What Food Can I Bring Home from Toulouse?
So, that once in a lifetime trip to Toulouse is over and your suitcase is packed full of gifts, whether it’s Christmas or the holiday season in your home country, you’re stocking up on birthday presents for the year, or you simply couldn’t resist all of the city’s foodie souvenirs. Who can say no to the wine, the macarons, the cheese? The problem now though is that you’re not 100% sure on what food you can bring home with you. Every country has different rules. What if you get stopped at customs? What if you have to throw it away?! (Insert gasp of horror.)
That is why we have compiled this fact sheet for you to work out what food you can bring home from Toulouse without any of the accompanying stress. So, read on to ensure you have a bon voyage!
Rules for Traveling with Food from France
For all travelers leaving France, there are goods for human consumption that are either accepted, subject to inspection, or prohibited. The key restrictions for many countries cover certain foods: meat – particularly pork products – foie gras and other canned meat, dried goods, condiments including honey, alcohol, and cheese. Some of these foods, especially pork and foie gras, are prolific in Toulouse, so it would be a pity to miss out on enjoying them at home if you don’t know the rules.
These rules exist for a reason. All of the countries on this list represent different continents where certain contagious diseases and invasive species don’t exist. Some of the places are islands and therefore need to be strict about protecting their environment. While your saucisson may appear innocent, there are more risks at foot than simply absconding from our personal cravings. In 1860, the phylloxera louse was unknowingly transported from North America to Europe, resulting in the obliteration of France’s vineyards, and reducing the country’s wine production by half (not to mention the impact on the rest of Europe). So, this awareness is part and parcel of our duty as travelers to respect the policies of each border control, and therefore the health and environment of each country as a whole.
The rules differ depending on the country you’re flying to, and they are subject to frequent updates, so check your border control’s website for the most current information. For all countries, any non-solid food (i.e. jam, yogurt etc.) exceeding 100 ml/3 oz must be stored in checked luggage. Let’s go through some of the frequently flown routes to and from Toulouse, for you to check which import rules apply to you.
Food leaving France and…
Entering the US
As to be expected, there are some requirements and restrictions when entering the United States with food products. Regardless of their contents, items that are poorly wrapped can be refused at customs (keep reading to find out our solutions). If you’re trying to take home a suitcase full of French confiture, even though this is an accepted food product, the sheer quantity will raise suspicions that the goods are for resale, so maintaining low quantities of individual items is important. Furthermore, all food products must be declared, otherwise you can face a fine of up to $10,000. Those who have Global Entry status could also lose their status if they are found to be transporting undeclared goods – so ask yourself if it’s worth the risk!
Condiments: Vinaigrettes, oils, mustard, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, and jam are all accepted – as long as they don’t contain any meat.
Bakery goods and confectionery: Bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, chocolate, and sweets can be stored in both cabin and checked luggage should you have a croissant craving mid-flight. (However, the much-loved French Kinder eggs are not allowed due to the internal toy being considered a choking hazard in the US.)
Alcohol: Anything under a liter is duty free. Drinks containing more than 24% alcohol must be kept in your checked baggage, consist of a maximum of 5 liters per person, and need to be securely sealed in unopened retail packaging. Absinthe is prohibited as the alcohol percentage is too high, as is anything exceeding 70% (so indulge in any absinthe tipples while in France!).
Meat: To start us off simply, beef cannot be imported into the US. As for pork, dried sausage (saucisses, saucisson etc.), ham, and prosciutto are also banned. However, canned meat products – and sometimes canned products including pork – such as pâté, rillettes, and foie gras are accepted as long as the meat is cooked and sealed in a jar or can. Ideally the cans should be labeled and don’t require refrigeration. We have never had a problem bringing canned foie gras into the US, but beef and pork are definite no-nos.
Dairy: Firstly, feel free to travel with milk-based products like yogurt and butter – although it is recommended you freeze butter to ensure it remains cold for the entire journey (keep reading to find out more).
