Chocolate Bars from Europe
Chocolate lovers may be in for a bitter surprise. Many favorite chocolate bars like Cadbury, Toblerone, and Kinder are imported from Europe. With tariffs on European goods climbing as high as 25% in recent years, the cost of these chocolates has soared. According to trade analysts, U.S. imports of European chocolate dropped by nearly 10% in 2023. Retailers have started to pull certain products from shelves, citing shrinking profit margins. Consumers are noticing higher prices and fewer varieties in stores. Some specialty shops now carry substitute brands or local alternatives, but many fans insist nothing compares to the originals. If tariffs continue or rise, these beloved treats could disappear from American candy aisles altogether.
Japanese Pocky Sticks
Pocky, the crunchy biscuit stick dipped in chocolate or strawberry cream, is a Japanese snack adored worldwide. The U.S. imports millions of dollars’ worth of Pocky each year. But after tariffs on Asian confectionery increased in 2022, importers started limiting orders. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Japanese snack imports fell by 7% last year. Some Asian supermarkets have warned customers about potential shortages. The snack’s unique flavors, like matcha and almond crush, are almost impossible to find domestically. If tariffs remain high, Pocky could become a rare—and expensive—treat for American fans.
French Cheese Crackers
French cheese crackers, such as the famous La Mere Poulard and St. Michel brands, are a staple for many snack enthusiasts. These crispy, cheesy bites are made with specific French cheeses, which are themselves subject to high tariffs. In 2023, the United States Trade Representative included more European dairy products in its tariff list, causing wholesale prices of these crackers to jump by up to 30%. Smaller gourmet shops say they can’t afford to restock. This has left many cheese cracker lovers searching for alternatives, but the unique flavor of true French cheese crackers could soon vanish from U.S. shelves if tariffs don’t ease.
Swiss Muesli Bars
Swiss muesli bars, packed with nuts, grains, and dried fruit, have become a go-to healthy snack for many Americans. Swiss brands like Alpen and Familia are renowned for their quality, but Switzerland’s exports have been hit hard by new tariffs on processed cereals and health foods. Data from the Swiss Federal Customs Administration shows a 15% reduction in exports to the U.S. since 2022. Retailers are already reporting supply shortages. As prices climb, consumers are less willing to pay a premium for imported health snacks, putting these Swiss favorites at risk.
Italian Biscotti
Italian biscotti, those crisp almond cookies perfect for dipping in coffee, are facing a tough future in the U.S. Tariffs on Italian baked goods spiked as part of a wider trade dispute, raising import costs by over 20%. According to the Italian Trade Agency, exports of biscotti to America fell sharply in 2023. Some U.S. bakeries have tried to make their own, but purists say nothing matches the taste and texture of authentic Italian biscotti. If the tariffs persist, these iconic cookies could become a rare luxury.
British Shortbread
Buttery, crumbly British shortbread like Walkers and Border has long been a favorite with American tea drinkers. However, the U.K.’s exit from the European Union led to new trade complications and increased tariffs on British food imports. The U.S. Food Importers Association reports that prices for British shortbread have risen by up to 25% since 2021. Some major grocery chains have slashed their British snack sections by half. If tariffs remain, this classic snack may soon only be found in specialty stores at premium prices.
Korean Seaweed Snacks
Korean seaweed snacks, thin sheets of roasted seaweed seasoned with sesame oil and salt, have become popular for their health benefits and unique taste. The U.S. imported over $100 million worth of Korean seaweed in 2022, but new tariffs on Asian agricultural products have made these snacks more expensive. According to Korean trade data, seaweed snack exports to the U.S. dropped by 12% in the last year. Some health food stores report empty shelves, and customers are left waiting for restocks. If tariffs stay high, Korean seaweed snacks might fade away from American diets.
