One of the more common questions I hear get thrown around expat groups is "what should I buy before I move" or "what should I send to a loved one who is currently living in Europe". While I am not an expert on what is available everywhere in Europe, here are some things I miss in Denmark and likely are hard for most expats in Europe to get. Hopefully this helps you pack or buy some great gifts.
- American Plastic Food Wrap - Denmark has this stuff, but the domestic stuff is terrible compared to the American version. I have no idea why, I assume some sort of super dangerous chemical. Anyway buy it.
- Taco Seasoning - I have no idea why, but the stuff they have here is terrible. It has almost no flavor except for salt.
- Twizzlers - If you like them, buy them because you can't buy these in Denmark.
- Poultry Seasoning - mostly for Thanksgiving but you can't buy that here.
- Cream Of Tartar
- Good Doritos - they have some Doritos but they don't have any of the good flavors, so no cooler ranch or nacho cheese.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning - honestly there aren't a lot of bagel places, but this seasoning goes great with everything
- Aspirin
- Pepto-Bismol
- Tums
- Melatonin
- Corn bread
- Grits / pancake mix - you can find it but it costs 5x what it should
- Maple Syrup is available but only the expensive real stuff
- Old Bay
- Peppers! Spicy food doesn't exist in Europe like it does in the US. The only stuff you can get here is like tobasco sauce and red pepper flakes. So get some guajillos, puyas, chiles de árbol with the stems if you can find them.
- The best hot sauce on the planet.
- Greenies for your dog.
- Cheap Dog Poop Bags
- Mac and Cheese Powder - no Kraft Mac and Cheese here.
- Electronics - all electronics because the tax for things like laptops/headphones/game consoles is insane in Europe compared to the US
- Peanut Butter - you can buy it but it is a lot more expensive
- Meatloaf Mix
- Vanilla Extract - lots of vanilla beans at the grocery stores but no extract
- Sprinkles
- Pretzels
- Goldfish crackers
- Ginger Ale (they have ginger beer)
- Root Beer