Shelf Discovery
The Food Trend
Culinary tourism is swapping restaurant reservations for supermarket safaris
To “eat like a local” now means heading to the snack aisle. From Tokyo vending machines and 7-Eleven Slurpees to Iceland’s geothermal baked bread, gastro-tourism is changing.
How people travel for food is now part cultural deep dive, part budget hack, offering a unique glimpse into local life that’s affordable and authentic.
55% of US travelers always or often visit local supermarkets abroad.
Regional favorites right in the neighborhoods they’re exploring
“Travelers today are seeking local flavors that are authentic to the places they visit, and stores like 7-Eleven are essential stops with more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. By tailoring food and beverage offerings to fit local preferences, 7-Eleven offers travelers a convenient and affordable way to experience regional favorites right in the neighborhoods they’re exploring.”
7-Eleven Inc.
Travelers hit local supermarkets to discover:
Traveler Tina Pik of @hangrybynature shares a few must-try supermarket snacks.
Views of grocery shopping conversations in travel subreddits are up 78% YoY.1
Travelers love exploring supermarkets on vacation because:
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It’s one of the best ways to understand local culture
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Travelers can enjoy snacks and meals on vacation without having to go to a restaurant
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It helps travelers feel like a local
- Reddit Internal powered by Community Intelligence, Global, June 2024 to June 2025 vs. June 2023 to June 2024. ↩︎