Secondly, cheese. This is a complicated area due to FDA rules on raw milk, however, hard cooked cheeses such as Comté are allowed. While making Brie and camembert within US borders is prohibited, importing a small amount in your luggage for personal consumption is fine. The same is true for goat cheeses. The requirement is that they must not have a soft, liquid consistency and do not exceed certain levels of bacteria – meaning blue cheese could be restricted (though we’ve never had a problem bringing it back to the US). Interestingly, mimolette was banned in 2013 as the crust is made with burrowing mites, though restrictions have loosened over the last several years. Our rule of thumb when bringing French cheese back to the US is just to write “cheese” on the customs form – no one has ever asked us for further details about what type of cheese it is.
Special note about butter: According to airport security regulations, butter is considered a cream, not a solid, and is therefore subject to the same carry-on restrictions as other liquids. So anything over 100 ml/3 oz must be placed in your checked luggage. Ask us how we know!
Entering Canada
Canada is vigilant about protecting its ecosystem, therefore certain foods are considered a risk. All imports must be declared when entering Canada from France, and some will come with tax. Undeclared goods will be confiscated, and you may face a fine. Food in your carry-on luggage must be solid at room temperature. The maximum allowance of the following categories (not individual products) per person is 20 kg.
Condiments: There are no restrictions on goods such as honey, dressings, oils, tea, coffee, jam, and spices.
Bakery goods: All baked goods including pastries, cakes, and cookies are permitted, as long as they don’t contain meat.
Confectionery: Considered another category, feel free to take 20 kg of confectionery! All candy and chocolate is accepted.
Alcohol: Only one of the following is considered the maximum allowance: 1.5 liters of wine, or 8.5 liters of beer, or 40 ounces of liquor.
Meat: Unfortunately, fresh, dried, and cured meats (i.e. saucisson) are prohibited. However, thankfully, if a meat product is commercially prepared, cooked, doesn’t require refrigeration, and purchased in a sealed container, it is permitted. This is also the case for an airtight, sealed container of animal fat, so stock up on Toulouse’s famous foie gras and the delicious duck fat!
Dairy: Only cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and kashk (fermented yogurt) are allowed into Canada, just make sure you declare it before entering the country.
Entering Australia
Being an island with natural barriers, Australia is strict when it comes to their biosecurity. All foods must be declared and subject to an inspection. All packaging must be completely clean and contaminant free, and food imports must be for personal use, meaning resale is prohibited. Any items not meeting requirements are seized and destroyed at the traveler’s expense.
Condiments: Less clear-cut than for North America, Australia has different rules for various dried goods. You are entitled to 10 kg of coffee, for example, as long as it is roasted, ground, or processed for instant coffee. Loose herbal teas and spices (not including cumin, coriander, fennel, and chilli powders which are all banned) must be commercially prepared and packaged, be of plant origin, and weigh up to 1 kg. Honey must be free from contamination, so it will always be inspected on arrival. Preserves such as jam, chutney, pickles, and preserved fruits are subject to inspection as well, as they must be commercially purchased, preserved in a suitable manner, and stored in acceptable airtight containers.
Bakery goods and confectionery: Biscuits, bread, pastries, cakes, chocolate, candy – all are accepted, as long as they contain no meat, so no meat pies. Cake fillings and toppings need to be cooked.
Alcohol: Up to 2.25 liters of alcohol per passenger is duty free. If you bring more, you will need to pay tax for all of it.
Meat: Australia’s rules on meat importation regularly change, especially with disease outbreaks. Be prepared for all to be inspected upon arrival. First up is pork which is particularly complicated. If unsure, don’t take it. Cured pork from France is not accepted, although uncooked pork is (it is up to you whether it’s worth trying to take in a spiral of raw saucisse de Toulouse). On the other hand, canned meat such as foie gras, rillettes, and pâtés are allowed. All must be manufactured in France which needs to be listed on the label. The sealed container should be airtight and not require refrigeration.
Dairy: And now a sigh of relief – all dairy products are permitted into Australia, as long as you don’t take more than 10 kg (although that is a hard ask). Cheese must be commercially prepared, packaged, labeled, and sealed, so wax-paper wrappings from the fromagerie won’t be suitable (however, keep reading to find out more on this).
Entering New Zealand
Biosecurity in New Zealand is at major risk, so as a result, the country is hypervigilant when it comes to imports from travelers, a surprise to many people. Take it as a given that all items must be free from any contamination, particularly soil. All hiking gear must be thoroughly cleaned, as certain non-native spores have killed thousands of the country’s indigenous Kauri trees. As with the other countries on this list, all foods must be declared, are subject to inspection, and even then, clearance is not guaranteed.
