Top 10 Must-Bring Food Items From the US for Israeli Travelers

Israeli chef and New York food tour guide Lilach German shared a list of 10 American food products that travelers should consider bringing back to Israel. Unlike the past when M&M's were the typical souvenir, today many unique items are worth packing due to their limited availability in Israel.

Among the recommended products are Banana Bamba snacks found in select Walmart stores and kosher supermarkets, priced between $3 and $4.50 per bag. At Whole Foods, German highlights a spicy truffle chili sauce costing about $10, ideal for stir-fries, pasta, and pizza as a Tabasco alternative. Trader Joe's offers several items including chili and onion oil ($4.50), spicy honey ($4.50) which pairs well with pizza and roasted meats, and peach-flavored balsamic glaze ($4) perfect for dressings and salads.

Additional Trader Joe's favorites include Everything Bagel seasoning ($2) for breads and salads, avocado oil spray ($4) for cooking, and pickled cucumber seasoning ($2.50) that works well with yogurt for tzatziki-style dips. Costco sells authentic vanilla puree ($15-$22 for 296 ml), a significant upgrade over industrial vanilla extracts. Whole Foods also stocks a spicy yuzu sauce ($8-$10), excellent with fish, steamed vegetables, and dumplings.

German’s recommendations reflect a shift in Israeli consumer tastes and the growing availability of diverse products locally, though some specialty items remain rare. She encourages travelers to shop at stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Costco to find these unique flavors. Her Instagram offers further tips for shopping in the US.

This guide aims to help Israeli travelers enhance their culinary experiences by bringing back distinctive American ingredients that elevate home cooking and entertaining.