When it comes to shopping, Americans are spoiled for choice, with a vast array of retail options available across the country. However, as a recent Reddit discussion revealed, there are certain British treats that are either unavailable or hard to find in the U.S., making them highly sought-after souvenirs for American travelers visiting the UK. User ‘Soccergirl9090’ sparked the conversation by asking, “What is the best souvenir to bring back to the USA from the UK?” The responses were overwhelmingly food-focused, highlighting the unique culinary delights that Brits take for granted but Americans crave. Here’s a look at what made the list, from controversial spreads to quintessential chocolates, teas, and even seaside sweets.
For many contributors, the answer was clear: food is the ultimate British souvenir. As ‘travis_6’ succinctly put it, “Your best bet is food. There’s not much else in the UK that you can’t get in the States.” One of the most divisive yet popular choices was Marmite, a yeast extract spread that comes with the slogan, “You’ll either love it or hate it.” For Brits, Marmite is a household name, but for Americans, it’s a novelty that’s both intriguing and daunting. ‘Acceptable-Smile8864’ described it as “lovely on toast or crumpets” but warned to “go easy as it’s punchy.” Some users even recommended taking it to the next level by pairing it with Marmite-flavored crisps (known as chips in the U.S.), called Twiglets. ‘Charming-Dingo8866’ cheekily added, “Even better if you dip the Twiglets into the Marmite.” For those with a sweeter tooth, blackcurrant jam was another top pick, with ‘Symbister’ noting that it’s widely available across the UK, and ‘LondonLeather’ suggesting a trip to Sainsbury’s for Tiptree Jams’ blackcurrant offering. Rounding out the spread section was English mustard, though ‘Longjumping-Yak-6378’ cautioned, “Proceed with caution.”
Chocolate lovers were in for a treat, as Cadbury emerged as the standout choice for many contributors. The British confectionery giant is a staple in the UK, and its iconic Dairy Milk, Crunchie, and Creme Egg bars are often cited as “better than their U.S. versions.” User ‘Hot_Success_7986’ confessed to bringing back “loads” of Creme Eggs for friends, while ‘Ok-Contribution-2576’ took a more maximalist approach, buying “one of everything in the chocolate bar section” from Tesco and letting the kids at home pick their favorites. Beyond Cadbury, other recommendations included Toffee Crisp, Milky Bar, Aero, and Kit-Kat, with ‘IllusiveWoman20’ emphasizing that the UK version of Kit-Kat is “a game-changer” compared to its American counterpart. For those looking to save a few pounds, ‘TheLifeOfBisk’ suggested picking up mini chocolates from pound shops like Poundland, where everything costs just £1 ($1.25). These bite-sized treats were always a “big hit” when brought back to the States.
No trip to the UK would be complete without stocking up on tea, and Reddit users were quick to recommend Yorkshire Tea bags as the ultimate British brew. Available across the UK (not just in Yorkshire!), the brand has a cult following, and many users emphasized the importance of brewing it properly. ‘Hot_Success_7986’ even joked, “If you boil water in the microwave for tea, Queenie will come back and haunt you,” referring to the British monarch. For a truly authentic experience, ‘BuyAccomplished205’ broke down the process: “Boil water in the kettle, pour over the tea bag, let steep 4-5 min, add a bit of milk and sugar.” Of course, no cup of tea is complete without a few biscuits on the side, and Marks & Spencer (M&S) was the go-to destination for these buttery, crumbly treats. ‘Claustrophonic’ raved about Hobnobs and Chocolate Hobnobs, while ‘BuyAccomplished205’ suggested custard creams, chocolate digestives, and shortbread. ‘BuncleCar’ added that M&S offers beautifully packaged tins featuring iconic British imagery, like red double-decker buses and Scottish landscapes. ‘Deadest_of_parrots’ even brought back a tin with a bear dressed as a soldier, which was such a hit with coworkers that “you’d think I’d brought gold.”
For a taste of quintessential British seaside culture, Reddit users suggested bringing back a stick of rock. This colorful candy is a staple of UK beach towns, with its vibrant pink exterior and white center often featuring the name of the place it’s from. While some Americans were initially confused by the suggestion, ‘BackgroundGate3’ explained, “If you haven’t been to the British seaside and watched a stick of rock being made, you can’t say you’ve ‘done’ Britain.” Users like ‘Ok-Comment5616’ recommended picking one up from gift shops, noting that they’re small and easy to pack. ‘Youllthankmelater’ added that it’s essentially a “British candy cane,” making it a fun and nostalgic souvenir.
For those looking for something more unusual than food, royal memorabilia emerged as a popular choice. Whether it’s tea towels, mugs, or crockery, these items offer a unique way to bring a piece of British culture back home. ‘LadyEvaBennerly’ suggested hitting up charity shops for second-hand royal wedding memorabilia, such as vintage mugs or teapots, while others recommended souvenir shops across the UK. However, ‘darthbreezy’ cautioned that buying such items might earn you a few knowing glances, recounting how they picked up a Princess Diana mug for a neighbor and were met with a less-than-impressed reaction from the salesperson. Still, there’s no denying the charm of bringing home a piece of royal history, even if it’s just a quirky souvenir.
Finally, it’s worth noting the duty-free rules for Americans traveling to the UK. U.S. citizens have an $800 (£644) personal allowance, which resets every 31 days, provided they’ve spent at least 48 hours in the U.S. between trips. Family members can combine their exemptions on a joint declaration, but anything exceeding the limit must be declared and may incur customs duty. For many, the allure of these British treats is well worth the effort, offering a taste of a culture that’s both familiar and uniquely different. Whether it’s a jar of Marmite, a packet of Hobnobs, or a stick of rock, these souvenirs bring a slice of British life back to American shores, reminding travelers of the little joys that make each country special.
