Forget wandering the Sistene Chapel or ticking off Sydney Harbour Bridge, there’s a new sightseeing trend in town – grabbing a basket and exploring the supermarkets in your chosen holiday destination.
The phenomenon, known as ‘grocery tourism’, has grown exponentially in the past twelve months, and is being hailed as a standout travel trend for 2026.
New research by hotel goliath Hilton reveals a whopping 77 per cent of travellers actively partake in the trend, with 35 per cent of holidaymakers planning supermarket trips on their next jaunt.
What’s fuelled it? Essentially, the Airbnb boom, with tourists having kitchens to rustle up meals from scratch in – often using fresh, locally sourced produce from farmer’s markets, convenience stores and chain supermarkets.
And even for those in hotels, a visit to the nearest store is the perfect chance to browse local goods and stock up on regional snacks, cheap booze, quirky accessories and fun soft drink flavours – peanut butter and jelly soda, anyone?
Grocery tourism, also called ‘supermarket tourism’, has become a trend of its own on social media, with thousands showing off trolley-loads of treats – from to-go bento boxes, ramen noodles and £2 socks in Japan, to fresh cheeses, deli meats and skincare in France.
Here, the Daily Mail speaks to locals and travel experts about what to pick up where…
USA Trader Joe’s (and Walmart)
Cereal sightseer: Walmart’s shelves might double up as a breakfast museum with its dizzying array of colourful packets
The land of plenty never disappoints when it comes to grocery tourism, even if you’re just a curious voyeur, wondering how a supermarket can possibly have 72 different flavours of toothpaste on its shelves.
For good food that you actually want to eat, Trader Joe’s – America’s wholesome, largely organic chain is the place to go.
It’s expensive but is generally an Ultra Processed-free zone, and brimming with creative dishes, many of which you can simply re-heat when you get back to your holiday digs.
There’s great artisan sourdough, rows and rows of IPAs from independent breweries and fresh food including favourites such as steamed pork and ginger soup dumplings and delicious takes on US classics such as Mac & Cheese.
If food quality is your number on priority then Trader Joe’s is the shop to head for; with delicious artisan produce on offer – although it is expensive. Right: Trader Joe’s totes can command up to five times or more their $4 (£3) price tag
Trader Joe’s bags are increasingly sought after too; snap one up for around $4 (£3) in store…and hold on to it; they often sell for five times that much on re-sale fashion sites.
In Walmart, there’s definitely enticing fresh produce to be had – pastries, meat, fruit and veg and bread…but the real fun of America’s supermarket giant is browsing the cereal aisle – with rainbow-hued Lucky Charms, Honey Smacks and Cap’n Crunch amongst the most colourful (and sugar-laden).
What to buy: At Trader Joe’s, whatever the special of the day is will make a fantastic lunch; pick up artisan bread or bagels, pots of fresh berries and delicious ‘sheet’ cakes to share.
What should holidaymakers take home? That Trader Joe’s tote bag…keep it pristine and you might make some money from it down the line
Japan
7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawsons
7-Eleven Japan is a popular convenience store in Japan – even in rural towns – selling everything from viral egg sandos to freshly-made bento boxes
In Japan, 7-Eleven Japan (with over 20,000 stores) and FamilyMart (with around 16,000 locations) are everywhere – in cities, suburbs and even rural towns.
Both are famed for onigiri, egg sando, fried chicken, to-go bento boxes, matcha desserts and seasonal limited-edition snacks that make convenience food an experience in itself.
Pocky – slim biscuit sticks with flavoured chocolate at the end are available in Europe…but Japan’s selection is endlessly creative – Pocky Matcha is a best-seller – and significantly cheaper
Genie Harrison, Executive Travel Editor at the Daily Mail, said: ‘You’d be hard-pressed to go to Japan and not be immediately drawn in by the bright lights and playful jingles of the convenience stores – or ‘konbinis’ as they’re more commonly known in here.
