For devotees of French food and culture, living in the United States can sometimes feel like being just a continent too far. Whether you’re a homesick expat or an American with a deep affection for French gastronomy, tracking down your favorite products often requires filling a suitcase on your next trip abroad or paying a premium for imported delicacies.
Yet, the world has changed. Across the United States, French-made and French-inspired goods are not only increasingly available, but often surprisingly affordable. From sparkling wines and salted butter, to puff pastry and salami, authentic flavors of France are closer than they appear. While some are faithful imports, others are thoughtfully crafted local counterparts. Here’s how to enjoy a taste of France without the airfare.
The Best French Food Dupes Made in America
1. Top Champagne Substitutes
There’s no true festivity without Champagne. Whether it’s a wedding toast, a New Year’s countdown, or a quiet triumph worth savoring, Champagne brings a sense of occasion unlike anything else. While French Champagne is inégalable in its history, terroir, and finesse, American winemakers have mastered the méthode champenoise, producing sparkling wines with remarkable depth and structure. Today, the United States is home to several producers crafting bottles that rival their French counterparts in elegance, complexity, and celebratory spirit. Among the best is Roederer Estate Brut, crafted in Anderson Valley, California, by the family behind Cristal and typically priced at $25 to $30. Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée, made in partnership with Champagne Taittinger, blends French expertise with California fruit for around $35. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, a White House favorite since the Nixon era, offers crisp apple and brioche notes at $35 to $45. For more accessible options, Gruet Brut from New Mexico is a standout at $15 to $18, while Chandon Brut from California and Gloria Ferrer Brut from Sonoma offer solid quality in the $18 to $20 range.
2. Baguettes Made In the U.S.A.
Finding high-quality French bread in the United States used to be a challenge, but that’s no longer the case. In major cities, a new generation of skilled bakers has mastered traditional techniques, bringing excellent baguettes and rustic loaves to local shelves. In New York, L’Appartement 4F is known for its sourdough baguettes, priced at $4.99. In Los Angeles, Pitchoun! offers loaves that strike the ideal balance between a crisp crust and soft interior. Other standout spots include Thorough Bread and Pastry in San Francisco at $3.75, Fresh Baguette in Washington, D.C., starting at $4.20, and Délices de France in Miami at around $4.25. These boulangeries show that French-style bread has firmly taken root in the American food scene. For those without a bakery nearby, the Korean chain Paris Baguette offers a reliable alternative, with baguettes priced at approximately $3.49. And if you’re shopping on a tighter budget, supermarkets like Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Costco carry decent, fully or partially baked baguettes at lower prices. Trader Joe’s Organic French Baguette sells for $1.99 and comes par-baked, meaning it needs to be finished in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F to achieve a crisp crust and warm interior. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Artisan Baguette, sold in a two-pack for about $5.84, comes fully baked. However, if it’s not from the same day or you plan to store it in the fridge, lightly dampen the outside with water and reheat it in the oven just like the Trader Joe’s baguette to restore its texture. While these options may not match the artisanal quality of a traditional boulangerie (and you miss out on the charm of chatting with a French baker), they still provide a satisfying slice of bread for your dinner, or a homemade jambon-beurre sandwich.
