10 Things Americans Buy in Grocery Stores That Shock Foreigners

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10 Things Americans Buy in Grocery Stores That Shock Foreigners

Ever walked into an American grocery store and felt like you’ve stepped onto another planet? You’re not alone. Many foreigners find some of the items on the shelves pretty surprising. From the massive sizes of everyday products to the wild flavors that seem to come straight out of a candy store, here’s a fun look at 10 things Americans buy that might just boggle a newbie’s mind.

1. Gallon-Sized Everything

In the US, bigger often means better, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. Take milk, for example. While most of the world buys milk in liters or smaller cartons, Americans typically buy their milk in gallon jugs. That’s about 3.78 liters of milk in one go! Why so much? It’s all about convenience and, often, better pricing per volume. This trend isn’t just limited to milk; it extends to many liquids and staple foods, making bulk buying a common sight.

2. Neon-Colored Cereals

Walk down the cereal aisle in an American grocery store, and you’ll be met with a rainbow of brightly colored options. Cereals like Froot Loops and Cap’n Crunch come in vivid, almost fluorescent colors. These cereals aren’t just popular among kids for their fun colors and shapes, but also for the sugary taste they pack. It’s a stark contrast to more natural-looking cereals commonly found in other countries.

3. Instant Mac and Cheese

Instant mac and cheese, with its easy prep time and creamy taste, is a staple in many American homes. The magic ingredient? Powdered cheese. Yes, you heard that right. Just add water (and sometimes butter or milk), and you’ve got yourself a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness. This convenience food is a bit of a novelty elsewhere, where traditional cheese or freshly made sauces are preferred.

4. Flavored Water That Tastes Like Candy

If you think water should taste like water, you might find the American grocery store beverage aisle a bit overwhelming. Here, you can find water flavored to taste like just about anything from grape to cotton candy to blue raspberry. These aren’t just hints of flavor; they’re bold and sweet, almost like drinking liquid candy.

5. Spray Cheese

Cheese in a can that you can spray? Yup, that’s a thing here in the States. Spray cheese is exactly what it sounds like—cheese that comes out of an aerosol can. It’s spreadable, it’s convenient, and yes, it’s a bit odd if you’ve never seen it before. But it’s also a hit at parties, especially with crackers or pretzels.

6. Pre-Cut Fruit in Plastic Containers

In many parts of the world, if you want to eat fruit, you buy it whole and cut it yourself. Not so much in the US, where pre-cut fruit packaged neatly in plastic containers is a common sight. It’s all about saving time and the convenience of grabbing a ready-to-eat snack.

7. Canned Pumpkin

In many countries, pumpkin is something you might buy whole or in slices, but in the US, canned pumpkin is a big deal, especially around Thanksgiving. It’s used primarily for making pumpkin pie, a traditional American dessert. This pre-puréed, spice-ready product isn’t something you commonly find on grocery shelves elsewhere.

8. Massive Jars of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter may be a common pantry item in the US, but in many other countries, it’s still catching on. And in America, not only do you find peanut butter, but you find it in massive jars. These large quantities reflect not only the love for peanut butter but also the American trend towards larger packaging.

9. Beef Jerky at the Checkout

In the US, it’s common to see bags of beef jerky right at the checkout counter, ready for that last-minute impulse buy. This dried, seasoned meat is a popular snack in America, but in many other places around the world, it’s either uncommon or sold in very different contexts.

10. Flavored Coffee Creamers

Last but not least, let’s talk about coffee creamers. In the US, these aren’t just about adding a splash of milk or cream to your coffee; they’re about transforming your coffee into a dessert. Flavors like French Vanilla, Hazelnut, or even seasonal varieties like Pumpkin Spice are commonplace. Interestingly, many Americans might not realize that these flavors are not typical in France or many other coffee-loving nations.