Although Americans avidly consume all types of German chocolate, one type is strictly prohibited in the United States. The Beloved Kinder Surprise ( Kinder Überraschung, auf Deutsch ) is an iconic treat for German children, but it cannot be sold in the US.
Find out the history of this not-really German sweet, why it’s not sold in the US, and what makes it so special.
Ferrero Chocolates
Considering their popularity in Germany, it is surprising that Kinder chocolates are not native to Germany. The word ‘ Kinder ‘ means ‘children’, but the Kinder chocolates actually come from an Italian company called Ferrero. This brand is best known for its addictive Nutella hazelnut spread, plus other favorites like Ferrero Rocher, Mon Chéri, and even Tic Tacs.
The Ferrero family recognized that German brands supplied adults with their chocolates, but not children. Pietro Ferrero rectified that oversight with a series of children’s themed chocolates in the late 1960s. To win over parents, these lines were made without preservatives or food coloring as they are today.
What is a kinder surprise?
The fact that Kinder Überraschung is not from Germany has not dampened the country’s enthusiasm for the gift. And they are not alone. About 40 billion Kinder Surprise are sold in more than 70 countries.
Kinder Surprise is a 20g milk chocolate egg wrapped in colored paper, but chocolate is not what makes it a children’s favorite. Inside is an assembled toy (safely encased in plastic) ranging from cars to figurines and limited editions like the complete Christmas collection with baby Jesus. Small paper warnings list the choking hazard in multiple languages, as well as assembly instructions. They can also provide sticky stickers to personalize your toy. The candy and candy combo has proven to be a winner and Kinder Surprise is a favorite of German children.
The toys have even gained a cult following among adults as collectibles. Super fans even pick up the instruction manuals (» BPZ » or Beipackzettel in German). Just look at the online auctions for these items and be amazed.
Why Kinder Surprise for Easter?
The sweet has proven popular throughout the year, but it is especially associated with Easter, perhaps due to its iconic egg shape. The chocolate egg now comes in a variety of sizes, from the standard 20 grams to those the size of a real baby.
Why is Kinder Surprise illegal in the United States?
One of the reasons Kinder Surprise has earned such an infamous reputation in the US is that they are technically banned. Under United States federal law, it is illegal to have objects inside food products. The toy and paper have been cited as a choking hazard. Even trying to open the company’s website in Kinder Surprise comes with protective measures. It took me to enter my date of birth to access the world of Kindergarten.
So… are they really dangerous? The company acknowledges two deaths related to the prohibited treatment, but those incidents occurred in the 1980s with small parts that are no longer in use. Since then, it seems that the children have managed to eat the chocolates and play with the toys without incident.
The illegality of toys may change in the future with online petitions that show people’s will. Ferrero International SA has recently said that the chocolate egg will be available in the future. However, this may be in the Kinder Joy version where the toy is in one half, chocolate in the other.
Can you get Kinder Surprise in the United States?
Despite this illicit warning, chocolate eggs are not actually a priority for customs. They will be seized if discovered (or lost) at customs and Kinder Surprise street vendors could be fined, but government agencies have bigger problems. If you’re desperate to bring a Kinder surprise to the US, you can probably pack it in your luggage.
Another option is to order the treatment online. Sites like BuyChocolateEggs.com cater to obsessed Kinder Surprise all over the world (with customers taking legal responsibility). It may be easier to accept a copycat. The Yowie Group now sells chocolate creatures with a capsule filled with toys inside and Choco Treasure even offers an egg-shaped version. Apparently, the fact that the toy comes in one piece and a visible plastic ridge between the chocolate halves is enough to keep the FDA off their backs.
If you can’t stand anything but the original, there have been reports of finding the forbidden Kinder Surprise gift in European markets, as well as German and Russian stores.