3. Croissants and Other French Breakfast Items
There’s nothing better than starting the day with a proper petit déjeuner or p’tit déj, and at the heart of any French breakfast is a flaky butter croissant or a warm pain au chocolat. Just like with baguettes, the best option is often your local French bakery. Each year, French Morning, our sister publication, hosts its Best Croissant competition, spotlighting the top croissants in cities across the U.S. In 2025, the New York winners were announced in April, with San Francisco’s results to follow in June. If you live in one of these cities, their rankings are a great way to discover the best croissants near you. But even without a boulangerie around the corner, it’s still easy to bring a touch of France to your morning routine. Start with pain au lait, soft milk rolls that are mildly sweet and perfect with butter or jam. Pasquier, a French brand now produced in the U.S., sells a 10-count bag for about $4.50. They’re ready to eat, but warming them briefly in the oven enhances their softness and aroma. For classic viennoiseries, you do’t have to look far. Costco’s butter croissants, available in 12-count packs for $6.99, are another solid option if they’ve been baked that day. If not, a quick reheat helps bring them back to life. For something closer to bakery quality, look in the freezer section. Trader Joe’s frozen almond croissants and pain au chocolat require overnight proofing but bake into golden, flaky pastries. A box of four costs $5.99. Costco also offers almond croissants, sold pre-baked in six-count packs for about $12. Filled with almond paste and finished with powdered sugar and sliced almonds, they’re indulgent and satisfying. To round out your breakfast, add a touch of creaminess. La Fermière yogurts, available in vanilla, lemon, and honey, come in elegant glass pots and offer a thick, velvety texture. For something more decadent, Petit Pot produces French-style rice pudding and pot de crème in reusable glass jars. Silky and rich, they pair beautifully with a warm pastry and strong coffee. With just a few thoughtful grocery finds, it’s entirely possible to recreate the pleasure of a French breakfast right at home, no boulangerie required.
4. French Butter Near Me
Butter plays a central role in French cooking, appreciated not only for its function in recipes but also for its exceptional taste. French butter, especially when cultured and salted, is known for its richness, complexity, and smooth texture. Among the most celebrated are butters from Brittany, where high butterfat content and Guérande sea salt create a distinctively creamy and tangy flavor. These regional butters are deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. Le Beurre Bordier and Beurre de Baratte are among the most respected names, appreciated for their nuanced flavor and elegant finish. Typically priced around $10 for an 8.8-oz slab. There are more accessible alternatives available across the United States. Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter, imported from France and priced under $4 for 8.8-oz, offers excellent flavor and texture, with a subtle tang and delicate salt crystals. Président, another widely available French butter, delivers a smooth, mild taste and is generally sold in 7-oz or 8.8-oz portions, priced between $4 and $6. Several American brands also come close in quality. Plugrá offers a European-style butter with 82 percent butterfat, typically available in 8-oz blocks and priced around $5. Vermont Creamery produces a cultured butter with a bright, tangy flavor and 86 percent butterfat, sold in 8-oz packages for approximately $6. Though not French, Kerrygold’s Irish butter has become a favorite for its golden color, grass-fed cream, and balanced flavor. It is commonly sold in 8-oz blocks, usually priced between $3 and $4. Whether spread on fresh bread or used in cooking and baking, these butters offer a flavorful way to bring a touch of French character into your kitchen.
5. French Charcuterie at American Delis
Charcuterie is indispensable to a French apéritif, the everyday snack that brings people together for drinks and small bites before dinner. Dry-cured salami is a staple on any apéro board, adding depth and texture alongside cheese, olives, and cornichons. One of the most iconic varieties is Rosette de Lyon, a coarsely ground, garlicky salami from southeastern France known for its bold, savory character. This classic has inspired several American producers to create their own versions. Olympia Provisions in Portland, Oregon, offers a robust, dry-cured salami true to tradition. Smoking Goose in Indianapolis makes a version seasoned with wine, garlic, and black pepper, priced at $19. Fabrique Délices in California produces a well-balanced take for $18. Porcellino Salumi in Denver introduces apple brandy and warm spices for added complexity, available for $12. For a more widely accessible option, Trois Petits Cochons offers a French-style salami found in many grocery stores, typically priced between $9 and $12. Each brings a distinct character to a thoughtfully arranged apéritif spread.
