The travel trend currently taking the world by storm is Supermarket Tourism, with many travelers enjoying wandering through the aisles of foreign supermarkets, admiring everything from microwave toasties to ham flavoured crisps. Stepping into these aisles offers a unique window into the culture, daily life and culinary quirks of each destination.
Travel experts from The Bucket List Company have explored the supermarket tourism trend and shared with us some of the delicious snacks that you can purchase in five top trending travel destinations right now.
A Taste of the World in Aisles in the Top Five Trending Travel Countries This Year
Supermarkets are the perfect place to sample country-specific foods, showcasing everything from popular snacks to specialty ingredients. Here are some fun foods to try during your travels:
Japan: Bucket List’s experts say “Indulge in uniquely flavoured KitKats, like matcha or sake, or try savoury delights like onigiri (rice balls) and packaged mochi. You can find these in the majority of supermarket chains around Japan including Aeon, Seiyu, and Ito-Yokado”.
Mexico: Bucket List’s team say; “Mexican supermarkets offer a treasure trove of unique snacks and foods that are hard to find elsewhere. Look for spicy tamarind candies and chips dusted with chilli-lime seasoning, also known as Pulparindo – a firm favourite in Mexico. While Takis are available globally, Mexico offers exclusive flavors like Guacamole, Fuego Azul, or Enchilada. You can find these Mexican snack specialities in supermarkets such as Bodega Aurrerá, OXXO and Walmart Mexico, as well as local traditional markets (e.g.Mercado de San Juan)”.
Italy: Bucket List’s team say; “Sample biscotti, artisanal pasta, or baci chocolates from the supermarkets in Italy. They are much cheaper than the tourist stores and just as good. Esselunga and COOP are your best bets, along with local markets depending on where you are staying. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the deli and bakery sections for fresh, ready-to-eat delights – The Italians do this best!”
South Korea: Bucket List’s team says; “South Korean supermarkets are haven for ramen lovers, with instant noodles in bold flavors like jjajangmyeon (black bean) or fire chicken. Sample local brands such as Orion, Haitai, and Nongshim for classic Korean snacks. If you really want to experience the culture, some supermarkets and traditional markets carry items specific to their region, like Andong Soju or Jeju mandarin products.
“Some of the larger South Korean supermarkets also have Ready-to-Eat Sections – check out the deli sections for freshly prepared kimbap, japchae, and banchan. You can find all of these in local supermarkets like Emart. Top Tip: Don’t miss honey butter chips!”
Thailand: Crispy seaweed snacks, mango sticky rice chips, and other exotic chips (durian, anyone?) await in every corner store. 7–Eleven’s in Thailand are a firm backpacker favourite with delicious toasties that won’t break the bank. Thai Coconut Rolls are also great for those who like something sweeter (wafer-like snacks made from coconut milk and sesame seeds). Alongside 7-Eleven you can find unique to Thailand snacks in supermarkets such as Villa Market in major cities, and Big-C”.
Image credit: CKtravels.com
The joy of discovering these quirky items transforms a quick shopping trip into an immersive cultural experience.
Popular Supermarkets Around the World
|
Rank |
Supermarket |
Country |
Search Volume Per Month |
|
1 |
Carrefour |
1,900 |
|
|
1 |
Carrefour |
Spain |
1,900 |
|
1 |
Walmart |
USA |
1,900 |
|
4 |
Target |
USA |
1600 |
|
5 |
7– Eleven |
Thailand |
880 |
Carrefour, often found in both France and Spain, tops the list, with the highest search volume. Whether you’re looking to sample baguette with brie or try some jamón flavoured crisps, there’s a multitude of options to choose from.
Joining first place, is Walmart. The perfect place to go to try fun cereal flavours or different types of Oreos. Walmart isn’t just the go to place for fun American snacks, their homeware section also offers a large variety of home decor options and candles with every scent you could imagine.
Whilst not making the top 3, in recent years Thai 7-Eleven stores have become an internet sensation. The term ‘7-Eleven Thailand’ has over 5K posts on Instagram and taste tests of popular foods from the supermarket have become a popular TikTok trend. This convenience store chain offers a dizzying variety of ready-to-eat meals and snacks, all freshly prepared and wallet-friendly.
Highlights include:
-
Toasties: These grilled sandwiches, filled with options like ham and cheese or spicy basil chicken, are toasted to perfection in-store.
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Ready-to-Eat Thai Dishes: Heat-and-eat classics such as pad kra pao (stir-fried basil pork) or green curry offer an authentic taste of Thai cuisine in minutes. They even have ready to eat Dim Sum and other dumpling dishes.
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Desserts and Drinks: Thai milk tea, pudding cups, and coconut jellies are local favorites.
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Novelty Snacks: Durian-flavored chips, crispy seaweed, and rice burgers showcase Thailand’s knack for bold flavors and creative food ideas.
Why Supermarket Tourism?
Keither Crockford, CEO of The Bucket List Company, comments: “Supermarkets offer an unfiltered glimpse into the local palate. It’s here you’ll find everyday foods that locals love. Plus, shopping for snacks and groceries is a budget-friendly way to bring home edible souvenirs or try a wide variety of flavors without breaking the bank.
“Supermarket tourism is one of the simplest ways to connect with a destination. It’s an accessible way to step into the rhythm of local life while also uncovering regional specialties you might not find in restaurants. Plus, the sheer variety of snacks makes it endlessly fun!”
For more information about trip options and inspiration for your next adventure visit: https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/knowledge-centre/