‘There are 7/11s, FamilyMart and Lawsons all over the country, serving Japanese favourites like egg sandos, Pocky Chocolate and ‘curry pan’ (Japanese curry deep friend in breadcrumbs).
‘Konbinis sell a variety of onigiri: rice triangles stuffed with all manner of fillings, from kelp to teriyaki chicken. Be sure to follow the instructions when unwrapping your new treat, though, to really eat like a local.’
What to buy: For something hot, try a juicy chicken thigh at FamilyMart (or FamiChiki, as it’s better known) for as little as £1.
What should holidaymakers take home? If you’re looking for something to take home, Lawson’s is a great place to stock up on Muji stationary.
Ireland SuperValu
What springs to mind when you think of Irish food? Is it a hearty stew, a buttery bowl of colcannon mash, or a generous slice of fresh soda bread?
Well, if you find yourself venturing to the Emerald Isle any time soon, you’ll be able to sample some of country’s signature dishes by taking a quick detour to SuperValu.
A go-to for locals doing a big shop in Ireland, SuperValu is essentially the Emerald Isle’s answer to Sainsbury’s or Tesco.
Being Ireland’s largest grocery and food distributer, it boasts ‘big name brands at low prices,’ with 223 independently owned stores throughout the country.
Visitors should head straight to the chilled aisle for authentic Irish butter and cheese, as well as the bakery section for freshly-baked Derry turnovers and soda bread
Ireland’s favourite crisp is worth bringing home, says travel writer Jowena Riley
Travel writer Jowena Riley said: ‘As someone who’s half-Irish and has lived in Northern Ireland for just under a decade, I always look forward to returning to SuperValu.
‘Individual stores across the chain are mostly independently owned, but you’ll find everything you’d normally get in an English superstore, from bakery goods to household essentials – with a few regional exceptions, of course.
‘I cannot stress how good the sweet pastries are in Ireland, and you’ll find most are baked in-store or delivered straight from a bakery each morning. Among my favourites are Derry turnovers: flaky puff pastry topped with icing and strawberry jam.
What to buy: A loaf of fresh wheaten bread and soda bread, Jammy Joeys (Madeira sponge buns coated in a raspberry-flavoured jelly and desiccated coconut), Turnovers real Irish butter like Kerrygold, and Club Orange (similar to Fanta Orange).
What should holidaymakers take home? Every flavour of Tayto crisps – though Cheese & Onion is the classic go-to.
France
Monoprix
Monoprix, a high-end French retailer with over 600 stores in France alone, blends a premium grocery experience with a stylish department store, meaning you can stock up on skincare and snacks in one place
Running low on skincare or snacks? If you’re heading to Paris or Nice, make sure Monoprix is on your itinerary to replenish your vanity drawers and restock those cupboards.
At Monoprix, a must-buy – and, luckily, an item holidaymakers can take home – is a Cote d’Or Dark Chocolate Bar (pictured)
The high-end French retailer is a one-stop luxury destination that fuses a premium grocery experience with a stylish department store, where shoppers can pick up a wheel of Brie alongside a designer-collab pair of shoes.
Finding and accessing a Monoprix is a breeze, with over 600 stores in France alone, many of which are located in city centre locations.
Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks said: ‘I’ve lived in Paris for a total of four years of my life, and as such have mastered the art of shopping in a French supermarket.
‘It sounds cliché but it’s so cheap to buy cheese, wine and charcuterie in France and the options are so extensive and high quality. Don’t forget wine, either – in my book, it’s incomparable to anywhere else.
‘New travel rules prohibit bringing certain goods back to the UK, so you might need to eat cheese and meats while you’re still in France. But I find that even an average, mid-range cheese in Monoprix is better than some expensive ones in the UK.’
What to buy: Danette Expresso yoghurt dessert pots, Cote d’Or Dark Chocolate Bar, skincare, and Bonne Maman Crème Brûlée à la Vanille Naturelle 2x100g, €2.49 (£2.17).
