Investing Magazine

Magazine:
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • History
  • Movies & TV
  • Tech & Innovation
  • Automotive

Foreign Versions of Beloved American Products

Updated: Aug 12, 2023By Kate PrinceCulture
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
Oreos & Wasabi ©Shutterstock Oreos & Wasabi ©Shutterstock

There’s no denying that when it comes to food, America really does it best. The United States knows its snacks better than almost any other country, which is probably why other territories are often keen to put their own spin on Uncle Sam’s much-loved favorites. 

From strangely flavored Pepsi to pork donuts at Dunkin’ and seaweed McNuggets, a huge quantity of American staples have been given an altogether different look in other countries. In some cases, the flavor combinations are so bizarre that it doesn’t make sense at all. On the other hand, a few products sound oddly inviting – if only they weren’t so far away. 

1. Lay’s India’s Magic Masala

Available in: India
Average Price in USD: $0.27*
Status: Available

There’s a flavor of potato chip for everyone’s palette, but if you think you can handle spice you might want to be extra careful next time you grab a bag of chips in India. Lay’s India’s Magic Masala is flavorful and packed full of spices like chili, coriander, and cumin. 

Lay's India's Magic Masala (India) @IndiFix / Pinterest.com Lay's India's Magic Masala (India) @IndiFix / Pinterest.com

That being said, the taste can be a little overpowering even for the most hardened adventurous eater. At just 20 Rs per pack ($0.27) it’s worth a gamble just to say you’ve been there and done that. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

2. Tomato Flavored Pringles

Available in: China
Average Price in USD: $1.76*
Status: Available 

Pringles come in many different forms, from Sour Cream and Onion to Salt and Vinegar. While we’re not exactly short of different varieties, China does have something we don’t: Tomato flavor. It might not be for everyone, but it sounds interesting enough to warrant a try. 

Tomato Flavored Pringle’s (China) @ Tim Isaak / Facebook.com Tomato Flavored Pringle’s (China) @ Tim Isaak / Facebook.com

The Kellogg-owned brand continues to be one of the most popular chip brands out there, so is there any chance that we could see Tomato hit the shelves in this country? Stranger things have happened, but we may have to wait a while. However, if you’re that desperate to try this flavor out you may be able to find a box on Amazon – but it’ll cost you. 

3. Sprite on Fire

Available in: China
Average Price in USD: $1.48*
Status: Available

Sprite in general is a fairly uneventful drink, but perfect as a mixer or for those just wanting a slightly higher-quality lemonade. The brand is always looking to expand its repertoire and has several different flavors across the world, including Sprite on Fire. 

Sprite on Fire (China) @sinosplice/Pinterest.com Sprite on Fire (China) @sinosplice/Pinterest.com

Coca-Cola introduced the fiery ginger version in Japan back in 2003, before unleashing it upon the Chinese market in 2004. The spicy drink is still available in the country today for around 9.90 Yuan, or $1.48. The real question is, are you brave enough to try it? 

4. Seaweed Flavored McNuggets

Available in: Taiwan
Average Price in USD: $1.60*
Status: Available

If you’ve ever looked at your simple box of Chicken McNuggets and wished they looked a little more exciting, then we’ve got an answer for you. All you have to do is take a quick trip to Taiwan, where frankly, they just do McDonald’s better than we do. 

Seaweed McNuggets @littleasiangirl_eats/Instagram Seaweed McNuggets @littleasiangirl_eats/Instagram

The menu at the Taiwan locations of McDonald’s is just undeniably superior, thanks in part to their Seaweed Flavored McNuggets. The highly-seasoned, super crunchy fried balls of chicken are so popular that many fans have tried to crack the recipe so people across the world can enjoy it. The best part? They’re only $1.60. You just have to get there. 

5. Ruffles Queso with Salsa Packet

Available in: Mexico
Average Price in USD: $0.78*
Status: Available

Just like every other chip brand out there, Ruffles don’t sell us short when it comes to the different kinds they do, but Mexico has one up on the States. Their Queso chips come with a salsa packet, but this isn’t a product for the faint of heart. 

Ruffles Queso with Salsa Packet (Mexico) ©u/Jagator / Reddit.com Ruffles Queso with Salsa Packet (Mexico) ©u/Jagator / Reddit.com

According to reviewers, this flavor is one of the stinkiest types of chip that Pepsi makes. If you’re a fan of strong cheese and like a flavor explosion that will keep the vampires at bay, then it might be worth making a trip south of the border for these alone. 

6. Lay’s Crab & Red Caviar

Available in: Russia
Average Price in USD: $0.73*
Status: Available

We all know that Russians like vodka, but they’re also big fans of potato chips. Lays come in many different flavors there, including Crab & Red Caviar. It’s not a combination we’re likely to catch on the shelves at our local stores, but what does it taste like? 

Lays Crab and Red Caviar Chips @bodotdot/Pinterest.com Lays Crab and Red Caviar Chips @bodotdot/Pinterest.com

Apparently, it’s not half bad. Considering that Russia produces some of the best caviar in the world, it makes a lot of sense. The real deal can cost a fortune though, so buying the chips if you ever happen to stumble across a Russian grocery store might be a safer bet. Just don’t expect to find them in Walmart. You can buy them in their home country for 57 RUB, which is around $0.73 cents.  

7. Dairy Queen’s Durian Blizzard

Available in: Vietnam
Average Price in USD: $1.99
Status: Available

Vietnam street markets offer up all sorts of exciting food for Westerners to try. Not all of it always looks appealing. At one point, the Dairy Queen’s in the country offered up a Durian ice cream similar in style to a McFlurry. 

