If you’ve ever searched your local American supermarket for your favourite UK snacks and come up empty-handed, you’re not alone. Many British foods you can’t find in US stores are either unavailable, reformulated, or only stocked in limited quantities.

The good news? You can order authentic British food online and have it delivered straight from the UK to your door in the USA.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular British foods that are hard to find in America and why ordering online is the best way to get the real thing.

Why Some British Foods Aren’t Available in US Stores

There are several reasons certain British foods don’t appear in American supermarkets:

• Different food regulations
• Import restrictions
• Low retail demand in certain regions
• Recipe reformulations for US production
• Limited shelf space in international aisles

Even when British brands are available in the US, they’re often made under licence using American ingredients which can significantly change the taste.

That’s why many British expats and American fans prefer ordering directly from UK-based online supermarkets.

British Foods You Rarely Find in US Supermarkets

Below are some of the most searched British foods Americans struggle to find locally.

1. Cadbury UK Chocolate (Original Recipe)

While Cadbury products exist in the United States, the American-made versions taste different from authentic UK-made bars.

British Cadbury chocolate contains:

• Higher milk content
• Different cocoa blend
• Distinctly creamier texture

Many customers specifically search for “UK Cadbury chocolate delivered to USA” because the flavour difference is noticeable.

2. Walkers Crisps (UK Flavours)

British crisp flavours like:

• Prawn Cocktail
• Roast Chicken
• Pickled Onion
• Worcestershire Sauce

are rarely available in standard US grocery stores.

These bold flavours are uniquely British and often surprise American customers trying them for the first time.

3. McVitie's Chocolate Digestives

Plain Digestives occasionally appear in international sections, but Chocolate Digestives — especially dark chocolate varieties are much harder to find in American supermarkets.

They remain one of the most ordered British biscuits online.

4. Jammie Dodgers

These iconic jam-filled biscuits are rarely stocked in mainstream US stores but are consistently popular in online British grocery orders.

5. Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles

Although gummy candy is common in the US, authentic British Fruit Pastilles have a different texture and flavour balance that’s difficult to find locally.

6. Irn-Bru

This iconic Scottish soft drink has a unique flavour that is hard to compare to American sodas. It’s rarely found in US supermarkets outside specialist import shops.

7. Bird's Custard Powder

Traditional custard powder is a British staple used in desserts and puddings. It’s not commonly stocked in mainstream US grocery chains.

8. Bisto Gravy Granules

British gravy granules differ from American gravy mixes. They’re thicker, richer, and commonly used for Sunday roasts.

9. HP Sauce

HP Sauce is a tangy brown sauce that’s difficult to find outside international specialty shops in the USA.

Why Order British Food Online Instead?

If you’re searching for British foods you can’t find in US stores, ordering online offers clear advantages:

• Access to full UK product ranges
• Authentic British-made recipes
• Better stock availability
• Direct shipping from Britain
• Wider selection than supermarket “international aisles”

Online British supermarkets specialise in exporting to the USA and understand customs requirements, packaging protection, and delivery timelines.

How Long Does UK Food Delivery to the USA Take?

Most specialist British retailers offer:

• Standard shipping: 5–10 business days
• Express shipping: 3–5 business days

Delivery times may vary depending on customs processing and your US state.

Are There Import Restrictions?

Most packaged British foods such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets, tea, and crisps are allowed into the United States.

However, fresh meats and certain dairy products may have restrictions. Reputable online retailers clearly state which items can be shipped to the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does UK chocolate taste different from US chocolate?

British chocolate often contains more milk and follows different production standards, resulting in a creamier and less waxy texture.

Can you buy authentic British food in the USA?

Yes, but often only in limited quantities or speciality stores. Ordering online from a UK retailer provides a much wider selection.

Is it safe to order British food online to the USA?

Yes. Established UK online supermarkets use secure packaging and comply with customs regulations.

What British foods are most popular with American customers?

UK chocolate, Digestives, British crisps, gravy granules, brown sauce, and retro sweets are among the most frequently ordered items.

Are British foods more expensive when ordered online?

Imported products may cost slightly more due to shipping and customs, but many customers prefer paying for authenticity.

Can chocolate melt during shipping?

Reputable retailers use protective packaging and sometimes insulated materials to reduce melting risk, especially during warmer months.

Final Thoughts

Many British foods simply aren’t available in mainstream US stores and even when they are, they may not be the authentic UK-made version.

If you’re craving real British chocolate, biscuits, crisps, sauces, or nostalgic sweets, ordering online from a specialist UK retailer is the easiest and most reliable way to enjoy genuine British flavours in the United States.

For expats and curious food lovers alike, authentic British food is now only a few clicks away.