14. Fruit Loops

And Fruity Pebbles, too! If it wasn’t obvious, Fruit Loops are made from artificial dyes. Many of these dyes have adverse health effects on both children and adults. These include cancers and healthy DNA mutation. For this reason, Norway, Finland, France, and Austria have all banned them.

15. Fake Blueberry

The artificial dyes used to make the artificial blueberry you see in NutriGrain bars, toaster waffles, and most pre-packaged fake blueberry-containing foods are made from petroleum. They have been linked to brain cancer, nerve cell degeneration, and hyperactivity. It is banned in Norway, France, Finland, Austria, and the UK. Many of these blueberry snack foods still exist there – they just contain real blueberries.

16. American M&Ms

The next time you’re in the EU, have a look at the ingredients list on a package of M&Ms. You’ll see things like red cabbage, lemon, and radish. This is because the food dyes used in American M&Ms are banned for use in these countries. Again, these countries are concerned about the risk of hyperactivity in children among other health risks.

17. Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries in the United States are given their bright red color via Red Dye 40. This is also used in grenadine and many cherry pie mixes. This dye is banned in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Denmark over health and safety concerns. These concerns are similar to those already mentioned in this article about food dyes.

18. Apples

They say one apple a day keeps the doctor away, but perhaps in the case of American apples, it’s the opposite. This is because non-organic apples in the United States are coated in a chemical-filled wax to give them that super shiny appearance. These chemicals have been linked to certain cancers and are therefore banned in the EU.

19. Chocolate Milk

Not all chocolate milks are made equal. Many American brands contain a chemical called carrageenan. This is an emulsifying agent used to stabilize and thicken many processed foods. Research has linked it to heart disease causing inflammation, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. It is banned for use in baby formula but can be found in ice creams, salad dressings, soy milk, and some meat products. The EU has banned it.

20. Ketchup

Ketchup is America’s favorite condiment, but let’s be honest – we all know that it is not good for us. The sugar content alone will make your head spin. In 2011, France banned ketchup in all school and university cafeterias. They cited two reasons: Health and the protection of their own cuisine.

21. Potato Chips

BHT strikes again. The chemical added to your chips to keep them fresh and crisp is banned in the UK, Japan, and many European countries. No American chips to be found there.

22. American Cheese

Many US dairy products, including cheese, contain the hormone Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH). This hormone is a synthetic version of the natural one used to increase milk production. In cows, it can cause inflamed udders and infertility. Not only is it inhumane, but in humans, it can cause various types of cancer. It is banned in 30 countries.

23. Coffee Mate

Many of us can’t start our day without coffee – and plenty enjoy putting a little (or a lot) of Coffee Mate coffee creamer in our cuppa’. Unfortunately, this product contains trans fats from cottonseed oils and hydrogenated soybean that can lead to heart disease. Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland have all banned it.

24. High Fructose Corn Syrup

HGCS is not full-on banned in the EU and the UK, but it is restricted. This is due to its connection with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Though still common in America, especially in fizzy-sweet soda drinks, it’s best to avoid it.

25. Palm Oil

Most commercial peanut butter is filled with sugar, salt… and palm oil. Not only is it bad for human health, but its cultivation is one of the top causes of deforestation in the Amazon. Many European countries have banned it for this reason.

26. Artificial Sweeteners

Many sweets made for people with diabetes or simply for people who want baked goods without sugar are too good to be true. They contain artificial sweeteners that the EU officially banned in 2017-2018. There are several different side effects of these chemical products, which comes as no surprise. They are artificial, after all.

27. Stevia

Though highly popular in North America and parts of Asia, the EU and UK still have a firm ban on the low-calorie sweetener stevia. Their concern is over the lack of evidence that it is safe to consume. There is some evidence to suggest that it could contribute to male infertility and some cancers.

28. Trans Fats

Scientists have known for a while that trans fats can increase your risk of heart disease. They do this by lowering your good cholesterol while simultaneously raising your bad cholesterol. Much of the EU, Canada, and Brazil have banned or at least put very strict regulations on the substance.