6. Cornichons, or French-Style Pickles
Tiny, tart, and essential to any cheese plate, cornichons cut through the richness of pâté, terrine, and cured meats with their sharp, vinegary bite. In France, they are a non-negotiable part of any charcuterie board. Though Maille remains the gold standard for French-style cornichons, it is not always easy to find in U.S. stores and often costs up to $12 per jar. Fortunately, several other options offer a similar experience, though not all hit the mark. Whole Foods’ 365 label sells Extra Fine Cornichons with a clean crunch and classic acidity, priced between $4 and $5. Fabrique Délices, a California-based producer of French-style charcuterie, makes a slightly sweeter version for $6.99 that remains true to French tradition. Roland Foods offers a widely available option pickled with mustard seed and tarragon, adding a pleasant herbal note and available in various sizes for both home and foodservice use. Trader Joe’s also offers cornichons under its private label, typically priced around $3.50. They are crisp, pleasantly tart, and widely loved for their affordability and convenience. While they lean slightly sweeter and milder than traditional French versions, they remain a great everyday option for charcuterie boards and sandwiches. Similarly, the cornichons from Trois Petits Cochons, priced around $5.99, are easy to find in many U.S. grocery stores and offer a balanced flavor that appeals to a broad audience. Though both may be gentler in acidity compared to classic French cornichons, they provide an accessible way to enjoy this essential French condiment at home.
7. American Dijon and Other French-Inspired Mustards
Although Dijon mustard originated in Burgundy, several brands now produce Dijon-style mustard in the United States. Grey Poupon, once a French import, is now made domestically by Kraft Heinz. Known for its smooth texture and touch of white wine, it remains a popular option. An 8-oz jar is typically priced at $6.49 and widely available at stores such as Safeway and online through Amazon. Maille, a heritage French brand, manufactures some of its Dijon Originale in North America. It offers a mild, balanced flavor with a creamy finish, well-suited for everyday use. A 7.5-oz jar generally sells for $5.99 at Safeway and other grocery stores. Koops’, produced in Wisconsin, is a fully American-made Dijon. It’s less intense than traditional French versions but still works well in sandwiches or as a base in dressings and marinades. A 12-oz bottle is priced at $1.67 at Walmart, making it a very accessible option. While these American-made mustards are convenient and affordable, many fall short when it comes to flavor intensity. They often lack the sharp, slightly spicy character that defines true Dijon. For those familiar with the original, the difference is noticeable, especially when mustard is meant to shine, as in sauces for steak or recipes like lapin à la moutarde (rabbit in mustard sauce). To capture the full flavor and complexity of Dijon, the best approach is to choose a mustard clearly labeled “Made in France.” Mustards produced using traditional methods tend to offer a more assertive, well-rounded taste that elevates simple ingredients and delivers the kind of punch that Dijon is known for. This is why many French expats in the U.S. still seek out imported jars missing that unmistakable piquant bite they grew up with.
8. Camembert & Roquefort Made in the U.S.A.
There’s nothing quite like a raw milk Camembert from Normandy at its peak—soft, earthy, delicately oozing from its rind with that signature funky aroma and deep, buttery flavor. It’s the kind of cheese that demands to be eaten slowly, preferably with a crusty baguette and a glass of cider. But in the U.S., the real deal is elusive. Raw milk cheeses aged under 60 days are heavily regulated, which means authentic Camembert is rarely found outside France, and when it is, it often comes with a premium price tag and diminished character after weeks in transit. Thankfully, a few American creameries are crafting cheeses that come remarkably close. Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam, made in Northern California, is a lush triple-cream wheel that’s creamy at the core with a gently tangy, buttery finish. At around $20 for a 7-oz wheel, it’s a decadent option that feels right at home on a cheese board. Further east, Vermont’s Jasper Hill Farm offers Harbison, a spoonable, spruce-bark-wrapped cheese with woodsy undertones and a custardy center, selling for about $26 per 9-oz wheel. It’s bold and nuanced, with the kind of depth that makes you pause between bites. If you’re a fan of bold, blue cheeses, Roquefort Société remains a classic. It’s sharp, salty, creamy, and crumbly, and widely available in U.S. supermarkets, typically priced around $9 for a 3.5-oz wedge. American cheesemakers, however, now offer excellent alternatives worth exploring. Maytag Blue from Iowa is cave-aged with a clean, tangy flavor and a crumbly bite. It sells for about $59.99 per pound or $10 for a 4-ounce wedge. Point Reyes Original Blue from California offers a creamy, balanced taste with a peppery finish. Wedges usually range between $8 and $14, depending on the cut. Rogue Creamery in Oregon produces award-winning varieties like Rogue River Blue, known for its sweet, complex richness. A quarter wedge weighing 18-oz is priced around $80. Whether you reach for the French classic or a standout American blue, these cheeses bring intensity and depth to any cheese board.