What should holidaymakers take home? Essential skincare buys – La Roche-Posay Cicaplast balm B5, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water and Embryolisse Lait creme concentre.
Spain
Mercadona
At Mercadona, holidaymakers can pick up paella ingredient kits and sample freshly prepared jamón serrano (pictured)
In need of essentials for a fiesta or night in? In Spain, Mercadona is a great intro to Spanish food, where holidaymakers can stock up on regional specialties, such as jamón serrano and ready-made gazpacho.
According to Alexandra Dubakova, a travel expert with FreeTour (freetour.com), Mercadona and French-owned Carrefour are among the leading supermarkets in Spain.
While Mercadona is popular among the locals for their hacendado, hummus and guacamole, and stocks its own brands, Carrefour comes second because of the variety it offers, which includes big name brands.
Lucinda Faucheux, an ABTA and ATOL protected travel agent, added: ‘Stores like Mercadona are practical and straightforward, which helps visitors quickly understand how locals structure weekly food shops.’
What to buy: Pre sliced cured meats such as jamón serrano and ready-made gazpacho.
What should holidaymakers take home? Paella ingredient kits, and Lay’s Campesina (Bolognese), Lay’s Gourmet and Torres Black Truffle crisps.
Germany
REWE, ALDI and EDEKA
REWE and ALDI are never far away for affordable snacks, low-cost skincare and freshly-made currywurst in Germany
In Germany, with thousands of branches nationwide, the likes of REWE and ALDI are never far away for affordable snacks, freshly-made currywurst, and budget-friendly skincare buys.
You’re also more likely to have a stress-free experience navigating meticulously organised aisles across these stores.
Noel Wolf, cultural expert at leading language learning platform Babbel (babbel.com), said: ‘In Germany, shopping is typically purposeful and streamlined, with layouts designed to help customers move through the store quickly and independently.
At Rewe and Edeka, you’ll find everything you’ll need to make a German hotdog, which consists of Bratwurst natural sausages with sauce and a bun (pictured)
‘Compared to the US, they are usually also much smaller and laid out for day-to-day shopping, so product sizes tend to be more modest.
‘One thing that often impresses foreign visitors is the sheer diversity of beers available, with even small supermarkets and corner stores stocking extensive selections.
‘At the same time, shoppers will find a surprisingly broad variety of international products such as Turkish Ayran, Asian spices or Balkan sausages alongside the classics.’
What to buy: Artisanal German breads, local dairy products, and traditional sausages like bratwurst and currywurst.
What should holidaymakers take home? Spice mixes and local craft beer (in checked luggage).
Austria
BILLA Plus
In Austria, BILLA Plus (the hypermarket arm of BILLA) has large stores across the country, particularly near city centres and retail parks.
Expect fresh Semmel rolls, apfelstrudel, Tyrolean speck, and an impressive dairy section.
Alen Baibekov, CEO and travel expert at Economy Bookings (economybookings.com), said: ‘BILLA Plus is considered Austria’s favourite supermarket. It’s not industrial – those few products that pass for authentic in the authentic-sphere.
‘These would include in-store bakeries and regional mountain cheeses (that travellers will often rave about to me, or even export themselves), as well as the speck and the fresh Knödel mixes.’
What to buy: Schnitzel at ready-to-eat counters and alpine yoghurts.
What should holidaymakers take home? Knödel dumpling mixes.
Pick up some ready-to-eat schnitzel (pictured)on your next trip to BILLA Plus in Austria
Italy
Eataly
At Eataly, holidaymakers can stock up on artisanal pasta, olive oil and gourmet treats
For a true taste of Italy, Eataly’s growing roster of locations in major cities like Rome, Milan and Florence is perfect for picking up artisanal pasta, olive oil and gourmet treats worth the suitcase space.
According to Jason Boertje, Travel Expert at Supra Boats (supraboats.co.uk), Eataly is often described by travellers as more of a food destination than a standard supermarket.
He added: ‘The layout focuses on regional Italian produce, which helps visitors understand how local ingredients differ from one area to another.
