Pringles.  

Here are some of the U.S. products I have found at local supermarkets in England. While this is not a comprehensive list — after all, the U.K. comprises four countries and products will vary between regions — it includes popular items and other surprising finds that provide a taste from home.

Boxed cereal brands from the U.S. are pretty much in every large supermarket chain around the world, including the U.K. Some have a familiar look and name, like Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Cheerios, while others vary slightly — Frosted Flakes are Frosties, Cocoa Puffs are Coco Pops. If you like making Rice Krispies Treats, you can also find boxes of the cereal, as well as ready-made squares. You will also find Pop Tarts, but not in as many flavors as what you'd expect in the U.S.

Heinz and Hellmann's condiments are popular the world over, so it's easy to find them in most British supermarkets. Aside from the universally loved mayonnaise and ketchup, these brands offer garlic sauce, a condiment often served with take-out pizza, and burger sauce, which is basically a mix of mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle relish (aka minced cornichons). Ranch is a new addition, but I still fill my suitcase with Hidden Valley pouches every time I travel back to the States.

In case you didn't know, Old El Paso is not Mexican. It's a brand created by The Mountain Pass Canning company in New Mexico to bring its version of Mexican food to the U.S. However, this is what most folks in the U.K. consider as Mexican food, and the products are in just about every supermarket. I do get cravings for crunchy tacos, so that's covered. I just need retailers to start offering Ro-Tel canned tomatoes and Velveeta cheese so I can make some queso dip.

Finding Ocean Spray cranberry juice and sauce was a great surprise. Depending on the store, Tetra-Pak containers might be kept with the juices or mixers — which makes perfect sense to me. The best thing about the brand's cranberry sauce is that it comes in jars instead of cans, so you can use what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple roasted pork tenderloin for a weeknight dinner, as both smooth and whole-berry sauces are generally available year round.

This is important to know: In case you've never had English mustard, and you want to add some to a sandwich, burger, or hot dog while you're in England, DO NOT use your usual amount. Unlike American-style yellow versions, English mustard is notoriously hot — yes, some mustards are spicier than others. It will clear your sinuses and give you the worst "brain burn" ever. Thankfully, both French's and Heinz are available in most supermarket chains, and yellow mustard is the usual choice at burger joints.

Although not every supermarket will have them, Newman's Own dressings can often be found in most British chains. The Italian vinaigrette is easily available, and dressings like Blue Cheese, Chipotle Ranch, and Balsamic are also found in larger grocery stores. The brand's mission to donate profits to helping children in need remains the same, too. In the U.K., Newman's Own Sticky BBQ Sauce is also available alongside other popular barbecue sauce brands, both imported and local. 

This one took me by surprise. Although I don't usually buy ready-made products, I was a big fan of Ben's Original Cajun Spiced rice mix when I lived in Texas (it makes a great base for a jambalaya), so these heat-and-eat pouches were a welcome sight. Yes, the Cajun flavor exists, plus a bunch of others which I have yet to try, like Thai Sweet Chilli, Katsu Curry, Peri Peri, and Savoury Chicken (all classic British flavors, by the way). In a pinch, these make a decent side dish or a base for a lunch bowl.

In the U.K., porridge (aka oatmeal) is a popular everyday breakfast, so it's no surprise that Quaker Oats would have a strong presence in local supermarkets. There are lots of varieties aside from Original, with flavors like Golden Syrup (a sugar syrup used in baking) being a popular option. Other flavors include Apple & Blueberry, Hazelnut Chocolate, Caramelised Biscuit, Sweet Cinnamon, and Summer Fruits. 

Wings are an American export that have made their way around the world, so discovering my favorite wing sauce in U.K. supermarkets was an absolute bonus. The only flavors I've found so far are Original and Buffalo, but that will do just fine. For other purposes, most supermarkets also carry Tabasco and Cholula. But when it comes to store-bought wing sauces, it's Frank's or nothing in my book.

This category is well represented in most British supermarkets and convenience stores. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's, Kit Kats, Nerds, and Airheads are just about everywhere. Personally, I much prefer Cadbury's chocolate bars, but if you find yourself in the U.K. and the urge to have a Snickers bar strikes, rest assured you will find it in almost every supermarket's candy section.