Condiments: Honey is a high risk to New Zealand, so it is entirely banned across the board. Even as an ingredient it’s prohibited, so carefully check labels. All mustard, oils, coffee, tea, herbs, and spices must be in sealed commercial packaging. Interestingly, legumes such as beans and lentils must be split or ground, meaning don’t try to take home the white beans (often tarbais) to make your own Toulouse cassoulet. Fruit must be dried or preserved.
Bakery goods and confectionery: All are allowed, and bakery treats do not have to be commercially packaged, which is a win for that stack of baguettes you couldn’t resist. Keep in mind that fresh fruit is prohibited, so say au revoir to that chausson aux pommes.
Alcohol: The limit on duty free alcohol extends to 4.5 liters of beer or wine or 3 bottles (maximum 1.125 liters each) of liquor. If you wish to take more, there is a duty on the excess.
Meat: Right off the bat, the long list of prohibited pork products include dried hams such as Iberian Jamon which is popular in Toulouse, all forms of sausage (cured, air dried, raw, cooked), and pâté – essentially everything pig-related which covers a lot of French delicacies. Other meat, including beef, lamb, and rabbit is allowed, only if it is up to 3 kg, commercially manufactured, sealed in packaging, and appropriately labeled with the manufacturer’s origins clearly displayed. Canned or jarred foie gras is permitted in a heat-treated, airtight container meaning it does not require refrigeration.
Dairy: Up to 2 kg of butter, cheese, and yogurt can get through New Zealand customs, however, none can contain fresh fruit, so fruity yogurts are a no-go. Raw milk cheese is banned in the country, however, importation for personal consumption is allowed as long as it’s declared.
Plant products: This is an additional category for New Zealand, as foreign plants, insects, and soil are such a risk to the ecosystem. For example, all fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited. Other plants must be clean and cannot exceed 2 kg.
Entering the UK
Post-Brexit, the rules to bring food from France have changed slightly. Each passenger is entitled to up to £390 duty free, and any goods exceeding this must be declared. A useful tip is to keep receipts; if you are a UK resident, you can claim back the VAT. Ultimately, the border force can seize any products they think are illegal, in too high a quantity, or if there is cross-contamination (leakage or contaminated packaging).
Condiments: All packaged jam, mustard, honey, bouillon stock, coffee, legumes, nuts, and seeds are permitted.
Bakery goods and confectionery: As long as they contain no meat – so, no jambon beurre baguettes – all bakery goods and confectionery are allowed. Cakes cannot include fresh cream.
Alcohol: Apparently, the UK now has “strict” limits on the amount of alcohol travelers can bring, however, this allowance is considerably more than any other country on this list! Up to 42 liters of beer, 18 liters of wine, 9 liters of sparkling and fortified wine, and 4 liters of liquor over 22% is considered duty free! Take advantage and come to France with an empty suitcase.
Meat: As with other countries, pork is limited, in this case to 2 kg per passenger. This means you can bring home a little saucisson and pâté, but it must be commercially packaged with an EU identification mark. Foie gras is banned in the UK, however, it is currently still legal to import (but with discussion in parliament it is subject to change, so enjoy your Toulouse foie gras while you can!). Due to risks of cross-contamination from fresh foie gras, which can easily melt, it is best to travel with sealed cans or jars that don’t need refrigeration.
Dairy: All dairy is permitted, however, there are restrictions on sheep and goat milk products, so your tomme de brebis or chevre must be commercially packaged with an EU identification mark. This means that packing cheeses in the wax paper of fromageries isn’t suitable.
The bottom line for traveling to most of these countries: as long as you declare everything, there shouldn’t be any risks of getting into trouble. From there, the worst that can happen is the confiscation of prohibited food.
Traveling around Europe
The EU allows for the free movement of goods (as long as you follow airport security restrictions), so if you are traveling to other European countries from Toulouse, most food items are permitted, but only if they are for your personal consumption and in limited quantities.
Our Recommendations for Traveling with Food from Toulouse
While certain foods such as pork are banned across the board, we have solutions for the items that are allowed but can cause you some difficulties.
