Grocery Shopping in Italy | How Does It Compare to the US

[@ErBruns]

I'm Italian, I know how an Italian supermarket is structured but I'm still gonna watch a video talking about Italy

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I hope we did an ok job of showing and explaining a supermarket.

[@MarcoParisi9804]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventureyou should make a comparison with mini market "bottega" which they're pretty common over here 😊

[@ledatufarulo7316]

Ma non e vero che il 50% del consumo di latte è a lunga conservazione! Alcuni lo comprano come riserva,ma la maggior parte compra latte fresco.e poi la signora come pensa che si conservi così a lungo la tanica di latte da 4 litri che vendono in USA? X forza è trattato a uht o in altro modo! Qualcuno le spieghi che il latte se è FRESCO è fresco,e dunque non può durare più di 3-3 giorni!

[@lostupidosaggio]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Yes, you do a very good explanation. The big diffencences from "big market" like that and the "little shop", in italian are named "Gastronomie" (delicatessen). In that kind of shop you can find very few "big brand", but only exclusive region, homemade, artiginal brand products like cheese, meats, salami, etc, and often you can find products made by the shop owners themselves. Many of these gastronomie have a kitchen, a laboratory in the back and produce ready meals e pasta fresca (fresh pasta), such as ravioli, lasagna, fish dishes, cold pastas, insalata russa (I don't know if a dish like this exists in the United States, the translation is "Russian Salad " but it has nothing to do with Russia or a classic salad, is a mix of vegtabelas, mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, potato, etc). In that kind of shop, quality of the products are very high, so are more expensive of classic "big supermarket". It's common when there is an important occasion and you invite people to dinner, have a party, etc. to go and get food from a Gastronomia, precisely because the quality is superior and it is a sign of respect towards those who have been invited 👍

[@zoso9243]

@@ledatufarulo7316 Io mai usato in Italia latte fresco, sempre a lunga conservazione. Il latte fresco, anche qua in irlanda dove vivo può durare fino a 5/7 giorni. Non si trova mai il latte a lunga conservazione purtroppo, per questo ne compro pochissimo perchè sennò mi scade. Mi trovo abbastanza d'accordo col video.

[@carloduroni5629]

Please note that "parmesan" is NOT just a translation of "parmigiano". If you find something labeled as "parmesan" (in USA, absolutely NOT in Italy), then it's NOT real "parmigiano", because "parmigiano" is a registered and protected name that can legally be used only for that cheese produced in just three provinces of Emilia: Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, you are most assuredly correct. I was using the common US term for our audience, but certainly not everything labeled “Parmesan” is Parmigiano. If it is, it will be labeled as such in the US.

[@oseo943]

@carloduroni5629 and some parts of Mantova province...

[@robydemoxXx]

There are cheeses made in the same way as parmigiano and are called "Grana" in Italy, for example "Grana Padano" or "Grana Campidano"... The first word indicates the type of cheese, the second the origin of the region in which it was made. These cheeses are generally cheaper and less mature but just as good.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@robydemoxXx Good clarification. Thanks.

[@anarres1400]

Trentingrana have same standard than parmigiano reggiano but milk from high mountains pastures of trentino. Better milk better cheese

[@diegofrancescocalvisi6935]

In my humble opinion, the most significant difference between Italian supermarkets/grocery stores and those from the other countries where I have been (including the United States, where I lived for 5 years, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, etc.) is the food quality. Italy remains indisputably the capital of good food worldwide...

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I would agree about the food quality and we are struck by how the quality combines with low prices. We always eat well and cheaply.

[@couvertgerard7742]

Vous vous trompez on peut manger mal, mauvais et gras en Italie et les contrôles de qualité sont moins performant qu'en France (par exemple allez sur le marché de Catane !). (j'adore l'Italie et j'y vis 3 mois par an)

[@misterpip1153]

​@@couvertgerard7742se uno vuole cibarsi di cose grasse e poco salutari può farlo anche in Francia, credo. A gennaio ho mangiato ostriche scadenti in un bistrot di Montpellier e ho avuto la diarrea. Comunque non metto in dubbio la qualità dell'agroalimentare francese: si mangia bene sia in Francia sia in Italia, l'importante è avere gli occhi aperti.

[@riccardomulazzani7436]

@@couvertgerard7742 Absolutely not!!!!!! Italy has the most stringent regulations in the world regarding the health aspect of food!!! And this is a fact... do you have internet? so use it to document yourself instead of using it just to give (little) air to your mouth and brain!!!!!

[@alemassa6632]

@@riccardomulazzani7436 Penso che il Francese debba difendere la sua cucina, come rivalità atavica tra i nostri Paesi. Dire che i controlli in Italia sono scadenti è una vera bestemmia, abbiamo un sistema di controllo sulla catena alimentare che è tra i migliori al mondo.

[@MroStudios]

You guys are lovely. As an Italian I appreciate the respect you showed for our habits and time and care you put in your explainatons. I'm glad you visited my country.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate the support.

