Credits: Social Media
6 things about British grocery stores that will confuse Americans
One of the most entertaining things to do when you visit another country is head to a grocery store to see the variety of foods they have on offer, and two places that do things very differently are the US and UK.
Last week, an American discovered what Brits call whipped cream, and another person has shared six things about British grocery stores that are bound to confuse people from the States. Firstly, they call them supermarkets!
6 things about British grocery stores that will confuse Americans
Jeff Thrum, who often shares videos comparing the two countries on TikTok, walked around a British supermarket and shared some of the crazy differences.
1. Eggs aren’t in the fridge
Firstly, eggs aren’t kept in the fridge. UK grocery stores stack them up in plastic cages down one of the dry food aisles, usually near the baking items like sugar and flour. British hens are vaccinated to prevent salmonella, and unlike the US, eggs are not washed. This helps them retain a natural protective layer called the cuticle, which prevents bacterial growth and means they don’t need refrigeration.
2. Cashiers sit down
Another thing the TikTok user noticed is that cashiers sit down while they are scanning your shopping. In the US, they tend to stand up, but British supermarkets provide chairs behind the tills. Speaking of cashiers, many also noted that some America stores still pack your bags for you, but that’s unheard of in the UK.
3. Meal deals
You may have seen people raving about them online, but the UK has these amazing things called meal deals, great lunch savings that include a main, snack and drink. Typically, the main is a sandwich, pasta or salad, while the sides are things like crisps, chocolate bars and fruit bags. Most grocery stores have their own version, all ranging in price and including slightly different options.
4. Lemonade is different
If you ever ask for lemonade in England, you’ll get something entirely unexpected. Brits call Sprite, 7-Up and other lemon sodas lemonade, while in the US, it’s an un-carbonated drink made from lemon juice and water and sweetened with sugar. It’s usually homemade by kids, and you don’t really find adults drinking lemonade.
5. Fancy chip flavors
Finally, the American said the UK has some posh-sounding chip flavors, although they call chips crisps. As well as your average salt and vinegar Lays (called Walkers in England) and sour cream and onion Pringles, the UK has some more rogue choices like roasted chicken and thyme or cheddar and red onion. How fancy!
To finish the list, someone in the comments switched things around and shared something Brits are always really shocked about at American grocery stores – the tax! Most food and non-alcoholic drinks are exempt from VAT, but tax is added to your US bill at the checkout.
