Is your pantry filled with Lay’s and Coca-Cola? Next time you’re at the Appies, don’t be surprised if you see people screening their grocery lists for anything “Made in the USA.”
Since Donald Trump’s threat of military invasion in Greenland looms large, Danes are increasingly using a mobile app to boycott American imports.
The app “UdenUSA” (Danish for “Without USA”) has gone viral, becoming the most downloaded title on the Danish App Store.
And the Dutch are quickly following their lead, reports Trouw.
A recent survey by onderneming.nl highlights growing frustration with the US in the Netherlands, finding that 40% of respondents plan to buy fewer American products in the future.
How the app works
Created by 21-year-old Jonas Pipper and 22-year-old Malthe Hensberg, the app is easy to use.
Simply scan a product’s barcode: if it comes from the US, a large red cross flashes across your screen. If it’s from anywhere else in the world, you’re met with a reassuring green checkmark.
As Yankeephobia plagues the Netherlands, too, the app has already added Dutch language support.
The real challenge, however, lies in avoiding the everyday staples that many don’t realise are American-owned.
The omnipresence of American goodies
When you start your day with some good ol’ cereal, Quaker and Kellogg’s (firmly American brands) are the most popular.
Want to sprinkle some hagelslag on your toast? These chocolate sprinkles sold their soul to the Americans, too. Trusted brands De Ruyter and Venz are owned by the American conglomerate Kraft Heinz.
Aside from territorial invasions, Americans are known to be pioneers in calorie-rich snacks.
Since Lay’s is a clear no-go, you grab a Dutch delicacy: borrelnootjes. The unsuspecting Dutch brand Duyvis somehow gets a CROSS. Much to your surprise, Duyvis is owned by PepsiCo.
@larss1990 Not buying American products #elonmusk #boycottamericanproducts ♬ This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
The soft drinks aisle is perhaps the most difficult place to escape the jarring red crosses of the UdenUSA app.
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, 7Up, and Dr Pepper are met with UdenUSA’s disapproval.
The cleaning aisle, too. The brands Dreft, Ariel, and even Ajax (not the football team) are owned by American giants Procter & Gamble.
While there is little evidence that boycotting really helps politics, they serve as a powerful social statement. Moreover, choosing local or smaller businesses is almost always the better, greener decision.
And if you don’t have the budget to be environmentally conscious, there is a dearth of store-brand alternatives at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, or Lidl that can help you bypass the American giants.
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