Taking food into Europe

You can certainly buy nuts, crackers, and dried figs anywhere in Europe, but peanut butter and those peanut butter cups, I don't know. Maybe you could survive without them?

It doesn't matter if it's in your carry-on, or checked-in. It generally isn't a problem bringing packaged foods into the EU. Customs checks going in Europe are very laid back, it's rare to have your bags checked. Bringing food back into the US after your trip is more of an issue. Except for the UK, peanut butter cups aren't available elsewhere in the EU, so if you're an addict like me bring a bag along:)

Meat and dairy are usually the biggest no-nos.

There is plenty of peanut butter here in the UK. They sell it right next to the Nutella in most shops in Europe.

Thanks much. I'm not sure if I could survive w/o my peanut butter! And I asked about crackers because I have a restrictive diet and need to take special ones that I'm guessing are hard to find abroad. Sounds like finding nuts and PB across the pond won't be an issue, but I might take some with me for convenience' sake if it won't create a customs nightmare.

Thank you!

I try to pack something I will 'consume' (typically, laundry powder but food would also work). That way I have a 'hole' in my bag for that thing I didn't expect to bring back but absolutely must!! The theory is that the bag never gets heavier, but I consider myself lucky when I break even at trip's end.

Plus, you can make friends - last trip I gave my last ounce of laundry soap to a fellow RS traveler, who found the same laundromat on directions from the RS guidebook. The soap machine was broken and I needed to shed the weight since we were about to board a RyanAir flight. It made him a happy (and cleaner) camper.

The problem with carrying too much food is that you miss out on trying new things or end up crushing it or wasting it because you didn't use it all. A couple of days worth is sufficient until you are able to restock on new snacks.

The problem is with Peanut Butter. Some security scanners have problems with it because it is the same consistency as some explosives. Plus it would have to be in your 3-1-1 bag if you carry on- so you couldn't carry much. Some airlines also prefer you not bring peanut products and consume them on board due to others who may have allergy problems. It should be ok in your checked bags. If you have dietary issues,let us know which country(s) you are going to and what the issue is. Many here could help- esp the locals who "hang out" on this board. Some European countries have more and better special products than many places here in the states.

So, just to be sure I'm understanding ... peanut butter in the carry on bags could cause a hiccup, but peanut butter in checked luggage shouldn't be a problem?

Basically my stomach is just very sensitive and I have to be really careful of what I eat. I'm afraid that introducing new things to it while I'm overseas will cause problems, so I just want to take over some comfort foods that I know will sustain me if I'm unable to find suitable alternatives over there. I'm not going for the food adventures ... just the beautiful scenery!

Many thanks for your help.

Oh - and I'm going to Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary.

I didn't think I could travel around Europe without my peanut butter either, but it wasn't a problem buying it over there; even in Budapest. I've experienced problems here in the US trying to travel with the Jif peanut butter cups. TSA has pulled them from my carry-on on several occasions, so I quit carrying them. The same goes with packets of cream cheese.

Our last trip to Europe, last May, was to the Czech Republic, Austria,Hungary, and Croatia. I envy you on your upcoming trip.

Yes, I've had that issue here in the US too. So the peanut butter overseas is ok? Not too oily and gooey??

Shouldn't be a problem, but you may run across a TSA agent having a really bad day!

I do take specialty food items into Europe, usually as gifts. Do so regularly with cranberry juice, dried cranberries, maple sirup, years ago also peanut butter. Not a problem for customs but some items can be a problem for security if their consistency is too much like a "liquid". I'd pack peanut butter into checked luggage.

Unfortunately, "Schokokuesse" which are VERY hard to get in Northamerica (Dickmanns or any other brand) get confiscated by security in Europe as well. And those are much too fragile to be packed into checked luggage :-(

While I have yet to visit much of Europe, I was even able to find peanut butter in Russia, so I think it should be available elsewhere in Europe?

In England I saw peanut butter in the Mexican food section of a store. In Paris, The Real McCoy in the rue Cler neighborhood has it. Nuts are probably easier to find, sometimes in bulk in the same shops that sell dried fruit.

In Germany, peanut butter is available in all of the grocery stores and is pretty much equivalent to American brands, but without all the sugar. Asian stores also carry peanut butter commonly. Dried fruits and nuts are in most grocery stores, but you can also look in ethnic stores, Turkisch, Middle Eastern, etc. for a wide variety. Farmers markets and health food stores may also offer good choices.

If your first stop is London, you can find Whole Foods popping up all over the place. Not to mention all of the specialist health food stores all over the country. Food packaging in the UK is so simple and you know exactly what you are getting. Even in the supermarkets, you would be amazed at the specialist dietary products on the shelves... wheat and gluten free, low/no sugar etc.

Dried fruits and nuts are way better than what you get in the US. They tend to be plump and moist instead of dried out.

If you are talking about snacks to sustain you on your flight and upon arrival, you can take your crackers and nuts.

I am on a GF diet because of Celiac and I take some items from here to sustain me, but have found much better variety in the UK, so now I take limited amounts and bring back tons, LOL

We bring Peppridge Farms Goldfish when we go to Ireland as a treat for the wee ones. I replace the Goldfish with Walker's Crisps