Almond Joys
Oh, sweet chocolate covered, almond coconut joy, why are you not available in Australia? I've searched high and low trying to find this chocolate with no such luck. I will admit, there are many American's that do not enjoy Almond Joys but seriously, Australia you're missing out!
Peach Rings
It may be a good thing that peach rings are not available in Australia. I used to easily go through a pack of these per day (#sorrynotsorry). I was recently able to find Peach Rings at an American Lolli stand at the Victoria Garden's Shopping Centre but was informed that they would not be regularly stocked. Naturally, I bought the only two bags they had in stock.
Mexican Food
The inability to find decent Mexican food is is a daily complaint from my mouth. Frequently, my housemates laugh at my obsession with cooking Mexican. I can't help it! Growing up in California, it is a massive staple in my diet. At least two times per week, I cook a Mexican dish at home. I recently saw that a Chipotle was opening up at Southern Cross Station (I'm aware it isn't proper Mexican food, but I'll take what I can get). Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be a rip-off of Chipotle.
Bagels
Bagels were a main breakfast staple for me back in the US. While you're able to find bagels here, it's incredibly challenging. There are a few great places in Melbourne, but they're expensive and a bit of a trek from mine. Occasionally I will find bagels at the market, so fingers crossed it's becoming a "thing" in Melbourne. **Hipsters, please work your bagel magic**
Philly Cheese Steak
I've found a few restaurants in Melbourne that claim to have Philly Cheese Steaks on the menu. At this point, I know better, but I will order a Philly Cheese Steak when I see one on the menu. None even remotely resemble what a real Philly Cheese Steak sandwich should be. This is another food item I'm better off preparing at home. *le sigh*
Ranch Dressing
Australia seriously please jump on the ranch dressing bandwagon. You can literally put it on anything, and it will taste amazing! Ok, maybe not everything but 80% of foods you ingest, ranch dressing will add massive awesomeness. I frequently ask my family to send over packets so I can make my ranch dressing. This has helped hold me over until I can convince Australia that ranch dressing needs to become a thing. 
Cookie butter
Another total American food here. Nothing is better than having a few spoonfuls of cookie butter for dessert or lightly spreading the delicious cookie butter over a toasted English muffin or bagel. It's awesome! Thank you, Aldi, for rarely stocking this gem.
Sunflower Seeds
This was another go-to snack for me. I drove a lot for my job in the US and frequently would eat sunflower seeds while driving to help keep me alert. As my job requires a lot of driving here in Australia, I miss being able to snack on sunflower seeds.  |
| Yes, these are pumpkin seeds but same same. |
Vernors
Anytime I'm feeling ill; I specifically crave Vernors. Growing up in a household of Michigan origins, Vernors was the cure-all drink. A Michigan-based ginger ale (that actually contains no ginger), this is the most flavourful ginger ale I've ever had. USA Foods does stock Vernors at a shocking $4 per can! I've only been desperate enough to buy a can once.
Arizona Tea (Specifically Grapeade)
Another beverage that is available in Australia but at a steep markup. It's tough to pay $4 per can when the can says explicitly "ONLY 99 Cents". I frequently see the Fruit Punch Arizona Tea but rarely see the Grapeade. Grape and cherry are not commonly found flavours in Australia, so I tend to buy a can whenever I see them. The ml per can is significantly larger than that of a can of Vernor's so I can justify the purchase in my head.
I ended up with quite an extensive list so I will probably write a part two to this list. Are you an America living abroad? What are some American foods you cannot get? Have I left anything off the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below!
And until next time...
Stay Curious!
Never miss an adventure by following along on social media:
Seriously, no Ranch!? And mexican food? I don't think I could live without it! It's weird the small things I guess you could say we take for granted here, you know like Ranch!
ReplyDeleteRanch is the big one. You can find Mexican food but nothing to SoCal standards.
DeleteOh dear, do you need some of us to start sending you care packages every three months?
ReplyDeleteThat would be lovely! My auntie has sent a few in the past. They're so helpful! She included the Red Lobster biscuit mix in the last one.
DeleteWHAT! No TJ's Cookie Butter?!?!?! And that means there is definitely no Cookie Butter Ice Cream then. I would have to leave, hahaha! I'm sure they have some amazing treats that we don't have here. You will have to share them with us!
ReplyDeleteYea no cookie butter. Occasionally the American Store and Aldi will carry it but its super rare. Mint Slice are my Australian cookie addiction. They're like thin mints but so much better!
DeleteI'm not sure how you get by without those items. I have a friend in Holland that talks about the cool stuff there, but not available here. Of course, we have a lot of things he likes that can't be bought there.
ReplyDeleteSometimes its really hard. Most of the time I don't even notice that I don't have access to these foods. It's really only when I'm a bit homesick.
DeleteAww you poor thing lol, its really tough being in a new country and not having your comfort foods. I am not sure where in Australia you are but sunflower seeds (and pumpkin seeds) are everywhere where i live. Maybe try a more ethnic suburb (arabic or italian/greek)?
ReplyDeleteI can find shell-less sunflower and pumpkin seeds but I've struggles to find them with the shell. I've had some luck at Aldi a could of times with the pumpkin seeds. I'll try looking in some of the other suburbs. Thanks for that!
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