You see them everywhere—on billboards, in your pantry, maybe even in your closet. These brands feel like part of American life. They show up at family barbecues, on TV, and in your daily routine. But here’s the twist: some of the most “American” brands aren’t really American anymore. Ownership, manufacturing, or even the company’s headquarters have shifted overseas. This matters because it changes where your money goes and what “Made in America” really means. If you care about supporting U.S. businesses, you’ll want to know which brands aren’t as American as they seem.
1. Budweiser
Budweiser is the self-proclaimed “King of Beers.” You see it at baseball games and backyard cookouts. But Budweiser isn’t American-owned. In 2008, Anheuser-Busch, the parent company, was bought by InBev, a Belgian-Brazilian company. Now, profits from Budweiser flow to shareholders in Europe and South America. The beer is still brewed in the U.S., but the company’s decisions come from overseas. If you want to support American-owned breweries, look for independent craft beers. They keep their profits and jobs closer to home.
2. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven stores are everywhere in the U.S. They’re open late, and they sell everything from coffee to lottery tickets. But 7-Eleven is owned by Seven & i Holdings, a Japanese company. The first 7-Eleven opened in Dallas, Texas, but the brand was sold to its Japanese licensee in the 1990s. Now, the real power sits in Tokyo. This doesn’t change your Slurpee, but it does mean your money supports a global business, not a local one. If you want to shop American, try local convenience stores or regional chains.
3. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s feels like a quirky, homegrown grocery store. The Hawaiian shirts, the handwritten signs, the unique snacks—they all seem very American. But Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, a German company. The Albrecht family, one of the richest in Germany, controls the chain. While Trader Joe’s sources many products from U.S. suppliers, the profits go back to Europe. If you want to support American-owned grocers, look for independent markets or co-ops in your area.
4. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s started in Vermont, and it still uses that image in its branding. The company talks about social causes and local ingredients. But since 2000, Ben & Jerry’s has been owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch conglomerate. The ice cream is still made in the U.S., but the company’s big decisions and profits are managed from Europe. If you want to support American ice cream makers, check out local creameries or regional brands. You might find new flavors and help small businesses grow.
5. Firestone Tires
Firestone is a classic American tire brand. It’s been around since 1900 and was once a big part of the U.S. auto industry. But in 1988, Firestone was bought by Bridgestone, a Japanese company. Now, Firestone’s headquarters are in Nashville, but the parent company is in Tokyo. This affects where profits go and how the company operates. If you want to buy American-made tires, look for brands that are still U.S.-owned, like Goodyear. You can also check where the tires are manufactured before you buy.
6. Purina
Purina makes pet food that many Americans trust. The company started in St. Louis, Missouri, and built a reputation for quality. But in 2001, Nestlé, a Swiss company, bought Purina. Now, Purina is part of Nestlé’s global empire. The pet food is still made in the U.S., but the profits and leadership are based in Switzerland. If you want to support American pet food companies, look for smaller brands or check the label for ownership details. Some U.S.-owned pet food companies are still out there.
7. Gerber
Gerber is a household name for baby food in the U.S. The company started in Michigan and became a trusted brand for generations. But in 2007, Nestlé bought Gerber. Now, Gerber is part of a Swiss multinational. The baby food is still made in the U.S., but the profits and decisions are managed from Europe. If you want to support American baby food brands, look for newer companies that are still independent. Many small brands focus on organic and local ingredients.
What This Means for You
These brands are part of daily life in the U.S., but their ownership tells a different story. When you buy from these companies, your money often leaves the country. This doesn’t mean you have to stop buying your favorite products. But if you care about supporting American businesses, it’s worth checking who owns the brands you love. You can find American-owned alternatives for almost everything, from beer to baby food. Your choices matter, and they shape the economy in ways you might not expect.
Have you ever been surprised to learn a favorite brand isn’t American-owned? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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