Kinder Eggs, a beloved chocolate treat from Europe, have had a complicated history in the United States. The chocolate egg with a surprise toy inside has been banned in the US since 1938 due to a law that prohibits the embedding of non-food items inside food. However, in 2017, Kinder Joy eggs were introduced as a legal alternative. In this article, we will delve into the history of Kinder Eggs in the USA, the introduction of Kinder Joy eggs, and the controversy surrounding them.
The History of Kinder Eggs in the USA
The Kinder Surprise egg was first introduced in Italy in 1974 and quickly became a popular treat throughout Europe. However, in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of Kinder Eggs due to a law that prohibits the inclusion of non-food items inside food. This law was put in place to prevent choking hazards and other safety concerns.
Despite the ban, Kinder Eggs became a hot commodity in the US, with people smuggling them in from Canada and Mexico or purchasing them on the black market. This led to numerous seizures of Kinder Eggs at US borders and hefty fines for those caught with them.
The Introduction of Kinder Joy Eggs
In 2017, Ferrero, the Italian company that produces Kinder Eggs, introduced Kinder Joy eggs as a legal alternative to Kinder Surprise eggs. Kinder Joy eggs consist of two separate halves - one half contains a creamy chocolate spread with two wafer balls, while the other half contains a surprise toy. The toy is not embedded in the chocolate, but rather in a plastic capsule that is separate from the chocolate.
The introduction of Kinder Joy eggs was met with mixed reactions. Some people were thrilled to finally be able to legally purchase Kinder Eggs in the US, while others felt that the new design was not the same as the original Kinder Surprise egg.
The Controversy Surrounding Kinder Joy Eggs
Despite being a legal alternative to Kinder Surprise eggs, Kinder Joy eggs have still faced their fair share of controversy. Some people feel that the toy inside the egg is still a choking hazard, as it is small and can easily be swallowed by young children. Others feel that the toy is not as exciting as the toys found in Kinder Surprise eggs.
In addition, some consumers have reported that the chocolate in Kinder Joy eggs does not taste as good as the chocolate in Kinder Surprise eggs. Ferrero has stated that the recipe for Kinder Joy eggs is different from the recipe for Kinder Surprise eggs, as they were specifically designed for the US market.
Conclusion
Kinder Eggs have had a complicated history in the USA, but with the introduction of Kinder Joy eggs, Americans can finally legally enjoy the chocolate treat with a surprise toy inside. While there is still some controversy surrounding Kinder Joy eggs, they remain a popular choice among consumers. Whether you prefer the original Kinder Surprise egg or the new Kinder Joy egg, there's no denying that Kinder Eggs are a delicious and exciting treat!