What Should I Bring on My Vacation in an Italian Apartment?

You’re really looking forward to your vacation in an Italian apartment, and you’re making your packing list so that you don’t forget anything. You’re dreaming of being able to shop at the outdoor markets and finally having a kitchen so you can cook. The freedom of being able to buy your own fresh Italian ingredients and cook them in a way that you like, and serve them at your own table at your convenience is an experience not to be missed – I’m sure you agree.

But, if this is your first time embarking on the Italian apartment experience, there are a few items that you may be used to having around your apartment kitchen that you won’t find over there.

Since you have your packing list handy, check out this list of items just in case there is anything you can’t live without:

Resealable food storage bags and plastic storage containers
Plastic baggies are starting to become more widely available, but they are usually the type that require a twist-tie at the top. Plastic storage containers are still really hard to come by. If you’re wondering why food storage containers are hard to find, one reason might be that Italy is really not a “left-over” nation. If they cook dinner in a pot, they might put the pot with leftovers into the refrigerator and eat them the next day. Or, leftovers might be put into a bowl or onto a plate, covered with foil, and put into the refrigerator. You certainly won’t have leftovers from restaurants – they don’t do doggie bags over there, and you will get an odd look from your cameriere (waiter) if you ask.
So, when I go to Italy, I usually pack a few different sizes of resealable storage bags and put some of my food items in plastic containers, so I’ll have them to use in the kitchen while I’m there.

Candy and Snacks for Travelers with Allergies
After reading hundreds of labels on candy and chocolate packages in Italy and imported from Italy, I have noted a trend: almost all Italian snack foods have been manufactured in the same facility and usually on the same equipment as some of our most prevalent allergens. Nuts, in particular, seem to pop up on most labels. If you need to be vigilant about allergens such as nuts, wheat, and dairy, bringing your own snack food is the easiest way to be safe.

Spices that are Not Typically Italian
Only recently have flavors and spices from non-Italian countries started making their way onto grocery store shelves in Italy. So, if you can’t live without certain flavors from home – or if you’re planning to cook for some Italian friends while you’re there – you may need to bring a few supplies for the spice cabinet.
Chili powder is one thing I can’t find. Brown sugar, as we know it, does not exist in Italy. When I decided to make ribs for my Italian friends in my rental apartment, I had an Italian friend research the different ingredients in the dry rub for me, and I found that very few items were available there. So, I had to make the rub mix at home and bring it to Italy in bags in my suitcase. Of course, the suitcase got delayed a day back in the US (not sure if it was the storage bags full of aromatic spices or not), so carry open spices only if you really need them. Taco seasoning and guacamole mix, if you have favorites, are easy to bring over in packets.

Other items that You Can’t Find in Italy (or Don’t Taste the Same at ALL)
- Cake mixes, cookie mixes, instant pudding mixesSplenda
- Regular baking powder (you can typically find vanilla flavored baking powder, but it isn’t exactly the same)
- Vanilla extract
- Peanut butter (they have peanut butter now, but the taste will not remind you of home)

Having a kitchen at your disposal on your Italian vacation will be exciting and enjoyable. Bringing a few extra kitchen comfort items will make it even more relaxing and satisfying.
Enjoy tweaking that Italy trip packing list, and HAVE FUN!