10 More American Supermarket Brands to Avoid, And What to Buy Instead

After the overwhelming response to my 20 American Supermarket Products to Avoid and What to Buy Instead post, heaps of people have asked: "what other US brands can we stop supporting?" So I ducked down to Woolies and wandered through the aisles again. I have to say I felt ignorant about how pervaised US-owned products are in our supermarkets - probably because I usually spend most of my time in the fruit and vege, diary and meat sections. The nappy aisle was one of the worst offenders!

Anyway, here are 10 more major American brands that dominate Australia's supermarket shelves - along with better local or ethical alternatives.

1. Huggies and Pampers (Disposable Nappies & Baby Wipes) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Owned by Kimberly-Clark (US) and Proctor and Gamble (US), companies linked to deforestation, plastic pollution, and aggressive market control.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Ecoriginals (Australia) – Compostable, eco-friendly nappies.

- Mamia (Germany) - at Aldi are half the price of Huggies or Pampers.

- BabyLove (Japan) – at Woolies and Coles.

- Rascal + Friends (New Zealand) – Affordable & better for the environment.

2. Tabasco (Hot Sauce & Condiments) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Tabasco is owned by McIlhenny Company, an American firm which lobbies to promote US farming subsidieswhile undercutting global competitors.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Bunsters Hot Sauce (Australia) – Locally made, natural ingredients.

- Cobra Chilli (Australia) – Award-winning artisan hot sauces.

- Cholula (Mexico) – Traditional Mexican-style hot sauce (my favourite).

3. Monster Energy & Rockstar (Energy Drinks) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Monster and Rockstar are owned by PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, two of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution and health concerns worldwide.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Strangelove Energy (Australia) – Natural energy drinks with less sugar.

- V Green (New Zealand) – Healthier energy alternative.

- Red Bull (Austrian).

- Remedy Kombucha (Australia) – Natural energy boost from green tea.

4. Doritos (Chips & Snacks) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Owned by PepsiCo, Doritos contains highly processed ingredients, palm oil, and artificial additives.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Red Rock Deli (Australia) – More natural, locally made.

- Sakata (Japan/Australia) – Rice-based, healthier alternative.

5. Aeroplane Jelly & Cool Whip 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Highly processed, full of artificial chemicals, and owned by Kraft Heinz.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Queen Natural Gelatin (Australia) – Natural ingredients.

- Pure Harvest (Australia) – Natural dairy alternatives.

- Make real whipped cream! (Fresh cream with vanilla beats Cool Whip every time!)

6. Betty Crocker (Cake Mixes, Frosting, Baking Goods) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Owned by General Mills, Betty Crocker uses artificial additives, excessive sugar, and cheap processed ingredients.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Greens Baking (Australia) – Aussie-made, better quality.

- Well & Good (Australia) – Gluten-free, allergen-friendly.

- Use a recipe and bake from scratch with real flour!

7. Philadelphia Cream Cheese & Kraft Singles (Processed Cheese) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Kraft and Philadelphia (owned by Kraft Heinz) contain additives, artificial flavours, and excessive sodium.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Bega Cream Cheese (Australia) – Aussie-owned and made.

- Aldi Cream Cheese (Australia) – High-quality and made in Oz.

- Any fresh Australian cheddar instead of Kraft Singles!

8. Twinkies & Hostess Cakes (Packaged Desserts) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Loaded with preservatives, trans fats, and excessive sugar. These cakes have a half-life longer than uranium! 🤢

✅ Better alternatives:

- Kooka’s Country Cookies (Australia) – Classic Aussie sweets.

- Balfours (Australia) – Fresh, traditional bakery items.

- Homemade muffins or lamingtons – Tastes better, no chemicals!

- A piece of fruit.

9. Hidden Valley Ranch & Kraft Salad Dressings 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Packed with MSG, artificial thickeners, and preservatives, these US dressings are overpriced junk.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Pukara Estate (Australia) – High-quality, natural dressings.

- Doodles Creek (Australia) – Fresh, small-batch sauces.

- Just make your own! I use olive oil and Aldi balsamic vinegar!

10. Gatorade (Sports Drinks) 🇺🇸

🚨 Why avoid? Owned by PepsiCo (US) and packed with artificial colours, sugar and unnecessary additives.

✅ Better alternatives:

- Aqualyte (Australia) – Developed by sports scientists for proper hydration.

- PURE Sports Nutrition (New Zealand) – No artificial colours or preservatives.

- Hydralyte (Australia) – A healthier electrolyte option with lower sugar.

- Tap water is the best natural hydration without the junk or cost!

Final Thoughts: Every Dollar We Spend is a Choice

If you want to stop funding US corporations that underwrite fascism, environmental degradation and democratic institutions, then making small changes to your shopping list can have a big impact. Choosing Australian also keeps the money in our economy and creates jobs and wealth here.

📢 What do you think? Are you already switching from US brands to better alternatives? Let me and other readers know in the comments!

🔗 Read my post: Five Reasons to Stop Supporting US Companies.

🔗 Read my original post: 20 American Supermarket Products to Avoid - And What to Buy Instead.