Upon landing in a new destination, what excites you the most? Whether it’s exploring tourist spots or soaking up the sun on a beach, we all have those holiday moments we eagerly anticipate. However, a recent trend on social media has seen holidaymakers sharing videos not of picturesque landscapes, but of supermarket aisles.
Brits on TikTok are showcasing their excitement as they venture into supermarkets in their vacation spots. One video captures a man joyfully dancing down the aisles during his first supermarket visit in Spain, while another features a tourist at Mercadona with the caption “Me, as soon as I land in Spain”.
This newfound enthusiasm for a typically mundane task has prompted travel deals site Superbreak.com to unveil the Gourmet Grocery Index for 2026, ranking the top ten UK and European destinations for grocery tourism. Factors considered include the variety of supermarkets and independent food shops, the cost of a food shop, retail value, and the ease of packing popular food items.
Leading the index is Lisbon, Portugal, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, colorful buildings, and evidently, well-stocked supermarkets. Lisbon stood out due to its diverse range of food shops, from traditional delis and markets to boutiques specializing in tinned fish, known as conservas, and popular chain supermarkets.
Portugal is also recognized for offering a more affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Tourists from the UK often find Portugal’s food shopping to be 20-40% cheaper than back home.
A popular item for UK visitors to bring back is tinned fish, which scores high on packability due to its durability in transit. While tinned fish is an ideal gift to carry home, it’s important to note that fish in brine or oil is considered a liquid when packed in hand luggage.
Travelers exploring Lisbon should visit mercados municipais, local markets housed in historic buildings offering a variety of goods. Mercado de Campo de Ourique is a notable option with a mix of market stalls and dining spots. For souvenir shopping, Loja das Conservas is a colorful store offering a range of tinned fish in retro packaging.
To experience shopping like a local, visitors can head to Continente, the largest supermarket chain in Lisbon, or check out Pingo Doce, known for its fresh produce and in-store bakeries.
Securing the second spot on the list is Barcelona, famous for Mercat de la Boqueria, hailed as the world’s best market, and Florence in Italy, known for its specialty food stores showcasing authentic local ingredients.
Among the top ten destinations, only one UK locale made the cut. Lynton & Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast claimed the tenth spot due to its abundance of independent farm shops and artisanal food producers, making it an appealing staycation choice for food enthusiasts seeking a unique shopping experience in the UK.
Prior to packing supermarket finds for the return trip, travelers should ensure items can withstand high-altitude cabin pressure and rough handling. For hand luggage, it’s crucial to comply with liquid regulations set by airports. Remember, if it can spill, spread, pump, or pour, it’s likely classified as a liquid.
Consider the journey duration and whether the item can remain unrefrigerated until reaching home. Additionally, be aware of the restrictions on bringing meat and cheese products from the EU into the UK. While fish and poultry items are permitted, all dairy products, pork, beef, and lamb are prohibited.