Bringing food items back to the UK

[2Tiggies]

I know we all do it: stuff our favourite peanut butter, candy bars, Goofy's treats, etc into our luggage to bring home and it isn't a problem.

I can't seem to find any conclusive answer to this in my searches though. Fruit is included in one of the US list of items you cannot take in. Is the UK more relaxed about this?

My favourite bakery is one in Texas and I love to order their fruit cake. It costs a fortune to have it shipped here - about the same as the actual cake If I had a couple shipped to my resort in October, should I anticipate any problems bringing them back? They are gift boxed and they would need to come with as carry on to fit the onboard luggage restrictions.

 

[Goofyish]

Try this link:

http://dontbringmeback.direct.gov.uk/index.html

 

[2Tiggies]

Try this link:

http://dontbringmeback.direct.gov.uk/index.html

Thank you - going to check it out

 

[2Tiggies]

It has a great search tool

Looks like it's all okay. I assume, on the basis that they ship their products internationally, it would be okay. They're not cheap cakes though and I would hate to lose them.

 

[paulh]

It has a great search tool

Looks like it's all okay. I assume, on the basis that they ship their products internationally, it would be okay. They're not cheap cakes though and I would hate to lose them.

could you find the recipe and then make your own? just an option
Paul

 

[2Tiggies]

could you find the recipe and then make your own? just an option
Paul

Nope. Top secret family recipe. I hate fruit cake, but love this one. It is a special family traditional cake that we like to have for Christmas.

Google the Collin Street Bakery and you will see what I mean

They ship it over here with no problems and I am sure it would be fine, but wanted to be sure I am not breaking any rules.

 

[kieras nana]

i'm really curious,to taste this cake,after reading your post lol.it must be something really special,for you to have it shipped.where in texas,does it come from?
tracy

 

[2Tiggies]

i'm really curious,to taste this cake,after reading your post lol.it must be something really special,for you to have it shipped.where in texas,does it come from?
tracy

Corsicana, not too far from Dallas. They have another two or three stores as well, also in Texas.

 

[paulh]

just looked and they do look nice but not that keen on nuts so will stick to our aunty caths old recipe
Paul

 

[buzz for boys]

This is a bit random an answer but bare with me.

DD is coeliac and we found some great fruit slice whilst in Florida and didnt think anything of packing them in our cases until we got to check in!! The check in assistant told us it was fine to take fruit back as long as it wasnt on the restricted list (weird fruits ive never heard of!!) and that it didnt weigh anymore than 2kg!!

She told us not to worry about a few cake slices - so hopefully that helps unless its a huge cake of course

 

[2Tiggies]

just looked and they do look nice but not that keen on nuts so will stick to our aunty caths old recipe
Paul

They do a whole selection of cakes, not all with nuts. I don't have an Auntie Cath. I could just tell the officials at customs that I have no aunt to bake for me and I'm sure they won't mind. Thanks Paul.

http://www.collinstreet.com/pages/online_bakery_gift/deluxe_fruitcake?previous_url_id=1

This is a bit random an answer but bare with me.

DD is coeliac and we found some great fruit slice whilst in Florida and didnt think anything of packing them in our cases until we got to check in!! The check in assistant told us it was fine to take fruit back as long as it wasnt on the restricted list (weird fruits ive never heard of!!) and that it didnt weigh anymore than 2kg!!

She told us not to worry about a few cake slices - so hopefully that helps unless its a huge cake of course

That corresponds to what the link Goofyish posted states. I don't see anything on there that should be a problem but I thought a baked cake may be more complicated because of whey powder, egg, etc. Like you we have brought back plenty GF brownies and things and I know that they are not a problem.

The cakes vary in size but the one I order is under 2lb so less than one kg - even including a box or tin. So I could safely bring two with me.

 

[starrysky]

I think that if they ship it to the uk you will be fine its not like alcohol etc where you would have to pay duty if you brought too many back.

The only place I have heard of having huge problems with any foods is New Zealand and Australia where they are VERY strict on this type of thing.

 

[2Tiggies]

I think that if they ship it to the uk you will be fine its not like alcohol etc where you would have to pay duty if you brought too many back.

The only place I have heard of having huge problems with any foods is New Zealand and Australia where they are VERY strict on this type of thing.

Oh tell me about it - I have family in Oz!

I checked the website carefully (the bakery) and they have certain products they don't ship outside the US or to certain countries. I guess they would have to comply with international customs regs anyway and they have been around for a very long time. I may just email UK customs and check to be safe. It's not just that I don't want a cake confiscated - I am not one for breaking the rules.

 

[starrysky]

Oh tell me about it - I have family in Oz!

I checked the website carefully (the bakery) and they have certain products they don't ship outside the US or to certain countries. I guess they would have to comply with international customs regs anyway and they have been around for a very long time. I may just email UK customs and check to be safe. It's not just that I don't want a cake confiscated - I am not one for breaking the rules.

Better to be safe than sorry at least if you know you won't have to be taken away for cake smuggling.

 

[Zeebs]

I think that if they ship it to the uk you will be fine its not like alcohol etc where you would have to pay duty if you brought too many back.

The only place I have heard of having huge problems with any foods is New Zealand and Australia where they are VERY strict on this type of thing.

Was just going to say this

My word of advice on ANYTHING you aren't sure of just declare it, I have never had any problem with anything I have taken into New Zealand, but I declare it, the biggest problem are the people that don't declare it and have it checked and then they get caught and get a fine.

I am now off to look at that website to see the cakes, mmmmm cake.

Kirsten