When it comes to food, you’d think a box of mac and cheese, a packet of instant oatmeal, or even a simple bottle of ketchup would be pretty standard regardless of where you are. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
A deep dive into ingredient lists reveals some shocking differences between products sold in the U.S. and their counterparts in the U.K., and it’s not just a minor tweak here and there—it’s a complete overhaul.
Let’s take a look at some of these comparisons and explore why the same brands seem to treat American consumers differently from their European counterparts.
1. Quaker Instant Oatmeal Packets
Even something as wholesome as oatmeal isn’t immune to unnecessary additives. In the U.S., Quaker Instant Oatmeal with strawberries and cream contains no actual strawberries. Instead, it relies on “flavored and colored fruit pieces” made from dehydrated apples and artificial strawberry flavoring. Red 40 is also used to give it that familiar strawberry color. The U.K. version? Real freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries with none of the artificial extras.
2. McDonald’s Fries
McDonald’s fries, a go-to fast food favorite, are another example of how American consumers are served a more complex—and less healthy—version of a simple product. In the U.S., the fries are made with potatoes, oil, and a long list of additives like “natural beef flavor,” sodium acid pyrophosphate (to maintain color), and an anti-foaming agent called dimethylpolysiloxane. Across the pond, the U.K. version sticks to a much simpler recipe, using just potatoes, oil, and salt. That’s right—no beef flavor, no foam control agents, just straightforward fries.
3. Mountain Dew
The classic Mountain Dew glow is unmistakable, but in the U.S., that neon color is thanks to Yellow 5, a synthetic dye made from petroleum. In the U.K., however, Mountain Dew’s color comes from beta-carotene, a natural pigment derived from plants. Not only is the coloring different, but the American version of Mountain Dew still contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an additive banned in Europe due to health concerns. While PepsiCo has removed BVO from some of its American products, Mountain Dew still contains it, despite being sold BVO-free elsewhere.
4. Heinz Ketchup
When it comes to Heinz ketchup, one of the biggest differences between the U.S. and U.K. versions is the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the American version. HFCS is a cheap sweetener linked to numerous health issues, yet it is a staple in many American processed foods. In contrast, the U.K. version sticks to simple sugar. Additionally, the U.S. formula contains “natural flavoring,” a vague term that can include a multitude of additives not present in the U.K. version.
5. Doritos
Doritos might be your go-to snack, but did you know that the U.S. version of Cool Ranch Doritos contains artificial colors like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5? These dyes are not only synthetic but are also linked to health risks such as hyperactivity in children. In the U.K., Doritos are colored with natural extracts like paprika and annatto, with no need for petroleum-based dyes. The U.K. version is also non-GMO, while American Doritos are made with genetically modified corn that is often treated with pesticides.
6. Frosted Flakes
The iconic blue box featuring Tony the Tiger looks almost identical in both countries, but a quick glance at the ingredient list tells a different story. The U.S. version of Frosted Flakes contains the preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which has been linked to cancer in some studies. In contrast, BHT is banned in Europe, so the U.K. version is free from this additive.
7. Kraft Mac & Cheese vs. Cheesy Pasta (UK)
A box of Kraft Mac & Cheese may be a staple comfort food in many American households, but in the U.K., a similar product comes with a significantly cleaner ingredient list. In the U.S., Kraft’s iconic blue box contains everything from artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to sodium phosphate. Meanwhile, the U.K. version uses more basic ingredients like wheat, cheese, and natural colors such as beta-carotene. This stark difference raises the question: why are artificial additives still necessary in the American version when the U.K. seems to get by just fine without them?
Why the Difference?
So why are American consumers subjected to a longer list of additives and artificial ingredients? According to food blogger Vani Hari, also known as the Food Babe, the answer comes down to the regulatory differences between the U.S. and Europe. The European Union takes a “precautionary principle” when it comes to food safety, banning or restricting additives that may pose health risks, even if those risks are not fully proven. The U.S., on the other hand, allows companies to use these ingredients until they are definitively proven dangerous—a process that can take years or even decades.
Moreover, the push for cheaper production costs often drives companies to use lower-quality ingredients in the U.S. market. From synthetic dyes to artificial flavor enhancers, companies tend to opt for cheaper alternatives to keep costs down. In contrast, European consumers benefit from stricter regulations and a preference for natural, safer ingredients.
What Can You Do?
The easiest way to avoid these additives is to be vigilant. Flip the package around and read the ingredient list before tossing it into your shopping cart. Avoid items with artificial colors, preservatives, and vague terms like “natural flavoring.” Opt for brands that use real ingredients, or better yet, buy fresh, whole foods whenever possible.
As Vani Hari explains in her book Feeding You Lies, the food industry is not on your side. It’s up to you to make informed decisions and demand better products. If companies like Kraft can make safer, healthier versions of their products for overseas markets, there’s no reason they shouldn’t do the same for Americans.
After all, as more consumers become aware of these differences and push for change, we might just see American food products cleaned up for good. Until then, read those labels, make informed choices, and don’t be afraid to demand better.
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