A tourist in the United States sparked debate by expressing surprise at various cultural differences encountered while shopping in an American supermarket. Lucija, hailing from the Balkans, shared a video online that garnered over 6.9 million views on TikTok, highlighting peculiarities she observed in American grocery stores unfamiliar to Europeans.
One striking observation for Lucija was the abundance of burger buns posing as ‘normal’ bread in US supermarkets, a departure from the fresh loaves common in European stores. American bread tends to feature higher sugar content, preservatives, and dough conditioners compared to UK bread, aimed at prolonging shelf life and enhancing sweetness.
Notably, a comparison by Daily Express revealed that a standard-sized loaf of Warburtons bread contains 17g of sugar, while the equivalent Wonder bread loaf packs a substantial 50g. This stark contrast led commenters to label American bread as laden with sugar and additives.
Lucija also marveled at the oversized bags of popcorn and unconventional flavors like cheddar cheese popcorn available in American supermarkets. Furthermore, she was taken aback by the massive tub of Vaseline, symbolizing the American preference for stocking up on products for extended periods due to the country’s vast size and potential distance from grocery stores.
Another cultural insight highlighted by Americans explained the tendency to purchase food in bulk for longer durations, attributing it to the vast distances between places in the US. This contrasts with European habits of frequent grocery trips due to closer proximity to stores, indicating a fundamental cultural distinction in shopping behaviors.
Moreover, Lucija expressed disbelief at encountering Dove Crumbl cookie-scented bath and shower products, a collaboration between Crumbl and Dove that introduced dessert-inspired scents like Confetti Cake and Lemon Glaze. The novelty of these products elicited mixed reactions from online commenters, with some expressing intrigue and others skepticism.
Additionally, the vibrant orange hue of Fanta in the US caught Lucija’s attention, contrasting with the lighter tones found in European Fanta variants due to ingredient disparities and regulatory variations. This color discrepancy prompted discussions among consumers regarding taste variations across regions, with some praising European Fanta for its natural qualities.
Furthermore, Lucija encountered Skittles drinks and pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs, sparking varied reactions from viewers, with some questioning the convenience of ready-to-eat eggs in bags. These observations shed light on the diverse offerings and cultural nuances present in American supermarkets compared to those in Europe.