‘Instead of endless aisles, shoppers move through curated sections dedicated to pasta, cheese, bread and seasonal produce.
‘Open counters where food is prepared add context rather than spectacle, giving people insight into how certain staples are made.’
What to buy: Burrata or mozzarella prepared that day, truffle related items during peak season, olive oil and focaccia or rustic loaves.
What should holidaymakers take home? Hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and artisanal dried pasta.
The Netherlands
Albert Heijn
In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn’s 1,200+ stores – often conveniently located near city centres and train stations – are ideal for grabbing stroopwafels, Dutch cheese and to-go bites for afternoon picnics by the canal.
Albert Heijn is a major supermarket chain in the Netherlands, operating over 1,200 stores nationwide
Must-pack items include Stroopwafels (pictured) and Croky Explosions Thai Curry crisps
Travel writer Jowena Riley said: ‘Having visited the Netherlands five times, no trip is complete without an evening or morning run to Albert Heijn.
‘At the entrance, you’ll find beautifully displayed aisles of fresh produce, offering everything from affordable pre-made salad boxes, to local Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Old Amsterdam, to an extensive baked goods section with artisan loaves and pastries. Of course, don’t forget to pick up some sweet, chewy stroopwafels!’
‘But my personal go-to are the freshly-baked cheese twists. Individual twists cost just over a euro, and they are impressively cheesy and three times bigger than the ones we get in the bakery sections in the UK. A win-win, in my eyes.’
What to buy: Fresh cheese twists, truffle gouda products and aged Dutch cheeses.
What should holidaymakers take home? Stroopwafels, Doritos Bits (Sweet Paprika), and Croky Explosions Thai Curry crisps.
Poland
Żabka
Holidaymakers visiting Poland must run – not walk – to Żabka, which operates more than 9,000 neighbourhood shops
It’s worth popping in for kabanos sausages, pierogi packs, pastries, and Prince Polo wafers
In Poland, Żabka operates over 9,000 neighbourhood shops, so you’re rarely more than a short walk away from one.
Pop in for kabanos sausages, pierogi packs, Prince Polo wafers and quick hot snacks – ideal between sightseeing stops.
Alesia Fiddler, Travel Reporter at the Daily Mail, said: ‘Zabka is a common convenience store in many Polish cities, similar to Tesco Express or Sainsbury’s Local.
‘You can find anything from freshly baked goods, chilled drinks, a range of snacks and even hot food.
Travel expert Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores, added: ‘Zabka is an ultra-convenience store that feels like a mini-supermarket. Found on almost every street corner, it’s famous for trendy drinks, quick meals and its cult-favourite hot dog counter, which is a go-to cheap street food for locals and travellers alike.’
What to buy: Hot dogs, freshly baked breads, pastries, wafer bars and unusual crisp flavours.
What should holidaymakers take home? Alesia said: ‘On both trips I took home a bar of E. Wedel strawberry milk chocolate (7.99 zł) – delicious and a little different to the treats you find in the UK.’
Greece
A.B. Vassilopoulos
Across mainland Greece and surrounding islands, holidaymakers will likely discover an A.B. Vassilopoulos store
A variety of regional products are sold here, including feta and thyme honey (pictured), known for its intense herbal flavour and golden colour
A.B. Vassilopoulos has hundreds of stores across mainland Greece and surrounding islands. It’s an easy place to pick up feta, Kalamata olives, thyme honey, koulouri sesame bread rings and bottles of ouzo for a DIY sunset spread.
According to Alen Baibekov, CEO and travel expert at Economy Bookings (economybookings.com), travellers have a ‘clear preference’ for a ‘quality and trusted player’ like A.B. Vassilopoulos when grocery shopping in Greece.
He said: ‘Travellers driving to Athens, Crete and the Peloponnese often plan supermarket stops here, where they happily peruse olive oils by region, fresh feta in brine barrels, thyme honey and cold dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), made daily.
‘Less obviously essential, the frozen seafood aisle may not feel as exotic as Venice, but locals trust it.’