Canadian Maple Cookies
Canada’s maple cookies, filled with creamy maple-flavored filling, have been a staple in North American snack culture for decades. However, ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have led to higher tariffs on Canadian baked goods. Statistics Canada has reported a 9% decline in cookie exports to the U.S. since 2022. American distributors are seeing increased costs, causing them to reduce orders or remove these cookies from their lineup. Maple cookie fans may soon have to cross the border—or pay a hefty price online—to get their fix.
Mexican Takis
Takis, the spicy rolled tortilla chips from Mexico, have exploded in popularity among American teens. But the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Mexican snack foods as part of agricultural trade negotiations. According to the Mexican Association of Snack Producers, exports of Takis to the U.S. have fallen by 8% in the past year. Some convenience stores now have empty Takis displays, and prices have jumped by up to 20%. If these trade barriers aren’t removed, America’s hottest snack trend could cool off quickly.
German Haribo Gummies
Haribo’s gummy bears and other chewy candies are a German export cherished worldwide. But with tariffs on European sugar products increasing by 25% in recent years, Haribo’s U.S. shipments have slowed. German trade statistics reveal a 10% drop in gummy candy exports to the U.S. since 2022. Fans are seeing fewer flavors and smaller packages in stores. As production costs rise, some suppliers are warning that certain Haribo favorites could be discontinued in the U.S.
Turkish Delight
Turkish delight, a soft and fragrant candy dusted with powdered sugar, is a treat favored by many for its exotic flavors. However, tariffs on Middle Eastern confections have made importing Turkish delight more expensive. Turkish export data shows a 13% decline in shipments to the U.S. over the past year. Specialty stores struggle to keep this treat in stock, while customers balk at the higher prices. If tariffs continue, Turkish delight may become just a sweet memory for American fans.
Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles, famous for their light, airy texture and sweetness, are often imported pre-made for convenience stores and cafes. Tariffs on European bakery goods have made these imports significantly more expensive, and the Belgian Bakery Federation reported a 17% drop in exports to the U.S. last year. Many coffee shops have replaced them with American-made versions, but fans say the taste isn’t quite the same. If the trade situation doesn’t improve, authentic Belgian waffles could vanish from menus across the country.
Australian Tim Tams
Tim Tams, the chocolate-covered biscuit from Australia, have a cult following in the U.S.—especially among expats and foodies. But tariffs on Australian processed foods have driven up the price. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded a significant decline in Tim Tam exports to the U.S. in 2023, with some retailers dropping the snack entirely. Online prices have soared, making Tim Tams a rare treat instead of a regular indulgence. Without tariff relief, U.S. fans may have to go without their Tim Tam slams.
Spanish Marcona Almonds
Marcona almonds from Spain are prized for their buttery flavor and soft crunch. These gourmet nuts are now facing tariffs of up to 15%, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. Spanish almond exports to the U.S. shrank by 11% last year, and specialty grocers have raised prices or reduced their selection. Marcona almonds are a key ingredient in many cheese boards and salads, and their potential disappearance could change the face of American snacking.
Indian Samosa Snacks
Indian samosa snacks, whether frozen or in packaged form, have become increasingly popular in U.S. supermarkets. But new tariffs on imported Indian foods have made these snacks more expensive and harder to find. Indian government trade data shows a drop of nearly 10% in snack exports to the U.S. during the past year. Some South Asian grocery stores have cut back on imports, and customers are noticing empty freezer sections. If tariffs stay high, enjoying a quick samosa snack could become a thing of the past.
Greek Yogurt Bars
Greek yogurt bars, packed with protein and probiotics, are a favorite for health-conscious snackers. Many bars are imported from Greece, but higher tariffs on European dairy products have forced prices up sharply. The Hellenic Statistical Authority reports a 14% decrease in yogurt exports to the U.S. in 2023. U.S. retailers have begun phasing out some imported brands, leaving fewer options for shoppers. If tariffs stay at current levels, the variety and authenticity of Greek yogurt snacks could be lost to American consumers.
