When traveling abroad, many of us have a weakness for local treats that can't be replicated back home. In Europe, this shopping obsession is taken to new heights. From Belgian mustards and French jam to Italian sweets and German bread, the aromas and tastes are an integral part of what makes traveling special.
In Belgium, cycling enthusiasts can't get enough of Meli honey waffles and cake, which have become a staple in the country's supermarkets. For those with a sweet tooth, there's no better place than the 19th-century mustard shop on Ghent's Groentenmarkt, where wooden vats create a soothing aroma that will leave you wanting more. And for coffee lovers, Mokabon's home-roasted beans are a must-try.
Meanwhile, in France, the middle aisle of supermarkets is an art form, with perfectly aligned labels facing forward and enticing customers to linger. The Bonne Maman jam section offers Gallic flavors such as mirabelle intense, coings (quince), figues violettes (fig) and reines-claudes (greengage). Cheese enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice, with countless varieties from Normandy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
In Italy, a country that loves its sweets, the supermarket experience is an Aladdin's cave of candies. Fruit jellies are a particular favorite among tourists, who can buy huge bags to take home. No trip to Italy would be complete without several boxes of Baci chocolates, with their nutty filling and hazelnut-topped dark chocolate. And for those looking to stock up on groceries, olive oil, pasta and balsamic vinegar are must-haves.
For Irish expats on a trip home or international tourists visiting the Emerald Isle, stocking up on Barry's tea and Tayto crisps is almost mandatory. However, there's more to Ireland than these two staples – from farmhouse cheeses like Gubbeen and Durrus to Boyne Valley Bán, a magnificent hard goat's cheese that's worth tracking down.
In Germany, in-store bakeries are a treat for those who miss the country's freshly baked bread rolls, such as Brötchen with cream cheese or meat. The regionally-inspired deli counters offer a taste of Bavaria, northern Germany and Hamburg, each with its own unique flavors. And from Ritter Sport chocolate to Katjes gummy bears, there's no shortage of sweet treats to take home.
Lastly, for those who value sustainability, the German deposit system is a game-changer – returning plastic bottles and cans to the supermarket and getting up to 25 cents back is an environmentally-friendly habit worth adopting. Whether it's Belgian mustards, French jam or German bread, Europe has something special when it comes to local treats that will leave you wanting more.
In Belgium, cycling enthusiasts can't get enough of Meli honey waffles and cake, which have become a staple in the country's supermarkets. For those with a sweet tooth, there's no better place than the 19th-century mustard shop on Ghent's Groentenmarkt, where wooden vats create a soothing aroma that will leave you wanting more. And for coffee lovers, Mokabon's home-roasted beans are a must-try.
Meanwhile, in France, the middle aisle of supermarkets is an art form, with perfectly aligned labels facing forward and enticing customers to linger. The Bonne Maman jam section offers Gallic flavors such as mirabelle intense, coings (quince), figues violettes (fig) and reines-claudes (greengage). Cheese enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice, with countless varieties from Normandy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
In Italy, a country that loves its sweets, the supermarket experience is an Aladdin's cave of candies. Fruit jellies are a particular favorite among tourists, who can buy huge bags to take home. No trip to Italy would be complete without several boxes of Baci chocolates, with their nutty filling and hazelnut-topped dark chocolate. And for those looking to stock up on groceries, olive oil, pasta and balsamic vinegar are must-haves.
For Irish expats on a trip home or international tourists visiting the Emerald Isle, stocking up on Barry's tea and Tayto crisps is almost mandatory. However, there's more to Ireland than these two staples – from farmhouse cheeses like Gubbeen and Durrus to Boyne Valley Bán, a magnificent hard goat's cheese that's worth tracking down.
In Germany, in-store bakeries are a treat for those who miss the country's freshly baked bread rolls, such as Brötchen with cream cheese or meat. The regionally-inspired deli counters offer a taste of Bavaria, northern Germany and Hamburg, each with its own unique flavors. And from Ritter Sport chocolate to Katjes gummy bears, there's no shortage of sweet treats to take home.
Lastly, for those who value sustainability, the German deposit system is a game-changer – returning plastic bottles and cans to the supermarket and getting up to 25 cents back is an environmentally-friendly habit worth adopting. Whether it's Belgian mustards, French jam or German bread, Europe has something special when it comes to local treats that will leave you wanting more.
its like they have these little secrets hidden in each country just waitin for us to discover 'em from those belgian honey waffles to the german deposit system its all about savin the environment and indulgin in some seriously delicious local eats 
. My kids are totally hooked on Ritter Sport chocolate and I am so here for it 
. We also got some amazing Irish cheese like Gubbeen that's literally the best thing since sliced bread 
. But honestly, what we loved most was how relaxed we felt trying all these local treats. No judgments at supermarkets just pure foodie heaven 
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?! They're literally the best thing since sliced bread! I mean, who wouldn't want a crispy waffle filled with sticky, golden syrupy goodness? And don't even get me started on that 19th-century mustard shop in Ghent... I'm totally down for a taste of those wooden vats creating this amazing aroma 
. On the other hand, France is all about luxury vibes – I mean, have you seen those perfectly aligned labels on the supermarket shelves? 
I'm obsessed with trying new local goodies while traveling. From Belgian waffles to French jam, Italian sweets and German bread, every country has its own unique flavors and aromas that make the experience so special. The way they showcase their products in stores is also super cool - perfect labels and displays that make you just want to linger. 
I'm a sucker for trying unique snacks like Mokabon's coffee beans and Ritter Sport chocolate. And have you tried those Irish biscuits? Barry's tea and Tayto crisps are must-haves in my book! 
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️. france is like the ultimate jam heaven, bonne maman has so many flavors i need to try them all 
. german bread rolls are a must have for me too, especially with cream cheese or meat 
. the german deposit system is so cool too, im def gonna start using it 
But let's be real, sometimes the packaging can be a total waste... all those unnecessary labels and wrappers can add up 
. We should aim to buy in bulk or bring our own containers next time 
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europe is like the ultimate destination for foodies!!! i mean, who needs replica brands when u can get the REAL DEAL 
and let's not forget about the supermarkets in europe - like, have u seen the labels in france? perfectly aligned and all that jazz 
and don't even get me started on the german deposit system 
. It's just honey and waffles, guys! You can make that at home for half the price 
. I'm all for trying new things, but when it comes to foodie obsession, let's take a step back and be realistic 
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It's just common sense, right?
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Europe is literally my happy place! I mean, have you tried those Belgian waffles with meli honey? Mind blown! 
. Italy's got its own magic too, from the fruit jellies to the Baci chocolates - I could eat them all day 
. The German deposit system is genius! Who needs more plastic bottles when you can get paid for returning them? 
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i'm obsessed with baci chocolates and fruit jellies, u guys know which ones i mean 
. but what really got me was when i went to germany and saw those adorable little bakeries in stores - brötchen with cream cheese is literally my new fave snack 
and btw have u tried those german deposit systems? it's so cool how they recycle plastic bottles and cans back to ur wallet