For many of us, holidays to Europe are a time for indulgence – whether it's sampling local delicacies or stocking up on treats to bring back home. As we wander through supermarkets, our senses are tantalized by the aromas and tastes that define each country's unique food culture.
In Belgium, our journey begins with mustards. Yes, you read that right - mustards! In a small shop in Ghent, I discovered a 19th-century interior filled with soothing spices and herbs used to make fresh mustards each day in wooden vats on the premises. The sweet treats from Meli honey waffles and cakes were also irresistible, leaving me with withdrawal symptoms after finishing my last packet.
In France, our senses are treated to an artistic display of perfectly aligned shelves showcasing a range of French delicacies, from cheeses to jams to coffee beans. A particular weakness is for sugared jellies and the citrusy taste of Italian beer made from lager and Sicilian lemon juice. Meanwhile in Italy, it's all about sweets - particularly fruit jellies and Baci chocolates that are impossible to resist.
Irish supermarkets may be seen as lacking in flair compared to their European counterparts, but a trip home is always an excuse to stock up on essentials like Barry's tea and Tayto crisps. However, those in the know will tell you about alternative delights such as Boyne Valley Bán cheese and Blanco Niño tortilla chips made in Tipperary.
In Germany, supermarkets offer an unparalleled shopping experience with fantastic bakeries on site selling everything from pastries to pretzels. A trip down the confectionery aisle is a must for Ritter Sport chocolate fans and those seeking vegan gummy bears or liquorice from Katjes. Unfortunately, Germany's eco-friendly deposit system, pfánd, which encourages recycling of plastic bottles and cans, is sadly missing from many supermarkets abroad.
For us foodies, shopping in these supermarkets is an essential part of the holiday experience - it's a chance to taste our way through different countries and cultures, often at unbeatable prices.
In Belgium, our journey begins with mustards. Yes, you read that right - mustards! In a small shop in Ghent, I discovered a 19th-century interior filled with soothing spices and herbs used to make fresh mustards each day in wooden vats on the premises. The sweet treats from Meli honey waffles and cakes were also irresistible, leaving me with withdrawal symptoms after finishing my last packet.
In France, our senses are treated to an artistic display of perfectly aligned shelves showcasing a range of French delicacies, from cheeses to jams to coffee beans. A particular weakness is for sugared jellies and the citrusy taste of Italian beer made from lager and Sicilian lemon juice. Meanwhile in Italy, it's all about sweets - particularly fruit jellies and Baci chocolates that are impossible to resist.
Irish supermarkets may be seen as lacking in flair compared to their European counterparts, but a trip home is always an excuse to stock up on essentials like Barry's tea and Tayto crisps. However, those in the know will tell you about alternative delights such as Boyne Valley Bán cheese and Blanco Niño tortilla chips made in Tipperary.
In Germany, supermarkets offer an unparalleled shopping experience with fantastic bakeries on site selling everything from pastries to pretzels. A trip down the confectionery aisle is a must for Ritter Sport chocolate fans and those seeking vegan gummy bears or liquorice from Katjes. Unfortunately, Germany's eco-friendly deposit system, pfánd, which encourages recycling of plastic bottles and cans, is sadly missing from many supermarkets abroad.
For us foodies, shopping in these supermarkets is an essential part of the holiday experience - it's a chance to taste our way through different countries and cultures, often at unbeatable prices.
but like what's with Germany having eco-friendly deposit system in supermarket tho? I thought that was just for Germany only? How does it work tho? Is it like a token or something? I have to try those vegan gummy bears 
and ritter sport chocolate sounds sooo good! Have you been to any of these supermarkets in person? What's the vibe like in there?
I've been meaning to try some of that French sugared jelly stuff it sounds SO good! 
The attention to detail in Belgian supermarkets, from those adorable mustard jars to the meli honey waffles, is seriously on point 
. And have you tried the Italian sweets? 
Fruity jellies and Baci chocolates are like a taste explosion in your mouth 
. And Germany's confectionery aisles? Wow, Ritter Sport chocolate fans will be in heaven 
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. Who else loves trying new foods on holiday? 
. And let's be real, who needs a fancy German bakery when you can just get your pretzel fix on site? Germany's pfánd system is cool and all, but supermarkets abroad are just offering more variety for us holiday shoppers 
. I mean, have you tried those Blanco Niño tortilla chips from Tipperary? Game changer!
! I mean, who wouldn't want to indulge in all those delicious mustards, French sugared jellies, and Italian Baci chocolates? 
Still, as a foodie, I'm all about the experience - sampling new flavors and treats in person is the best way to get your cultural fix 
. And don’t even get me started on Germany’s bakeries – I need to get myself to a Ritter Sport shop ASAP 
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. As for the supermarkets, yeah, they're definitely a highlight of holiday shopping - who needs personal growth or productivity when you can spend all your time sampling local treats? 
Just kidding, I get it, food is love 
. But have you tried making your own snacks back home? Game changer 
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European holidays are the best for foodies like me! I'm totally obsessed with trying all those local delicacies and treats 
. It'd be so much easier to recycle plastic bottles and cans when shopping around the world 
. Maybe we can convince some European shops to add pfánd to their recycling programs 
?
just read that Germany's eco-friendly pfánd system is not being used in many supermarkets abroad... like what's the point of saving the planet if we're still buying plastic bottles and cans? 
Come on, guys! You can't just say that Irish supermarkets are lacking in flair without giving them some credit for having their own unique treats like Barry's tea and Tayto crisps? Those are Irish staples, for goodness sake! 
And don't even get me started on the German pfánd system - it's actually a great way to reduce waste and encourage recycling. The UK could learn from that, but I guess that's not going to happen anytime soon 
). It's like life - we gotta find that perfect mix of indulgence and moderation. don't get me wrong, trying new foods is super fun, but sometimes it's the simple things in life that bring us the most joy... like a good cuppa Barry's tea 
or some crunchy Tayto crisps 
. just saying.
. I mean, think about it, they're not just selling food, they're selling an experience... and that experience comes with a price tag 
. Have you ever stopped to consider why they put mustards in every Belgian shop? It's not just about the mustard, it's about creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) when you leave that shop 
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Germany's bakeries on site are my fave - there's nothing like a freshly baked pastry to get me going 
. It really made me appreciate the hard work that goes into creating those delicious dishes we enjoy. And then there's Germany's pfánd system - it might be a small thing, but it shows us that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in reducing waste and living more sustainably 
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and can someone pls tell me where i can get that boyne valley bán cheese in the uk? 
anyhoo, shopping for food is def my fave part of traveling to europe - all the new flavors and treats to try 