I visited the famous Dutch supermarket Jumbo to see which French Foods and products are available in the Netherlands. France is famous for its tasty food, from buttery pastries to creamy cheeses. Each region has its own special products that people love all over the world.
In this article, we will look at 29 of the most popular French foods you can find at Jumbo. From cheeses like Camembert and Boursin to sweet treats like Pain au Chocolat and Crêpe bretonne, these foods show the variety and flavor of French cuisine. Whether you love cooking or just enjoy good food, this guide will help you discover classic French products you can try today if you are in The Netherlands !
1. Crêpe bretonne
History: The Crêpe bretonne comes from Brittany, France, and appeared in the 13th century after the arrival of buckwheat. Buckwheat grows well in Brittany’s climate, allowing people to create savory "galettes" and later sweet crêpes made with wheat flour.
Description: The Crêpe bretonne is thin, soft, and flexible. It can be eaten sweet or savory. Savory crêpes are filled with ham, cheese, eggs, or seafood, while sweet crêpes are enjoyed with chocolate, sugar, jam, or salted butter caramel.
2. Gratin de pommes de terre
History: The Gratin de pommes de terre comes from the Dauphiné region in France. The first mention of it dates back to 1788. It became popular as a simple but delicious family meal.
Description: The Gratin de pommes de terre is made with thin slices of potatoes cooked in cream and sometimes cheese. It is baked in the oven until golden and crispy on top. Inside, it is soft and creamy, a perfect dish for family meals.
3. Boursin
History: Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese created in 1957 by François Boursin in Normandy, France. The famous TV slogan "Du pain, du vin, du Boursin" made it popular in 1968.
Description: Boursin is a fresh cheese with a creamy and soft texture. It is flavored with garlic and fine herbs. People eat it spread on bread, toast, or crackers, and it is also used in cooking to flavor sauces or dishes.
4. Chavroux
History: Chavroux was launched in 1985 by the Savencia group. This goat cheese is softer and milder than traditional goat cheeses, which makes it popular with children and people who like soft flavors.
Description: Chavroux is a fresh goat cheese with a smooth and creamy texture. It is lighter and less strong than other goat cheeses. It can be eaten on bread, in salads, or used in hot dishes.
5. Président Camembert
History: Président Camembert was created in 1968 by Lactalis. It made Camembert more accessible to people and became one of the most popular cheeses in France.
Description: Président Camembert is a soft cheese with a white, bloomy rind. It has a creamy texture and a mild taste. People eat it with bread or use it in baked recipes like Camembert baked in the oven.
6. Président Brie
History: Président Brie was launched in 1968 also by Lactalis. It made Brie more accessible with a softer taste that appeals to a larger audience.
Description: Président Brie is a soft cheese with a white, edible rind. It is creamy, smooth, and has a mild taste. It is often eaten at the end of a meal with bread or used in hot dishes like Brie-stuffed puff pastries.
7. La Vache qui Rit
History: La Vache qui Rit was created in 1921 by Léon Bel. It is one of the first processed cheeses in the world. Its red, smiling cow logo is famous all around the world.
Description: La Vache qui Rit is a soft, spreadable cheese that comes in small triangular portions. It has a smooth, creamy taste that children and adults love. It is eaten alone, on bread, or as a snack.
8. Croissant
History: The Croissant was introduced to France from Austria in the 19th century. French bakers changed the recipe, using a buttery, flaky pastry, making it a symbol of French breakfast.
Description: A Croissant is a golden, crescent-shaped pastry. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is eaten for breakfast or as a snack, often with jam, honey, or chocolate.
9. Pain au chocolat
History: Pain au chocolat, also called "chocolatine" in some regions of France, is a classic French pastry made with the same dough as croissants but with chocolate inside.
Description: Pain au chocolat is a rectangular pastry made from buttery, flaky dough, filled with two chocolate bars. It is crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it perfect for breakfast or snacks.
10. Confiture Bonne Maman
History: Confiture Bonne Maman was created in the 1970s by Andros. It became famous for its homemade-style recipes and its glass jar with a red-and-white checkered lid.
Description: Confiture Bonne Maman is made with whole fruits and sugar, without preservatives. The most popular flavors are strawberry, apricot, raspberry, and fig. People eat it on bread, toast, or in desserts.
11. Cracotte
History: Cracotte was created by the French brand LU and became a breakfast favorite. Later, LU was bought by the multinational group Mondelēz.
Description: Cracotte is a thin, super-crispy bread eaten for breakfast. People spread butter, jam, honey, or cheese on it. It is light and crunchy, with a unique airy texture.
12. Biscottes
History: Biscottes were invented in the 19th century as a way to preserve bread. The bread was double-baked to make it last longer, and it became a common breakfast item.
Description: Biscottes are small, dry, crunchy pieces of bread. People eat them for breakfast with butter, jam, or honey, but they can also be topped with cheese or pâté.
13. Madeleines
History: Madeleines were created in the 18th century in Commercy, Lorraine. They became famous after being mentioned in Marcel Proust’s book "In Search of Lost Time."
Description: Madeleines are small, shell-shaped cakes. They have a soft, spongy texture and a buttery taste, often with lemon or vanilla flavor. They are eaten as snacks or with tea or coffee.
14. Petit Écolier
History: Petit Écolier was launched in the 1980s by LU. The chocolate square on the biscuit shows an image of a small schoolboy ("écolier").
Description: Petit Écolier is a crunchy biscuit with a chocolate square on top. The chocolate is decorated with an image of a schoolboy. This combination of cookie and chocolate is a favorite for snacks or with coffee.
15. Pims
History: Pims was also created by LU in the 1980s. It became popular for its unique mix of biscuit, fruit jelly, and chocolate.
