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What are some US brands to avoid?

157 replies

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 10:32

Following on from suggestions to boycott US products, it seems a lot of brands might be US-owned with a lot of consumers not realising.

Like Mondolez owning Cadbury for example.

What are some others?

OP posts:
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6
BorgQueen · 08/03/2025 22:08

Are you going to remove any US investments in your pension funds?
You know, the 70% that’s part of a global portfolio.
You’ll be invested in US Treasury bills , Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Amazon, Facebook etc. without even realising it if you contribute to a pension.

MMAMPWGHAP · 08/03/2025 21:58

Well I’ve just taste tested an Italian Pino Grigio vs my usual Californian one and will be swapping in future. And it’s cheaper too.

Panterusblackish · 08/03/2025 21:45

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 12:16

Thanks for sharing!

Having a little cry about Snickers 🥲

I think visuals like this are really good for easy-to-digest reference

And good to be aware that names can be deceiving (like Haagen Dazs vs Ben & Jerry’s)

Lidls peanut chocos are just like Snickers

Panterusblackish · 08/03/2025 21:42

TrickorTreacle · 07/03/2025 10:45

I don't see much point in this thread, given that most of us use Microsoft Windows on our computers. So if you're going to give up on Burger King, Kraft etc, you would also have to give up on Microsoft. Good luck with that!

Why? Why would you have to give up everything? There's no logic to that whatsoever.

If lots of people give up as much as they can it will still have an impact.

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 15:11

whereaw · 07/03/2025 13:25

Unfortunately I buy enough every week on Amazon to fund at least 100 jobs. Sorry about that.

Er… thanks for letting us know?! 🤷🏻

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whereaw · 07/03/2025 13:25

Unfortunately I buy enough every week on Amazon to fund at least 100 jobs. Sorry about that.

ChickenLittlesCat · 07/03/2025 13:23

I think it's interesting that people are learning which brands to avoid from tiktok, with no irony

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 13:20

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 07/03/2025 13:10

I thought this but it's not the case as the products are not just US.

No but it’s better to buy the products directly from the sellers – it’s often cheaper as well (excluding delivery for small orders) and the company doesn’t have to pay a chunk to amazon

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countrygirl99 · 07/03/2025 13:14

MrsSkylerWhite · 07/03/2025 10:47

araiwa · Today 10:40
**
Easiest one is to stop using Amazon for anything

Thus putting g thousands of UK jobs at risk. Great idea, not.

I often find that Amazon isn't the cheapest place to buy something. DH will send me Amazon links for present ideas and 9/10 they are as cheap if not cheaper buying direct from a British company and at least they pay tax.

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 07/03/2025 13:10

MrsSkylerWhite · 07/03/2025 10:47

araiwa · Today 10:40
**
Easiest one is to stop using Amazon for anything

Thus putting g thousands of UK jobs at risk. Great idea, not.

I thought this but it's not the case as the products are not just US.

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 12:57

chocorabbit · 07/03/2025 12:38

Probably. But the decrease in the UK had not been huge. Only about 18% compared to more like 50% in France and Germany. An analyst had said that the initial drop in the UK might have been due to people waiting for the next model to come out.

I suppose it would depend when the trajectory altered and how closely this coincided with the CEO’s recent comments. 18% is still a pretty big dropoff. You’d have to assume that at least some British consumers have chosen not to buy TESLA because of the negative associations.

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chocorabbit · 07/03/2025 12:38

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 12:25

Did they mean rallied somewhat after the recent huge dropoff?

Probably. But the decrease in the UK had not been huge. Only about 18% compared to more like 50% in France and Germany. An analyst had said that the initial drop in the UK might have been due to people waiting for the next model to come out.

Theunamedcat · 07/03/2025 12:30

TheOneWithTheWedding · 07/03/2025 11:16

This…. Not to mention Facebook… Instagram… wattsapp….how many of them are using IPhones? 👀 But people won’t boycott those things because they pick and choose what’s convenient

Your iPhone is bought and paid for just don't buy another you don't need to trash the one you have in protest

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 12:25

chocorabbit · 07/03/2025 12:21

Tesla sales have increased recently according to the Guardian.

Did they mean rallied somewhat after the recent huge dropoff?

