Bringing Home Italy: What's in Our Suitcase

We managed to travel with just one carry-on bag (not even expanded!) on our last trip to Italy.

Our goal is to travel to and from Lucca without any luggage, a challenge that once felt impossible but is slowly becoming reality. After nearly two years of tucking things into our suitcases for our apartment, we finally made major progress by packing just one carry-on between us. No checked bags (at least on our way there), no dragging oversized suitcases up cobblestone streets, and no stuffing clothes we never end up wearing. Even better, we packed with the intention that everything inside would stay in Italy when we left. That meant more room to bring home some of our favorite Italian items. Traveling light doesn’t just simplify the journey, it creates space for more meaningful reminders of life in Lucca when we're back in Virginia.

Several of our must-haves that we picked up at the farmacia.

While some of these things can be found online or even in Italian specialty shops back in the US, the experience, and the value, just isn’t the same. Even when we find Italian brands in the United States, they often feel “translated” for a different market. Prices are often significantly higher, and the ingredients or formulations can differ too, especially when it comes to food. As I wrote in Italy: A Less Processed Paradise, part of Italy’s magic lies in the purity and quality of what you find on the shelves, from everyday essentials to small luxuries that become part of your daily routine back home. That’s why we prefer to save space in our luggage, knowing we’ll return with items that let us carry a bit of Italy into our everyday lives.

Some of our favorite Italian products...

Marvis Toothpaste: A Cult Classic

If there’s one Italian pharmacy staple that has achieved cult status worldwide, it’s Marvis toothpaste. The bold packaging and flavors like Jasmine Mint or Ginger Mint make brushing your teeth feel somehow elevated. You’ll find Marvis in every farmacia, but the best prices are often in the larger grocery stores. In Italy, you can even find unique flavors that rarely make it to the U.S., though we tend to stick with the classic mint flavors.

While we can buy Marvis on Amazon, it costs more than three times what we pay in Italy.

Borotalco

Smell is the most powerful trigger of memory, and nothing transports us back to Italy faster than the quintessentially Italian Borotalco. This classic powder spray has been a household staple for generations of Italians. Borotalco keeps skin fresh and dry through the sweltering Italian summers. You’ll spot Borotalco in every supermarket and farmacia.

This spray talc is a classic Italian product.

Proraso Products

Proraso Shaving Cream is one of those iconic Italian staples that feels both everyday and luxurious. In Italy, you’ll find it stocked in nearly every grocery store, a trusted brand that’s been part of Italian grooming routines for generations. But back in the U.S., this classic green-and-white products can feel like a splurge, often selling for two or three times the local price. Known for its refreshing eucalyptus scent, rich lather, and old-school barbershop feel, Proraso is proof that in Italy, quality doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Arnica Cream

Dario was dealing with some lower back pain while training for his next marathon. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to practice my Italian and bravely navigate a local farmacia to find him some relief. The pharmacists were incredibly helpful, and they recommended an arnica cream that Dario ended up finding very effective.

Rilastil Skincare Products

Italy is home to some amazing skincare brands, and Rilastil is at the top of our list. From their gentle cleansers to anti-aging serums, these products are clean and dermatologist-recommended. Look for them in Italian pharmacies, where the shelves are full of trusted local skincare lines.

Pharmacy Finds in Italy: Rilastil, Streptosil and Rose Water, oh my!

Rose Water Micellar

This rose water takes me right back to Italy. It’s cooling, refreshing, and fragrant—perfect after a long day of travel. It's very inexpensive and found everywhere.

Streptosil Ointment

We always find some room in our bags for at least one bottle of this wine!

This is a miracle worker for cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. Streptosil is a must-have, and once you’ve used it, you’ll never want to be without it. Similar in purpose to Silvadene, it contains soothing and antibacterial ingredients that help protect the skin and speed up healing. It’s one of those simple, effective products Italians have trusted for generations and it’s widely available in farmacie throughout Italy.

One of our Favorite Wines

Of course, no trip home from Italy is complete without a little vino. You'll likely find a favorite while exploring the region, and you can bring home a few bottles within legal limits. For us, we bring a few carefully packed bottles of local wines, including First Love from Fubbiano, a beautiful estate in the Lucca hills. We wrap each bottle in a Ziploc and roll them in clothing to keep them safe in our suitcase (so far, so good!). Our friends know they’re special if we share one of our beloved wines that we’ve brought home!

A few squares of this chocolate is a decadent treat!

Italian Chocolate

We always pack a few bars of high-quality Italian chocolate. Whether it’s from a well-known brand like NOVI (found in grocery stores) or from a local artisan, the smoothness and intensity of Italian chocolate is unmatched. It makes the perfect gift...or evening treat.

One taste of Italian pistachio cream, and you’ll wonder why we don’t have this everywhere.

Pistachio Cream from Caniparoli Cioccolateria

I know I'm a broken record on this one! Move over Nutella. The real Italian indulgence is pistachio cream from Lucca's Caniparoli Cioccolateria. It's a silky spread that’s delicious on toast, pastries, or straight from the jar.