Description: Pims is a soft biscuit topped with fruit jelly (like orange or raspberry) and coated with chocolate. It is loved by children and adults as a sweet snack.
16. Prince
History: Prince was created in the 19th century and became a popular children’s snack, especially thanks to the mascot, "Prince."
Description: Prince is a round biscuit with two crunchy cookies and a chocolate filling inside. It is loved by children as a snack for school or home.
17. L'Or Café
History: L'Or Café was created in 1992 in France. It is known for its high-quality coffee and its capsules compatible with Nespresso machines.
Description: L'Or Café offers ground coffee, coffee beans, and capsules. The capsules keep the coffee fresh and aromatic. L'Or Café is known for its strong aroma and intense flavor.
18. Monin
History: Monin was created in 1912 by Georges Monin in Bourges, France. It became a global leader in flavored syrups for drinks and desserts.
Description: Monin produces flavored syrups for cocktails, coffee, and desserts. Flavors like strawberry, vanilla, mint, and caramel are used by bartenders, baristas, and chefs.
19. Saucisson
History: Saucisson (dry sausage) has existed since the Middle Ages. It was a way to preserve meat using salt and drying techniques.
Description: Saucisson is made from pork or mixed meats. It is dried, cured, and flavored with pepper or spices. It is sliced and eaten as an appetizer or with bread.
If you'd like me to continue with the remaining products, let me know.
20. Bret's Chips
History: Bret's Chips was created in 1995 in Brittany, France. The brand is known for using French potatoes and offering unique flavors inspired by French culinary traditions, such as Guérande salt and goat cheese.
Description: Bret's Chips are thick and crunchy potato chips. They are available in different flavors like salt, barbecue, Guérande salt, and goat cheese. They are eaten as snacks or during aperitifs.
21. Danone
History: Danone was founded in 1919 in Barcelona by Isaac Carasso and later expanded to France. Today, it is one of the largest producers of dairy products, water, and baby food in the world.
Description: Danone produces fresh yogurts, desserts, and probiotic products like Activia and Actimel. Danone products are known for their creamy texture and are available in natural, fruit, or chocolate flavors.
22. Teisseire
History: Teisseire was founded in 1720 in Grenoble, France. It is one of the oldest syrup brands in France. Teisseire is known for its colorful fruit syrups used in drinks and cocktails.
Description: Teisseire produces flavored syrups like strawberry, mint, and grenadine. The syrups are mixed with water, cocktails, or desserts to add flavor. Teisseire syrups are famous for their strong, sweet taste.
23. Oasis
History: Oasis was created in 1966 by Orangina. It is a fruity, still (non-sparkling) drink. The brand became popular thanks to its funny fruit-shaped mascots used in TV advertisements.
Description: Oasis is a fruity drink without bubbles. It comes in flavors like tropical, peach-apricot, and red fruits. Oasis is a refreshing drink that is especially popular with children and teenagers.
24. Cristaline
History: Cristaline was launched in 1992 by the French company Alma. It became one of the most consumed bottled waters in France, thanks to its low price and light mineral content.
Description: Cristaline is a natural spring water that is low in minerals, making it good for everyone, including babies. It is available in plastic bottles of different sizes. Cristaline is known for its neutral taste and affordable price.
25. Evian
History: Evian is a natural mineral water from springs in the French Alps. It has been bottled since the 19th century and is considered a premium water brand, often seen in high-end restaurants.
Description: Evian is a fresh, pure, and low-mineral water. It is drunk daily and is also served in luxury restaurants. Evian is available in plastic or glass bottles, and its taste is light and fresh.
26. Mousseline
History: Mousseline is an instant mashed potato product created by Maggi, part of the Nestlé group. It was launched in the 20th century as a quick and easy way to make mashed potatoes.
Description: Mousseline is made from dehydrated potato flakes. When mixed with hot milk, it turns into soft, creamy mashed potatoes. It is quick to prepare and often served with meat, fish, or vegetables.
27. Cuisse de canard confit
History: Cuisse de canard confit (duck leg confit) is a dish from southwestern France. This cooking method dates back to the Middle Ages when duck meat was preserved in its own fat.
Description: Cuisse de canard confit is a duck leg slowly cooked in duck fat until tender. The result is juicy, rich meat with a crispy outside. It is often served with potatoes or included in dishes like cassoulet.
28. Sel de la Baleine
History: Sel de la Baleine is sea salt harvested in French salt marshes, especially in Brittany and Camargue. The salt is collected using traditional methods, and the brand is known for its whale logo.
Description: Sel de la Baleine is a natural sea salt, available in coarse or fine crystals. It is used for cooking, seasoning, and preserving food. It dissolves easily and is a favorite choice for home cooks and chefs.
29. Lutti
History: Lutti was founded in 1929 as a French candy company. It first produced caramels and later expanded to include colorful, fruity, and sour candies. Lutti is now part of the Katjes group.
Description: Lutti makes a variety of sweets, including gummy candies, sour candies, and bubble gum. Famous products include Arlequin, Bubblizz, and Tubble Gum. These candies are colorful, sweet, and loved by children and adults.
French food is about taste, tradition, and creativity. Each of the 29 products tells a story of France’s love for good food.
Adding these classic French products to your meals brings the taste of France into your home. From simple breakfasts with Cracottes and Confiture Bonne Maman to fancy dinners with Cuisse de canard confit, these foods make every meal special. When you see a Boursin or a bag of Bret’s Chips, you’ll know the story behind it. Enjoy French food and discover flavors loved around the world. Bon appétit!
I will check soon at Albert Heijn too !
TO SUPPORT MY PAGE : Click Here
Interested in more tips & activities in the Netherlands? Click here!
- French Girl Tries -