Travelers are finding a new way to experience local cultures, and it doesn’t involve the typical tourist hotspots. Instead, they’re heading straight for the grocery stores. This latest trend, which has taken TikTok by storm, is offering a fresh perspective on how to immerse oneself in a new city — by living as the locals do, starting with their supermarkets.
A Cultural Experience in Every Aisle
What some might view as a mundane chore has now become a sought-after adventure. Travelers on TikTok are calling grocery shopping abroad a “cultural experience,” capturing the attention of millions. These supermarket explorations aren’t just about picking up snacks for the road; they’re about uncovering the essence of local life through food and flavors that are often overlooked by traditional travel guides.
According to Shannon Mill, a social media creator from Philadelphia, this growing trend is giving travelers a deeper look into the heart of a country’s culture.
“[This trend] is something I’ve noticed more and more as people are drawn to the idea of experiencing a country’s culture through its food,” Mill told Fox News Digital via email.
Tasty Souvenirs and a Glimpse of Daily Life
@fiza.shakeel333 #grocery shopping#viralvideo #foryoupage #lahorepakistan ♬ original sound – Haidu_786
As vacationers stroll through aisles lined with unfamiliar brands, they’re not just looking for snacks or quick meals — they’re gathering souvenirs that reflect the region’s tastes. Whether it’s Tuscan olive oil from Italy or a unique local delicacy, these finds offer more than just sustenance; they offer a taste of local life.
Mill emphasizes how grocery stores provide “a glimpse into local life that’s often overlooked — seeing what locals eat, discovering unique products and getting a feel for the day-to-day routines.”
For her, this is where the real magic of travel happens. “There’s something special about seeing unfamiliar products and comparing them to what we have back home. Plus, it’s an affordable and authentic way for travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture,” she said.
TikTok Takes Grocery Store Tourism to New Heights
Thanks to TikTok’s viral reach, the allure of visiting grocery stores during international trips is spreading fast. Users on the platform are sharing their experiences, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Videos of supermarket excursions abroad have sparked excitement among those eager to try it for themselves.
“It tells you a lot more about the country and the culture there than most things do imo [in my opinion],” one TikTok user commented. “Plus I like to envision what my life would be like in every country.”
Another chimed in, “Omg I thought I was the only one… I lovvveeee roaming around in foreign supermarkets.”
Even an employee with Booking.com couldn’t resist the appeal of this trend, commenting, “That’s half the fun of going abroad.”
More Than Just Grocery Stores
Mill encourages travelers to not only visit grocery stores but also check out other local shops like butcher shops and produce stands to further immerse themselves in the culture. She has shared her favorite experiences online, from purchasing meats in Rome to picking up artisanal goods at local markets.
“I absolutely love shopping in grocery stores, but I enjoy shopping even more in local markets, butcher shops and produce stands. Rome has no shortage of these amazing places,” she said.
A Life-Changing Experience in Rome
For Mill, grocery shopping abroad turned into something much more meaningful. On her first visit to Rome, she was on the hunt for ingredients to prepare an authentic Roman dish for friends during a study-abroad trip. Her shopping led her to a local butcher shop, where she met Edo, the butcher behind the counter.
“The butcher, Edo, eventually became my boyfriend, and now almost three years later, we travel back and forth between the U.S. and Italy. We’ve even launched our own business, sharing global food immersions and experiences, both in Italy and in America. It’s been an incredible journey,” she shared.
Mill’s personal story perfectly captures how something as simple as grocery shopping abroad can evolve into a life-changing adventure. And for many travelers, this emerging trend provides an opportunity to connect with new cultures in ways they never imagined.
As the viral trend continues to grow, it’s clear that for today’s travelers, the journey isn’t complete without a stop at the local grocery store.