What to buy: Freshly made dolmades, feta and thyme honey – known for its intense herbal flavour and golden colour.
What should holidaymakers take home? Regional olive oil.
Israel
Shufersal (formerly Supersol)
At Shufersal, expect Israeli favourites such as fresh challah, tubs of hummus, bourekas and Bamba peanut snacks
In Israel, Shufersal – formerly known as Supersol – runs more than 300 branches in various formats, from neighbourhood shops to large hypermarkets.
Expect fresh challah, tubs of hummus, bourekas, Bamba peanut snacks and ready-made salads that make assembling a quick meal effortless.
Hayley Minn, Deputy Travel Editor at the Daily Mail, said: ‘Generally, Israeli supermarkets are much more expensive than in the UK – due to an 18 per cent VAT rate applied to all groceries.
‘However, this rate no longer applies to tourists, as part of the 2025 Budget Law – so my first recommendation, as someone who lived in Israel for three months, is to head straight to the country’s main supermarket, Shufersal, and try some cherry tomatoes.
‘They’re so much sweeter and juicier than the ones you get in the UK. Secondly, Israeli snacks are elite – namely Bamba.
‘I polished off a 60g bag of the delicious peanut butter snacks to myself every day when I lived there – and put on a lot of weight because of it.’
While small, 25g packs of Bamba are available to buy for 70p at Sainsbury’s in the UK, Israel offers a cheaper price point, with standard 60g bags costing 4.90 INS (£1.16), or packs of 10 15g bags for 17.90 INS (£4.25) at Shufersal.
What to buy: Cherry tomatoes.
What should holidaymakers take home? Bissli (pasta-shaped crisps available in grill, barbeque and pizza flavours) and strawberry and chocolate-filled Bamba.
Morocco
Marjane
In Morocco, Marjane has dozens of hypermarkets in major cities, offering a comfortable, air-conditioned shopping experience for those travelling in the North African hotspot.
According to Daily Mail travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, almond butter is sold in abundance and is a must-buy
Look out for msemen pancakes, almond pastries, dates, harissa and shelves of Moroccan biscuits alongside international staples.
Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks spent several months travelling around Morocco on a budget – meaning she picked up some top tips on keeping costs low by stocking up on essential delicacies from supermarkets.
Erin said: ‘While most people flock to Morocco’s markets for gifts and local specialties, you might find you’re in luck in the supermarkets too. Argan oil, an essential product for skin and hair, is easily accessible in most shops here, and you can buy good quality for much less than you would be able to in the UK.
‘I also found Amlou – an almond butter spread – to be of excellent quality and reasonable cost in shops such as Marjane. Fresh produce here is also great.’
What to buy: Amlou, dates.
What should holidaymakers take home? Ras el Hanout Moroccan spice mix 100g, Terroir du Maroc for 22MAD (£1.77).
12. South Africa
Woolworths in South Africa is worth the visit purely for a bottle of Mrs Ball’s Chutney (pictured) alone
Woolworths
Woolworths has hundreds of locations across South Africa and is especially popular in urban centres.
It’s known for quality ready meals, biltong, boerewors, milk tart and excellent wine selections – perfect for a braai or road trip.
Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, who was born in Johannesburg, said: ‘Woolworths is, in my book, South Africa’s equivalent to M&S.
‘With excellent own-brand products, it’s a great place to get high quality goods, and still at reasonable prices. I personally find the bread here to be of excellent quality, and given it’s in South Africa, fruit is also top tier. For budget goods, try supermarket Pick ‘n Pay.
‘I have been back at least 30 times since leaving at the age of three. Every time I head back to visit family, I always leave a bit of space in my suitcase to bring back South African chocolate.
‘For some reason, the Cadbury’s over there tastes ten times better than in the UK. Plus, I stock up on peach-flavoured Mrs Ball’s Chutney – once you try it, you’ll never look for another chutney ever again.’
