Even in a country as free as America, there are several things you can buy in Europe that are simply not allowed in the States. You may know some of the more obvious ones, but there are plenty of other things that Europeans can enjoy that we can’t. Here are 18 of them.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Over in Europe, Kinder Surprise Eggs are a hit with the kids, and let’s be honest, adults love them, too! These chocolate eggs come with a tiny surprise toy inside. But here in the U.S., they’re not allowed, thanks to a law from the 1930s that’s still hanging around. This law bans candies with toys inside because they could be a choking hazard.
Haggis
Haggis is certainly an acquired taste, although the Scots take it quite seriously, especially during Robert Burns’s dinners. This savory dish is made from sheep’s organs mixed with oats and spices. Unfortunately, it’s off the menu in the U.S. because the FDA rules that using sheep lungs in food isn’t allowed.
Absinthe
Absinthe, also known as the Green Fairy, is popular in many European bars because of its supposed hallucinogenic effects. For many years, U.S. lawmakers were worried about the stuff and had serious restrictions because of the chemical thujone. Now, while you can find it stateside, it must meet strict rules you won’t find in Europe.
Strong Spirits
Speaking of spirits, you might’ve noticed that some European beers and spirits seem a bit stronger. It’s because they often exceed the alcohol content that U.S. regulators set, which affects both local drinkers and what types of imported alcohols can be sold here. Europeans are known for being pretty heavy drinkers, after all.
Raw Milk
In many European countries, grabbing a bottle of raw milk from a roadside vending machine is perfectly acceptable, and there’s a growing US movement to encourage people to drink raw milk. But as it stands, it’s illegal in many parts of the U.S. because of fears about the bacteria in unprocessed milk. We’re not even sure why you’d want to drink raw milk.
Amped-up Energy Drinks
Some energy drinks in Europe have higher levels of taurine and other energizers than those in the States. There are a few more restrictions over here on just how turbocharged those drinks can be, which comes from concerns about the health effects of so much energy. Essentially, the FDA wants to take it easy on the stimulants.
Bare It All
If you’re heading to a European beach, don’t be surprised to see more skin. Places like France or Germany are pretty relaxed about nudity in certain areas, although stripping down in a public place in the U.S. could lead to jail time. Public decency laws here tend to err on the side of caution.
Baby Walkers
Many European parents use baby walkers, but in the U.S., many people call for them to be banned over safety concerns. Studies suggest they might cause more harm than good, like increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Even though they’re allowed for now, future babies may have to find other ways to make their first steps.
Smoke Flavors
If you love that smoky flavor, they use specific smoke flavorings in Europe that are banned in the U.S. because of health worries. American food regulators fear that the chemicals in synthetic smoke flavors could cause some issues. Meanwhile, European chefs and foodies get to enjoy it all.
Windowless Bedrooms
In Europe, especially in older, denser cities, you might often find bedrooms without windows. But in the U.S., windows are a must in bedrooms, mainly to provide an escape route during emergencies, as we have pretty different building codes. Europeans tend to value space efficiency and historical preservation a little more than safety regulations.
Horse Meat
As strange as it is, eating horse meat is fairly common in some parts of Europe, particularly in places like France and Italy. American laws strictly forbid the slaughter and sale of horse meat, but it comes more from a sense of cultural distaste rather than a culinary one. But we also eat alligators over here, so it’s not like we can judge the Europeans for this.
Vaping Varieties
Although some laws about vapes in Europe are changing, they’re still a lot more relaxed than America’s, especially with flavors and nicotine levels. The FDA is trying to keep them away from teens, and there are many more restrictions on both buying and using them over here. Either way, they’re not as harmless as some think.
Fireworks
Setting off fireworks is a regular part of celebrations for anyone, particularly in Europe. In the U.S., though, you’ll find strict state-by-state regulations, which are mostly thanks to safety concerns. Currently, Massachusetts is the only place where they’re outright banned, although Vermont and Illinois restrict the type of fireworks you can use.
Stem Cell Advances
European scientists are pushing ahead with stem cell research and therapies to give their patients treatments that are under tight regulations in the U.S. These regulations are mostly due to ethical debates and safety concerns. European countries, though, work under a framework that encourages people to adopt new medical technologies faster.
Salty Snacks
Many Europeans love eating things like licorice, which includes the chemical ammonium chloride that gives it a salty, almost spicy kick. However, in the U.S., this type of licorice hasn’t made the cut due to the FDA’s concerns over the safety of this chemical in food. Anyone curious about this weird taste might have to visit Europe to try the real deal.
TV Show and Movie Regulations
Watching TV in Europe is a completely different experience, especially regarding what’s considered suitable for broadcast. European shows often have fewer restrictions on nudity and language, while U.S. networks follow stricter decency standards. Overall, our media content is more conservative.
Shark Fins
Shark fin soup is a delicacy in some European countries and further afield, as there are fewer restrictions on the sale of shark fins. Recent regulation changes in America have banned the sale and possession of shark fins to protect shark populations from overfishing. Honestly, this one’s a good idea because finning is completely inhumane.
BVO in Soft Drinks
Some parts of Europe use brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in citrus-flavored soft drinks to help the flavoring mix better, although it was recently banned here. Starting on August 2, 2024, companies can’t use BVO at all in food and drinks. Some studies show that it can cause pretty serious health problems, so this is a ban we can get behind.
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