Back at home, we’re used to seeing big grocery stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and more. Here, that is not the case. There is an abundance of supermarkets here in Barcelona, and you are likely to find one near you at all times. It is more common to shop daily in Spain, rather than the U.S., where we shop weekly. The supermarkets are always busy and it’s common to see familiar products in unfamiliar flavors and packaging. The layout of the markets is also unfamiliar. Many products are in different places that we would not expect them to be. These differences seem small at first, but they reveal a lot about how daily life and culture works here.
One major difference you’ll see is that instead of having to buy a full 6-pack of sodas you can pick out one or two drinks and leave the rest in the package. This allows others who also only want one drink to grab from the open pack. Most sodas and waters come in a 1-liter bottle, whereas in the U.S., you can buy cases of mostly anything. The prices are also drastically cheaper. A carton of eggs costs €2- €3, and you can find many things for under €10.
Several items that must be refrigerated in the U.S. like milk, eggs, and butter, are kept out on the shelves, which may make them confusing to find. These are just a few of the many differences that a Barcelona supermarket has that we wouldn’t find in America. They are small adjustments, but they show how everyday tasks can feel unfamiliar when adapting to a new culture.
About the Authors
Stella Garcia is a junior mass communications major. Erin Abdalla is a junior journalism major.
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