‘Grocery store tourism’ takes off with Gen Z travelers who say a supermarket counts as ‘sightseeing’
They’re jetting off to the aisle-lands.
Foreign grocery stores have become a must-check out for a growing number of travelers who say that an unfamiliar overseas supermarket can teach a great deal about local foodways and culture — for a lot cheaper than going to a trendy eatery.
Never mind that guided tour of the Acropolis, or even rushing to claim a beach lounger after breakfast — price-checking out the locals as they shop for food and necessities has become a minor obsession with some social media-savvy young travelers, who have been sharing their so-called fascinating findings with interested audiences.
“This may be controversial, but I think that the best thing to do while traveling is go to the grocery store,” one TikTokker said in a video, while shopping in Malaysia.
“Going to a grocery store could technically be counted as sightseeing, right? Because not only is it a cultural experience, but you can also find lots of stuff to bring back as souvenirs,” they explained.
Someone commented, “I totally agree with you! I hit the grocery store too when I go to another country. It’s like learning about another culture through their consumption! And I buy food as souvenirs too!”
“I always go to grocery stores when traveling! And Costco. It is so interesting to see Costco over seas!” a user suggested.
“Foreign grocery stores and foreign McDonald’s — I seek out culture,” said a third.
Another user who posted a video shopping at a Spanish supermarket agreed, “Checking out the grocery stores in different countries IS sightseeing.”
The poster and their friends were finding all kinds of unique items that they can’t get back at home, including the “Ultra Red” Monster Energy drink, which comes in a red can.
A visitor to an Edeka store in Düsseldorf, Germany, shared that they found the “best grocery store in the world” and “the most insane supermarket I’ve ever set foot inside.”
They proceeded to show of the snazzy store’s many assets — a champagne bar, a mozzarella bar, a jamon sampling station, a wine tasting area and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.
You don’t even have to leave the country to participate in the travel trend.
American travelers are taking part in grocery store tourism when going to different states — high-end grocery store Erewhon in California has become something of a TikTok star, sometimes for its outrageous prices.
Some have taken flights — or have highly considered it — to the west coast with the sole purpose of visiting the luxury supermarket chain known for expensive smoothies created by celebs such as Hailey Bieber.
“I just took a six-hour flight to Los Angeles just to review these smoothies you guys won’t stop talking about,” one skepic admitted, sharing that they spent $88 on three smoothies.
“For that price you could’ve flown to South Korea and had 40 smoothies 😅,” someone joked in the comments.
“Do people in Los Angeles like wasting money? Yes,” another snarked.