European visitors to the United States for the 2026 World Cup have become fond of an unexpected American staple: ranch dressing.
The creamy, herb-based condiment, long associated with American salads, chicken wings, pizza and snack foods, has become an unlikely focus among travelling football supporters.
The interest appears to have reached airport security checkpoints, prompting the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue a reminder that bottles of ranch dressing are still subject to carry-on liquid restrictions.
In an Instagram post, the TSA addressed travellers who may have discovered “RANCH” during a “very large sporting event”, advising them to pack larger bottles in checked luggage rather than attempting to carry them through security.
“Who knew dip-lomacy could be achieved through addressing the obvious: ranch is the king of condiments,” TSA wrote.
The rule behind it is part of ordinary airport policy: liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in hand luggage must generally be in containers of 3.4 fluid ounces, or 100 ml, and fit within a single quart-sized bag.
Many of the travellers attempting to take the American condiment home in their bags appeared to be Britons. In a separate Threads post referring to England, the TSA stated: “We see a lot of suitcase ranch headed back there.”
Yes, you can get ranch dressing in the UK
Oddly, ranch dressing is available in the UK. Though, it is not a staple and more likely to be encountered in the “Cool Original” flavour of Doritos crisps than as an everyday dip.
Back in 2021, UK social media figure Dawn Farmer drew viral attention after trying ranch dressing in a TikTok video, which has since amassed 38.1 million views.
“I tried American ranch for the very first time yesterday, and to say I liked it was the understatement of the century,” Farmer stated, adding at the time, “We can’t get it in the UK, which is criminal.”
Hidden Valley ranch dressing became the first to be commercially available in 1954, though ranch dressing recipes existed before. The company traces its origin to when Steve and Gayle Henson bought land outside Santa Barbara, California, and opened a guest ranch. According to the company, diners at the ranch enjoyed the Hensons’ buttermilk, herb, and spice dressing so much that they began asking to take jars home, leading eventually to packets and bottled versions being sold more widely.
Comments? We want to hear them. Please write to editor@westenglandbylines.co.uk
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