Sous-vide (vacuum pack)
A common theme is the prohibition of poorly wrapped products which can result in leakage, melting, and cross-contamination. Therefore, we recommend you get your cheese, butter, and chunks of cured meat vacuum packed, or “sous-vide”. All cheese and charcuterie shops offer the service for travelers. We would also suggest keeping softer cheeses in their packaging or boxes when vac-packed, to further prevent spillage. However, if your purchases must display clear labels, you will need to buy cheeses and charcuterie from a supermarket.
Freezing
Freeze any butter and soft cheese as it keeps the food item firm and stable for a long flight, reducing the risk of spoilage – plus, the frozen butter can act as an “ice pack” to keep the rest of your cheese cool!
Foodie souvenirs to bring home from Toulouse
While all the countries on this list have different restrictions, there are some general categories in which the foods are allowed. This includes long-life products such as condiments and confectionery, pastries and bread, and of course, alcohol. And luckily for us, Toulouse offers a great selection of these foods and drinks, just as long as you know where to find them! So let us be your tour guide, as we reveal the perfect foodie souvenirs for you to bring home from Toulouse without the hassle!
Wine:
It is always surprising to travelers how affordable good wine is in France! With direct distribution from wine makers to sellers and low wine taxation, prices stay down, meaning more booze for your buck! We recommend visiting Chai Vincent at Marché Victor Hugo that specializes in Languedoc-Roussillon wines, local flavors from the wineries of the southwestern region. For wines and other local spirits such as Armagnac, visit our other favourites L’Envie du Sud and La Cave Spirituelle.
For more tips, check out our blog post on how to buy wine in Toulouse!
Violets:
While Toulouse is called La Ville Rose for its pink-toned buildings, it is also the purple city, and that’s because of violets. Even the local football team wears purple in honor of the flower. Candied violets are used as garnishes on baked goods and confectionery, and are a confectionary on their own and sold widely around the city. Find them at Patisserie Authie or La Compagnie du Chocolat, and be sure to visit La Maison de la Violette (in a barge on the canal!) for all the violet confectionery you could want!
Gâteaux de voyage:
Toulouse has a sweet tooth which you will notice from all the salons de the serving giant wedges of cake throughout the day. Patisserie is not travel-friendly (just imagine all that cream going everywhere), so our recommendations are their sweet cousins, les gâteaux de voyage. These are cakes or cookies that travel easily due to their dense crumb and compact shape. Madeleines, financiers, moelleux, and (well-packed!) macarons are just some examples of the sweet treats that can survive a long flight. If you’d like to bring home local Toulousain flavor, try the Gâteau Basque, available pre-packed from Maison Beauhaire in Marché Victor Hugo, which also sells loaf cakes and packages of biscuits, or the Fénétra from Pâtisserie Conté and La Bonbonnière.
Confectionary and épicerie:
An épicerie is a store where you can find vast arrays of dried goods such as tea, coffee, herbs, and spices, as well as sweet treats, including chocolate, candy, and gâteaux de voyage. Our favorite haunt is Cafés Bacquié where you can stock up on various liquors, wine, bars of chocolate, and seasonal delicacies, and they have their own coffee roaster in store. Visit artisan chocolatiers Criollo and Bello & Angeli for the best chocolates in the city. Choose from their range of innovative flavors, and the chocolates will be boxed in travel-safe packaging should you need it.
Boxed cheese:
Transporting cheese can be problematic, but your troubles are eased if it comes in its own box! Visit Fromagerie Xavier, the shop of MOF François Bourgon, for their boxes of camembert, or try something new with their original creation, Pavé Toulousain, the first cheese of Toulouse! Available in different ages (3, 6, and 12 months, and a variation with Timut pepper), the cheese is particularly unique because of its cuboid shape which is packaged in its own wooden box, making it the perfect gift or travel companion! Thanks to this box, you can continue to age the cheese inside it once you get home!
For more foodie souvenir ideas, check out our other list!
With this useful fact sheet on what food to bring back home from Toulouse, you now know what you can pack to get through your country’s border control, and you are also armed with the perfect spots in Toulouse to find foodie souvenirs! Join us for one of our food tours around the city for us to point out our other favorite stores, so you don’t miss out on the best treats to take home!