9. Crème Fraîche: The French Alternative to Sour Cream
Crème fraîche offers a richer, more refined experience than its American counterpart, sour cream. It has a higher fat content and a more balanced flavor that is mildly tangy, slightly nutty, and never overly sharp. This makes it remarkably versatile in both sweet and savory recipes. Unlike sour cream, which tends to break when heated, crème fraîche maintains its smooth texture in warm dishes, making it a reliable ingredient for sauces and soups. It also works beautifully as a cold topping. If you’re looking to elevate a salmon bagel, consider replacing the cream cheese with crème fraîche. Its silky consistency and subtle acidity pair perfectly with smoked fish. In the United States, several producers offer crème fraîche that closely mirrors the traditional French style. Bellwether Farms Crème Fraîche, made in Sonoma County, California, is a favorite among French cooks for its authentic flavor and thick, creamy texture. A 7.5-oz container typically costs between $6 and $8.69, depending on the retailer. Vermont Creamery also makes a well-regarded version. While slightly tangier and closer to sour cream in taste, it is made using classic French techniques. An 8-oz container is usually priced between $5.59 and $7.59. Cowgirl Creamery also produces an excellent crème fraîche with a bright, cultured taste and a luxuriously smooth texture. Their version is available in select specialty markets and is priced around $7 to $8.50 for an 8-oz container. Smaller regional dairies around the country are also producing their own crème fraîche, often using locally sourced cream and offering unique flavor profiles. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, it is easy to make at home using heavy cream and a small amount of buttermilk or yogurt. This homemade method allows you to customize the taste and texture to your liking.
10. Bistro-Style Duck Confit Made Easy at Home
Duck confit is a classic French preparation in which duck legs are slowly cooked in their own fat until the meat becomes tender and falls easily from the bone. Traditionally from southwestern France, this deeply flavorful dish is now widely available pre-made in the United States. D’Artagnan, a French-founded company based in New Jersey, offers duck leg confit in packs of four priced around $69. Rougié, which operates in both Canada and the United States, produces individually vacuum-sealed legs ranging from $18 to $25 each. Maple Leaf Farms, based in Indiana, sells a two-leg pack for approximately $22 to $25, making it a convenient option for a weeknight bistro-style meal. Hudson Valley Farms, known for its high-quality duck products, also offers rich, fully cooked duck confit for $12 per leg. Fabrique Délices produces traditional French-style confit at around $17 to $20 per leg. These products can often be found in the frozen or prepared foods section of specialty grocers like Whole Foods or ordered online from gourmet retailers.
11. Macarons & Other French Sweets
For a refined taste of southern France, Calissons de Provence offer something truly unique. Made from ground almonds, candied melon, and orange peel, then topped with a thin layer of royal icing, these almond-shaped confections are a specialty of Aix-en-Provence and carry a quiet, elegant charm. Though imports are rare and often priced between $50 and $65, California-based confectioner Andy Anand creates an authentic version using traditional ingredients. A box of 28 pieces costs around $29.99 and can be shipped anywhere in the United States, offering a sweet way to enjoy this Provençal classic at home. If calissons reflect the gentle flavors of the south, macarons capture the polished glamour of Paris. These delicate, colorful pastries have taken off across the United States, appearing in everything from gift boxes and wedding favors to grocery store freezer aisles. American versions often embrace playful flavors such as red velvet, birthday cake, and cotton candy, but those who appreciate precision and tradition still turn to Ladurée, the iconic Parisian house that helped popularize the modern macaron. There is no need to fly to Paris to visit. Ladurée now operates 15 boutiques in the United States, including locations in New York, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Florida, and California. Their signature boxes begin at $3.20 per macaron or $28 for a set of eight, available in stores and through their U.S. online boutique. Other excellent options include Mad Mac, an American brand founded by a French pastry chef, offering beautifully made macarons priced around $2 to $2.50 each depending on the quantity and packaging. The French brand Pasquier has also joined the U.S. market with a colorful Emily in Paris limited edition set, often priced around $16 at specialty grocers.