Durian Blizzard @foodwarp/Facebook.com Durian Blizzard @foodwarp/Facebook.com

For those of you that are blissfully unaware, durian is a type of tropical fruit that has a particularly pungent aroma, often described as foul. Those brave enough to eat it say that the taste can be quite flavorful, despite the stink. Color us boring, but we’ll think we’ll give this one a solid pass.

8. Domino’s Indi Tandoori Paneer Pizza

Available in: India
Average Price in USD: $0.68*
Status: Available

Ordering pizza in America is a treat that saves most of us the trouble of cooking on a Friday night, but it certainly isn’t cheap. A large pizza will set you back around $16. Add on sides, dessert, and a drink or two and you’re looking at double that. In India, you can get a medium Tandoori Paneer Pizza for just 45 RS, or $0.68. 

Domino's Tandoori Paneer Pizza @thefoodattacker/Instagram Domino's Tandoori Paneer Pizza @thefoodattacker/Instagram

This particular type of fancy dough was specifically made for the Indian market as Dominos knew it had to entice the customer base. With its smoky flavor and fresh cheese combo, this is one flavor mash-up that we can get behind. 

9. Avocado Salad Cheetos

Available in: Japan
Average Price in USD: $1.99*
Status: Available

If given half the chance, most of us would love to come up with a Cheetos flavor. There are so many different avenues that one could go down, experimenting with all sorts of combinations. Someone, somewhere thought that the winning flavor would be Avocado Salad. Yes, really. 

Avocado Salad Cheetos (Japan) @Kelly Hunter / Facebook.com Avocado Salad Cheetos (Japan) @Kelly Hunter / Facebook.com

The strange idea clearly got the green light from someone at Pepsi, but it’s probably best we never find out who. According to reviewers, the Avocado Salad Cheetos have a distinctly sweet taste to them, which is more than a little odd given what the product is supposed to taste like. 

10. Yogurt & Mint Doritos

Available in: Turkey
Average Price in USD: $0.50*
Status: Available

Doritos have been a jewel in the crown of Pepsi’s empire for decades, securing a position as a premiere snack food across the world. We know that the product and its different varieties are well-loved in America, but what about in other territories? The answer is a resounding yes, but they certainly come with a twist. 

Yogurt & Mint Doritos (Turkey) Fauzan Fitria / Shutterstock |@Matt Wheeler / Facebook.com Yogurt & Mint Doritos (Turkey) Fauzan Fitria / Shutterstock |@Matt Wheeler / Facebook.com

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to travel to Turkey, you may have seen some very odd flavors stacked high on shelves, including Yogurt and Mint. The light snack isn’t to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for a departure from the normal Kraft Ruffles, then this is a fairly safe bet. 

11. Hazelnut Snickers

Available in: UK
Average Price in USD: $0.95*
Status: Unavailable

Britain can do many things well. For a start, they’ve got the most famous monarchy in the world, but can they really compare to other countries when it comes to food? Most people might say no, but every now and then something special crops up, like the Hazelnut Snickers bar. 

Hazelnut Snickers (UK) @shariffsellitcheaps / Facebook.com Hazelnut Snickers (UK) @shariffsellitcheaps / Facebook.com

Mars might have even had Hershey beat with this product when it first hit the UK shelves back in 2015. Similar in taste to the original Snickers, this variety just has way more hazelnuts. Sadly for chocolate lovers, it can’t be found in English grocery chains currently, but that’s not to say it won’t come back. 

12. Dunkin’ Charcoal Donuts

Available in: Thailand 
Average Price in USD: $4.62 per dozen*
Status: Unavailable

It’s true that the majority of the most popular chain eateries make their way into the unlikeliest of places at some point or another. There’s even a Dunkin’ Donuts in Thailand. The donut shops sell everything you’d expect from an American branch, but there was a time when they also sold Charcoal Donuts. 

Dunkin' Charcoal Donuts (Thailand) @FOODBEAST - Food Blogging / Pinterest.com Dunkin' Charcoal Donuts (Thailand) @FOODBEAST - Food Blogging / Pinterest.com

Although the jet black donut isn’t available anymore at Dunkin’ in Thailand, it was around long enough to create a little bit of controversy. Fans weren’t overly impressed with the advertising campaign for the new flavor as it featured a woman painted black from head to toe. 

13. Pepsi Max Twist Mojito

Available in: Italy
Average Price in USD: $1.29*
Status: Unavailable

Mojitos are usually best made with alcohol, but that doesn’t mean the minty, refreshing flavor isn’t a treat all on its own. Back in 2008 Pepsi decided to create a limited edition Mojito flavor to sell in Finland and Denmark. 

Pepsi Max Twist Mojito (Italy) @BuzzFeed / Pinterest.com Pepsi Max Twist Mojito (Italy) @BuzzFeed / Pinterest.com

Eventually, it made its way over to Italy. Sadly for fans of the interesting concoction, it was just around for a short time before eventually fading out. The mint and lime-infused drink was certainly a little unusual considering the base flavor, but it wasn’t popular enough to warrant a permanent place on the market. 

14. McDonald’s McArabia

Available in: Middle East & Pakistan
Average Price in USD: $3.65*
Status: Available

McDonald’s McArabia is incredibly popular in Arab countries like Pakistan, but the pita sandwich actually has many different names across the globe. In Singapore it’s the Grilled Chicken Foldover, in Spain it’s the McOriental, and in Greece, it’s the Greek Mac. 

McDonald's Arabia (Middle East & Pakistan) ©Robivy64 / Wikimedia.org McDonald's Arabia (Middle East & Pakistan) ©Robivy64 / Wikimedia.org

So, what exactly is it? The McArabia contains two grilled chicken patties and a healthy supply of salad all mixed together with garlic sauce. It’s tasty enough to be a mainstay on the menu in these countries. Some other territories occasionally introduce it as a limited-edition menu item, but in Pakistan and the Middle East, it’s here to stay.