What to buy: Top Deck Cadbury’s chocolate, Mrs Ball’s Chutney, Willards Flings crisps.
What should holidaymakers take home? Simba Tomato Sauce Flavoured Potato Chips, 120g bag for 23 rand (£1.05) at Pick ‘n Pay.
Thailand
Among Thailand’s most popular supermarkets are the Big C (pictured) and 7-Eleven, where holidaymakers can pick up sticky mango rice and the viral ham and cheese toasties
Big C and 7-Eleven Thailand
In Thailand, Big C has large-format stores across the country, while 7-Eleven Thailand boasts well over 13,000 branches – practically one on every block in Bangkok.
Stock up on mango sticky rice snacks, tom yum instant noodles, seaweed crisps and the ever-popular ham and cheese toasties.
Travel expert Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores (eshores.co.uk) encourages holidaymakers to pay Big C and 7-Eleven a visit on their next Thailand trips.
Gavin Lapidus of eShores recommends travellers take home the ultimate Thai snack: Tao Kae Noi Seaweed
He said: ‘Big C is Thailand’s snack shopping mothership. Huge stores filled with sweet, spicy and sour snacks you won’t find outside Thailand.
‘7-Eleven Thailand, meanwhile, is arguably the world’s best convenience store chain and Thailand’s most popular with over 13,000 stores.
‘It’s most famous for its toasted sandwiches, unique drinks and ready-to-eat snacks. It’s also viral on TikTok, making it a major tourist attraction.’
What to buy: 7-Eleven toasted sandwiches, with over 45+ flavours to choose from and Bento Squid snacks – chewy, spicy, pungent and extremely famous.
What should holidaymakers take home? The ultimate Thai snack: Tao Kae Noi Seaweed, available in a variety of flavours, including Tom Yum.
Australia
Coles operates more than 800 supermarkets across Australia, selling beloved sweet treats like Tim Tams (pictured)
Coles
Coles operates more than 800 supermarkets across Australia, making it an easy stop in cities and regional towns alike.
Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks can’t recommend stocking up on Vegemite enough – Australia’s answer to Marmite
Fill your basket with Tim Tams, Lamingtons, barbecue-ready meats and fresh tropical fruit.
Travel writer Erin Deborah Waks, who’s visited her family in Sydney several times, said: ‘Every time I go back to Sydney, my cousins are always on hand to provide me top tips for what to buy in Australian supermarkets.
‘For me, a highlight is Pods – snack bags of chocolate in various flavours that beat most UK snack packs.
‘My Australian family have a list of recommendations: Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, (controversially) Vegemite, Cherry Ripe (oldest Australian chocolate), laminations and Anzac biscuits. Easter buns are also a specialty here.’
What to buy: Vegemite, Coles Easter Sticky Date Inspired Hot Cross Buns 320g – 4 Pack for AU$5.50 (£2.85).
What should holidaymakers take home? Anzac biscuits, Caramello Koalas and Tim Tams
Singapore
Don Don Donki has multiple centrally located outlets across Singapore that sell hyper-regional Japanese snacks, such as matcha-flavoured KitKats (pictured)
Don Don Donki
In Singapore, Don Don Donki has multiple centrally located outlets – many open late or operate 24/7 – making it incredibly convenient. It’s just the place for Japanese cheesecake, mochi, sushi trays, instant ramen, and quirky KitKat flavours.
Matthew Freddura of Splendid Communications said: ‘Singapore is a prime example of the rising global trend of supermarket tourism, reflecting its unique blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan cultures.
‘One standout example is Don Don Donki, which has become a popular grocery tourism destination since opening its first Southeast Asian store in Singapore in 2017.
‘The chain offers a diverse range of hyper-regional Japanese snacks, cosmetics and freshly prepared bentos, making it a must-visit for travellers looking for products they can’t find at home.’
What to buy: Instant ramen, cosmetics and fresh bento boxes.
What should holidaymakers take home? Unique KitKat flavours such as Matcha, Wasabi and Hojicha Tea.
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