Nutella

Speaking of Nutella...Nutella is one of the best examples of how the same product can differ dramatically between countries. In Italy, Nutella is smoother, richer, and more balanced, with a pronounced hazelnut flavor and less sweetness. The ingredient list is also shorter and cleaner. Italian Nutella contains more hazelnuts, higher-quality cocoa, and no added preservatives. The American version, on the other hand, includes additional ingredients and a higher sugar content, making it noticeably sweeter and less nutty. Once you’ve tasted the Italian original, it’s hard to go back. We don’t typically bring Nutella home anymore, but for those who do, it’s worth bringing a jar for a taste test. Comparing the Italian version to what’s sold in the U.S. makes it easy to see why Italians are so loyal to their beloved spread.

Store brand caper berries from our local grocery store.

Caper Berries

Capers are easy to find in the U.S., but caper berries, larger and with a more complex bite, are not. They add a burst of flavor to aperitivo platters. We stock up in Italy because we can’t track them down at home.

Italian Flours

It might seem a little silly to pack flour in your suitcase, but once you’ve used Italian flour, you’ll understand why it’s worth the space. Italian “doppio zero” (00) and “uno” (01) flours, prized for their silky texture, lightness, and ideal gluten content make doughs elastic yet tender. These flours are milled from high-quality soft wheat and processed differently than most American flours, typically with fewer additives, less bleaching, and no enrichment or fortification. Italian flour regulations are stricter about what can be added, resulting in a more natural product that’s easier to digest and closer to its original form. Personally, I find that gluten in Italy feels lighter and gentler on my system. While some specialty stores in the U.S. carry 00 flour, the 01 variety (slightly coarser and perfect for rustic breads) is almost impossible to find. Bringing a few bags home might seem indulgent, but it’s a small luxury that brings a true taste (and feel) of Italy to your kitchen.

A bottle of amaro is an Italian staple.

Local Olive Oil

Nothing compares to the olive oil pressed just minutes from Casa Campolattaro. Fruity, peppery, and vibrant green, it transforms even the simplest dish. Many of the local wineries also produce their own olive oil, so a visit often includes both a tasting of exceptional wines and a chance to sample freshly pressed oils. You can visit local frantoi (mills) to taste and buy directly from producers, bringing home a little bottle of Tuscany’s flavors to enjoy long after their trip.

Amaro

Biadina, a traditional Italian amaro with the iconic Guinigi Tower on its label, is just one of the many varieties of this herbal liqueur. Originally sold in pharmacies as a digestive aid, each amaro carries its own history and a complex blend of flavors...bitter, sweet, and aromatic. Italians typically enjoy amaro after meals as a digestivo, helping to settle the stomach and end the meal.

We bring home the freshest pignoli we've ever tasted from Lucca Centro's Antica Bottega di Prospero.

Fresh Pignoli

The most amazing pignoli (pine nuts) come from Lucca’s historic shop, Antica Bottega di Prospero and they elevate pesto, biscotti, or a simple salad. They're softer than the ones we find in the US, which I attribute to their freshness.

Tuscan Oil Reed Diffusers

Another item on our list is Tuscan oil diffusers, beautifully crafted scents that capture the essence of the Italian countryside. Whether it’s citrus, fig, or herbal blends, these diffusers make your home smell like Italy year-round. Dr Vranjes or Erbario Toscano are our favorites.

These little cubes bring depth to soups, sauces, risottos, and more.

Star Il Mio Dado Funghi Porcini

Porcini mushroom–flavored bouillon cube made by Star S.p.A., one of Italy’s classic food brands. Sure, we can find bouillon cubes in the U.S., but I’ve never seen porcini-flavored ones...such a uniquely Italian flavor!

No matter how hard we try, truly fresh mozzarella di bufala just can’t be found in the US.

Cheese!

Any leftover chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano from our fridge in Lucca gets carefully tucked into our suitcase, along with at least one mozzarella di bufala. Ice packs help keep everything fresh during the journey. By the time we land back in Virginia, we’re ready to enjoy it. Enjoyed with Taralli also brought home, it makes the transition home a little easier and softens the re-entry just a bit.

Ouch! It’s more than triple the price we pay for the same thing in Italy. Sure, you can find Kimbo in the U.S., online or in Italian specialty shops—but it’ll cost you!

Why We Choose Consumable Souvenirs

Back home in Virginia, we’re working on a long-term plan to downsize. Over the next few years, we’ll continue to simplify and pare back, which means our focus is on purging rather than accumulating. That’s why our favorite Italian finds are products that get used and enjoyed rather than taking up shelf space. A bottle of olive oil, a jar of pistachio cream, or a tube of Italian skincare brings joy without adding clutter. They also make wonderful gifts. After all, do your friends really want another trinket from a place they’ve maybe never even been, or would they rather taste and experience a little bit of Italy for themselves? Besides, grocery shopping in another country is a cultural experience all its own...a window into daily life, local flavors, and the small pleasures that make a place feel real and memorable.

We also brought home some freshly-roasted beans from Sodoni, a coffee roaster in Lucca Centro Storico.

Bringing Italy Home

Bringing home our favorite Italian products is more than just shopping. It's a way of bottling up the experience and carrying it with us. Each time we brew coffee in our Bialetti, or I smooth on my Rilastil eye cream, we’re transported back. These everyday rituals let us savor our memories long after we’ve returned, extending the joy of Italy into our daily lives.

They are reminders of a slower pace of life, of markets and farmacie where shopping feels intentional, and of flavors and scents that root you in a place.

If you’re planning your trip, keep some extra room in your suitcase. These Italian must-haves will quickly become part of your own ritual of returning home from Italy!