Grocery Store Tourism Emerges as a Global Travel Trend in 2026, Shaping How We Explore Local Culture Through Everyday Shopping

In 2026, a new trend emerged that is capturing the attention of travellers all over the world: grocery store tourism. While tourists have traditionally gravitated towards famous landmarks, museums, and iconic attractions, there is an increasing interest in visiting local grocery stores as part of the travel experience. This trend is redefining how we explore new destinations, providing an affordable and one-of-a-kind way to delve deeper into a place’s culture.

According to Hilton research, 77% of travellers already participate in grocery store tourism, and 35% intend to visit a local supermarket on their next trip. The trend is gaining traction, with destinations around the world seeing an influx of tourists eager to explore the food aisles and discover the cultural offerings that supermarkets provide.

Why Grocery Store Tourism is Gaining Popularity

The appeal of grocery store tourism can be traced to several factors. The increasing costs of visiting iconic sites, such as the Louvre in Paris, which recently raised its entry fees by 45% for non-European visitors, have left many tourists seeking alternative, wallet-friendly experiences. Grocery stores, on the other hand, offer a low-cost entry point to explore local life.

Supermarkets are often seen as a microcosm of a destination’s culture, where the foods, products, and shopping habits reflect the daily lives of locals. For many travellers, walking through the aisles of a grocery store provides a window into the habits, preferences, and lifestyle of a new place. From fresh produce to unique snacks, supermarket shelves tell a story about the flavours and foods that define a region.

The Power of Visual Retail in Social Media

The rise of social media has played a significant role in fuelling grocery store tourism. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become essential tools for discovering trending locations, and grocery stores are no exception. The colourful displays, unique packaging, and artisanal products found in grocery stores provide visually appealing content that is highly shareable on social media.

Grocery stores are not only places for locals to pick up their groceries; they are now destinations in their own right, thanks to the highly visual nature of food retail. Eye-catching displays of fresh produce, specially designed packaging, and local delicacies make grocery stores perfect for tourists looking to snap that perfect social media picture.

Iconic Examples of Grocery Store Tourism

Across the globe, certain grocery stores have become tourist hotspots in their own right. For example, the famous Erewhon store in Los Angeles has attracted a cult following, particularly after celebrity endorsements. Hailey Bieber’s promotion of the Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, priced at £12 in-store or £74 for the DIY kit, put the store on the map for tourists looking to experience a slice of LA’s health-conscious culture.

Visitors to Erewhon aren’t just looking to shop for everyday items – they are there to immerse themselves in the “lifestyle” that the store represents. From organic spirulina popcorn to artisanal honey, the products on display reflect a unique blend of health, wellness, and exclusivity that has caught the attention of influencers, celebrities, and everyday travellers alike.

In the UK, Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop has become another example of how grocery stores are transforming into tourist attractions. Located in the Cotswolds, this farm shop became a must-visit destination after Clarkson’s hit show Clarkson’s Farm gained a massive following. The shop, which offers locally produced goods, has turned into a popular spot for fans of the show to experience the rural charm and authenticity of the region.

Local Markets as Cultural Hotspots

While large supermarkets like Erewhon and Diddly Squat may dominate the grocery store tourism trend, local markets are also significant players. In many countries, grocery stores and local markets provide an insight into the everyday culture of the region. Visiting these markets allows travellers to experience not only the products but also the interactions that make a community unique.

For example, in Tokyo, Japan, the bustling streets lined with convenience stores and food markets showcase the country’s dedication to quality and freshness. Meanwhile, in Spain, visitors can discover the wealth of local ingredients, from fresh seafood to traditional tapas, at local grocery stores and markets.

These experiences allow tourists to bring home more than just souvenirs – they can take with them a taste of the local culture and everyday life. By simply visiting a grocery store, travellers gain access to a side of the destination that traditional tourist attractions may not provide.

The Emotional Connection of Grocery Stores

In addition to offering a unique cultural experience, grocery stores also create an emotional connection for many travellers. Food is one of the most accessible ways to experience a place, as it engages all of the senses. The tactile nature of choosing fruits and vegetables, the sounds of busy checkout lines, and the scents of fresh bread or spices all contribute to an immersive experience.

Many tourists are drawn to the sense of nostalgia that grocery stores evoke. For example, the local supermarket may remind them of childhood visits with their parents or provide a comforting sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place. In an age of globalisation, grocery stores often offer the comforting reminder that, no matter where you are, food is a universal experience.

Grocery Store Tourism as a Trend for 2026 and Beyond

As we approach 2026, grocery store tourism is expected to become one of the most popular travel trends. Its combination of affordability, accessibility, and cultural immersion has made it a popular choice among travellers seeking authentic experiences. Whether it’s visiting a well-known store like Erewhon, exploring a local market in Asia, or visiting a beloved farm shop in the United Kingdom, grocery store tourism provides a new way to experience the world around us.

With social media increasing the appeal of these locations and consumers becoming more interested in the stories behind the products they buy, grocery store tourism will continue to shape how we travel and connect with new places.

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