12. Homemade and Store Bought French Pastry
Great French baking starts with great butter and the right dough. If you’re aiming to make a tarte aux pommes or chaussons aux fraises, skip the shortcuts and reach for all-butter pastry. Dufour Pastry Kitchens produces pâte feuilletée (puff pastry) and pâte brisée (shortcrust), which are beloved by chefs for their rich, flaky texture and pure ingredients. A 14-oz sheet typically costs $11–$14 and is available at Whole Foods, online, and at specialty markets. Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Trader Joe’s Puff Pastry, priced under $5, is made with real butter and performs beautifully; though it’s often only available during the holidays. Many devotees freeze multiple boxes to enjoy year-round.
13. Merguez Puts Hot Dogs to Shame
One of France’s most beloved sausages, merguez is a bold, North African–inspired blend of lamb, beef, and spices. Originally introduced to France during the colonial period in Algeria, it has since become a fixture in everyday French cooking, from summer barbecues to hearty couscous dishes. In the United States, several producers now offer high-quality versions that honor the sausage’s spicy, smoky roots. Fabrique Délices makes a well-seasoned merguez using a mix of lamb and beef with garlic and harissa, typically priced between $9 and $12 per 10-oz pack. D’Artagnan offers a pasture-raised lamb version for $14 to $16 per pound, available online and through specialty retailers. Maison Porcella, a Bay Area-based charcutier, produces a richly spiced, French-style merguez sold for $22 per pound. San Luis Sausage, based in California, sells its version online for $16 per pound, with shipping available nationwide. For those shopping in person, Brooklyn Cured’s merguez can be found at select Whole Foods, Eataly, and specialty markets, with pricing that typically falls between $10 and $14 per package, depending on the store. West Coast Francophiles can also turn to Frenchery, which specializes in both imported and locally crafted French sausages with authentic seasoning and texture. Amazon carries a growing selection of merguez options from reputable producers, making it easier than ever to bring this French favorite to the American table.
Eating French Is Possible Anywhere in America
As the French say, quand on veut, on peut—when you truly want something, you find a way. For lovers of French food, that means you don’t need to be in Paris or Provence to enjoy the richness and elegance of French cuisine. While nothing compares to savoring a warm croissant at a café in the French countryside, or enjoying duck confit in a village bistro, it is entirely possible to bring that spirit into your everyday life in the United States.
From crusty baguettes and silky butter, to traditional pastries and sparkling wines, French flavors are more accessible than ever. Thanks to a growing number of quality imports, alongside American-made French-style products, enjoying a bit of France at home is no longer a fantasy. Even outside its homeland, French food still has the power to comfort, impress, and bring people together.
And for those who want to go beyond buying and truly immerse themselves in the craft, why not learn to make these dishes yourself? Whether you join an in-person cooking class led by a French chef or follow a detailed online tutorial, the experience is both rewarding and delicious. Eating French is no longer limited to geography. It is about bringing intention, quality, and joy to the table, wherever that table happens to be!
Mariam Rubalcava, originally from Paris and now calls the Bay Area home. A seasoned traveler and writer, she’s always on the hunt for exciting new restaurants, trendy bars, and unique activities to try. By day, she works in tech in Silicon Valley and serves as a board member of the French Cultural Center of Silicon Valley. Mariam has a passion for writing about travel, food, people, and offbeat topics.