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chocorabbit · 07/03/2025 12:21

Tesla sales have increased recently according to the Guardian.

kungfoofighting · 07/03/2025 12:16

Fangisnotacoward · 07/03/2025 11:54

Amazon is a pretty big one. Especially as Bezos donated to Trumps inauguration.

Admittedly Google and Microsoft are harder to disentangle yourselves from, but the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation do a lot of good work across the globe.

I found this pic useful and as far as I know correct, though I didn't make it myself.

Ben and Jerry's was a surprise to me, but its actually owned by Unilever 🤷‍♀️

I suppose even little swaps, supporting Barr who make Iron Bru or Nicholls who make Vimto instead of choosing coca cola.

Choosing Adidas or Puma instead of Nike, etc.

Thanks for sharing!

Having a little cry about Snickers 🥲

I think visuals like this are really good for easy-to-digest reference

And good to be aware that names can be deceiving (like Haagen Dazs vs Ben & Jerry’s)

OP posts:
Fangisnotacoward · 07/03/2025 11:54

Amazon is a pretty big one. Especially as Bezos donated to Trumps inauguration.

Admittedly Google and Microsoft are harder to disentangle yourselves from, but the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation do a lot of good work across the globe.

I found this pic useful and as far as I know correct, though I didn't make it myself.

Ben and Jerry's was a surprise to me, but its actually owned by Unilever 🤷‍♀️

I suppose even little swaps, supporting Barr who make Iron Bru or Nicholls who make Vimto instead of choosing coca cola.

Choosing Adidas or Puma instead of Nike, etc.

What are some US brands to avoid?
Loloj · 07/03/2025 11:49

I would find it more useful if people could come up with alternatives or non-American brands and every day items - rather than what to avoid. As I’m reading through everything to avoid thinking bloody hell what can I buy instead?! I would like to avoid American goods but need good alternatives!

ProfessorLayton1 · 07/03/2025 11:26

Thank you, that's very helpful.

noblegiraffe · 07/03/2025 11:25

https://www.hive.co.uk/WhatsHiveallabout

Hive is a really good alternative to Amazon for buying books and some other things. When you buy your book you then nominate a local independent bookshop and a percentage of the price goes to them. Delivery is really quick.

BobnLen · 07/03/2025 11:24

People say Google though when they may use another search engine, it's a bit like the brand Hoover.

Somethingthecatdraggedin7 · 07/03/2025 11:23

Iwantitidontwantit · 07/03/2025 11:11

The replies to your post honestly make me feel so depressed!

I am also boycotting where I can. I refuse to give to money to companies that support Trump where possible. And if enough people do it, it will hit them where is matters most.

The whataboutery about job losses at huge corporations, who actively pushed so many small business out of the market, is absolutely galling

Completely agree.
Plus somethings like your phone, software etc are likely things you already had and bought pre trump madness.
I’m avoiding anything I can. Even if not every single thing can be avoided, it all helps me feel a little bit distanced from supporting his regime in any way.
My purse, my choice.

Whatafustercluck · 07/03/2025 11:23

TrickorTreacle · 07/03/2025 10:45

I don't see much point in this thread, given that most of us use Microsoft Windows on our computers. So if you're going to give up on Burger King, Kraft etc, you would also have to give up on Microsoft. Good luck with that!

I agree that there are some US brands that it's impossible to avoid. But I think it's helpful to exercise judgement where we're able to - for example where alternatives are readily available, then why not choose them over US goods and services? In clothing, for example, ds likes Nike. Tbh we can't afford their prices new anyway, so he's happy that we buy second hand from Vinted instead. He likes Fanta, we'll buy Tango.

EasternEcho · 07/03/2025 11:22

TheOneWithTheWedding · 07/03/2025 11:16

This…. Not to mention Facebook… Instagram… wattsapp….how many of them are using IPhones? 👀 But people won’t boycott those things because they pick and choose what’s convenient

I think it should be about there being a viable local alternative. If there is one, I would certainly look into it. There aren't apples to apples alternatives to some products and services, and we may have to live with that for now.

Serpentstooth · 07/03/2025 11:22

Thanks kungfoo, will Google for info. Oh, er 🤔😀

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