Italy is a country rich in history and culture. However, there’s more that makes it the ideal travel destination. There’s a wide selection of delicious, exclusive, and traditional foods from Italy.
Some of your favorite meals are originally Italian cuisine, such as pizza, arancini, lasagna, truffles, and more. While you can’t pack an entire pizza in your bag, you can take some of the ingredients home with you.
Best Food Souvenirs
After a visit to Italy, you can take many exceptional food souvenirs back with you. Whether you’re a foodie, a gourmet chef, or simply love a good snack, below you’ll find food from Italy that’s easy to travel with.
However, if you haven’t had the chance to bring food from Italy, visit the site Sweetalyfood.com. You can purchase authentic Italian ingredients from the US. The available ingredients include many of those we’re recommending here as food souvenirs.
- Olive Oil: No country makes olive oil like Italy does. Olives vary from region to region, so a wide variety of exceptional olive oils are available. Each provides a unique taste that’s ideal for roasting vegetables or cooking other food from Italy
- Dried Pasta: Italy is famous for its pasta, and now you can enjoy it even when you’re away from the country. Dried pasta is light and easy to transport, and there’s a large selection available. Enjoy various types, from Lasagna and Tagliatelle to Cavatelli and Trofie, as you visit different parts of Italy
- Balsamic Vinegar: Italian balsamic vinegar is ideal for making a bread platter or as a starter for your main course. There’s something delicious about pairing it with authentic olive oil and dipping your bread in it
- Taralli: If you love crackers, then Taralli is a must. It’s a small, ring-shaped cracker made using herbs, spices, and olive oil. You don’t often see authentic Tarelli in the US, and it’s the perfect savory or sweet snack, depending on which you get
- Cheese: Italy is also known for its cheeses. You can get regional cheeses from each place you visit. Enjoy favorites like Pecorino, Parmesan, Fontina, and Scamorza. Many more types of cheese are available in the country than you would get in your usual grocery store
- Dried or Canned Items: Any dried or canned item is easy to travel with and will last for a while. You can get sugo all’aglione, a garlic tomato sauce, or giardiniera, which is a relish of pickled vegetables. These allow you to make your favorite Italian dishes in your own kitchen
- Bottarga: If you like dried fish, then Bottarga will blow your mind. It’s a product made from the salted and dried roe of local tuna, which makes a delicious topping. You grate this fish over pasta, rice, or even beans as you would with parmesan
- Truffles: A key ingredient in Italian cuisine, truffles are also an excellent souvenir for friends and family. You can bring back truffles as pâté or preserve them in cans, jars, or oils. Truffles are a high-class gift and are delicious with various dishes, such as risotto
- Regional Cookies: Italy has a wide assortment of cookies. Like many other traditional foods from Italy, each region has a unique type. Baci di Dama (two sides of a hazelnut cookie glued together with chocolate hazelnut cream) and Savoiardi (Italian lady fingers) are excellent choices. However, there are dozens of types to choose from, and they make perfect souvenirs
- Torrone: If you love nougat, you’re in for a treat at the local markets. Mounds of nougat made from honey and a variety of nuts are available. They’re also much better than any you get at supermarkets. It’s another ideal gift or souvenir, as many people love this treat
- Chocolate: Italian chocolate’s rich and decadent taste is the stuff of dreams. By taking some back, you can make it a reality. There are iconic brands unique to the country, such as Pocket Coffee, Modica, and Perugina, that are ideal for Valentine’s Day
- Coffee: If you need that extra boost in the morning to get you started, then Italy’s coffee will provide it. Not only does coffee, such as Lavazza Qualità Oro and Illy Classico, provide a boost, but it’s also a treat on your tastebuds
Customs Considerations
Many people don’t realize that U.S. Customs allows them to bring food from Italy back home with them. While there are some customs restrictions, you can bring the above items to your baggage. However, for the following ones, be aware of these limitations so you don’t get stopped at customs:
- Pasta: You can only travel with dried pasta, not fresh pasta
- Cheese: Fresh cheeses like Ricotta or Mozzarella aren’t allowed
- Dried or Canned Items: Canned meat sauces can be a hit or miss. Before traveling with a meat-based sauce, checking the most recent customs regulations is important
- Bottarga: To be allowed through customs, this product must be vacuum-packed and sealed
- Truffles: You can’t travel with fresh truffles, so you’ll have to buy the preserved ones or preserve them before traveling
Prohibited Food
US customs specifically prohibit some foods. Note that the following foods will never be allowed across the borders unless we state otherwise below:
- Meats (even when cured)
- Any meat-related product (such as soup mixes or bouillon)
- Rice (Customs advises to avoid bringing rice, but it’s not outright banned like meats)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (This is a slightly gray area and depends on the specific item
Tips on Packaging Food Items
When traveling with food, you want to package it correctly. Often, the best choice is to vacuum pack it. However, ensure that if customs have any questions, you can easily show them the products. Declare any items that regulations require declared, and always try to pack food items in your check-in luggage.
A Taste of Italy in the USA
When your trip to Italy is over, you don’t have to give up all of the delicacies you enjoyed in the country. Bring back some of the best foods and cook your favorite dishes using authentic ingredients.