[@LeonardSmith-qv8do]

I agree ,I'm an Aussie (Australian) and I think I know when I meet decent people ,these two are are just that..ok

[@edkatzman3241]

@@LeonardSmith-qv8do Thanks!

[@supersabba73]

Same here. Thanks for the very nice and detailed video. Great work!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@@supersabba73 👍

[@LuigiRosa]

Italian here, your video is very accurate and informative. About the size of milk and eggs package, we do not like very much buying big packages if we know that we are not using them in a few days. The main rule is: don't waste food. The bottom line is that in Italy you find more "ingredients" to cook instead of pre-coocked dishes. For us pre-coocked food (or sauce) is for "emergencies" (like arriving very late at home) or when we don't feel to prepare something, but is more an exception than a rule. And yes, the choice of deli an cheese is stunning.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate your support. You make an excellent point about the focus more on ingredients than finished products in the grocery store. That trend toward finished products is accelerating in the US.

[@L0V3Drift]

In Germany it's a very similar system to the United States, here too people don't cook at home, but prefer pre-cooked food or similar.​@@OurBigItalianAdventure

[@jennycording2032]

I've lived in Italy for 32 years. Buying fruit and veg varies according to the supermarket. At Lidl, the cashier at the till weighs and prices fruit and veg. In supermarkets where you do it yourself, you should close the bag with the label. There's a strong culture of going to greengrocers for fresh local produce, also because there's a wider selection, too. 'Merenda' is mainly eaten by younger children at primary school who finish at 3.30pm /4pm. High school children finish at 1.30pm /2.30pm and go home to eat a substantial meal, as there's rarely a break long enough for a meal. They start between 7.40am and 8am, so are really hungry!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@jennycording2032 Thanks! Great info.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@jennycording2032 Great additional info!

[@val834]

I can see that many fellow Italians appreciated this video, and is genuinely well deserved! Social media is full of videos from Americans visiting and criticizing our way of living, referring to any country as “Europe”, complaining about the flavors and expiration dates of the food they find here, so I’m glad this video exist. I live in UK and I miss Italian supermarkets so much, it’s my favorite place to visit when I come to see my family, so I’ll definitely rewatch this ☺️

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! The many positive comments from Italians like you make us feel very good.

[@RoseBornagain]

I miss UK supermarket mainly M&S. I know in northern Italy is better than southern.

[@costante_3196]

@@RoseBornagain La Tesco a Londra fa ridere, no formaggi no salami...

[@kilbyholt4861]

As an American…we love to travel and appreciate the differences in culture. (Please know that we ALL are not complainers!) But, also know, while we try very hard to assimilate and respect the culture of where we are…sometimes, we need a quick bite so we can keep on sight seeing or we need an early dinner so we can get to bed and rest up for another day. Thanks for understanding.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good point. Agree on all counts.

[@alicetwain]

Something worth noticing: the fruits and vegetables bags are biodegradable, so you can use them for your composting waste. Just use that bag instead of a specifically bought one.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Very good point. Our produce bags in the US aren’t biodegradable- at least I think not - so that’s a big advantage in Italy.

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventureyes, not biodegradable bags are banned in EU

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele that’s a good policy. I wish we had it in the US. Also, in the US the bags you used to take your groceries home are generally free. In some places they have to be paper but in many others they can be single use plastic.

[@SirPano85]

Just and advise: if you hold the compo waste for some days (like more then 3 but it depence from the moist) it's better to use double bags otherwise it would splash on your floor and feet, and that's not nice.

[@alicetwain]

@SirPano85 well, you are supposed to use it for one day and then dump it in the collection bin outside.

[@Alby_Torino]

Well done, this video is very, very accurate. Remember that Italians drink the lowest amount of sodas in entire Europe, so you can see this reflected on shelf choices. Greetings from Turin

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

That’s good to know. We certainly weren’t trying to justify drinking soda, but just to comment for Americans the difference in Italy.

[@Alby_Torino]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Sure, I was only highlighting that difference. Just consider this. I'm in my fifties, and when I was a child, sodas where a drink just for special occasions! My mother, back then, used to says that sodas, in particular Coke, was "very bad for healthy". Probably she wasn't wrong after all... When I was a child after riding our bikes like crazy at the nearby park, my cousin and I used to come back home at my house or at my aunt's house. for a quick snack. What snack? 90% of time was home made: sandwich with salame and butter, or a banana, or a sandwich with ham and cheese, or occasionally a yogurt. And what we used to drink? 50% of time was water, 50% of time was a juice. Never, ever, ever a soda... Of course nowadays things changed a lot, but still....

[@Hell-Awaits]

Turin al'è sempre BiancaNeira.

[@Alby_Torino]

@@Hell-Awaits Gnanca a parlene

[@9Thunder5]

i saw a duciumentary telling the average in America is 160l of water per year the rest is sodas and other drinks…this shoked me … as an italian i think i drink more than 1000l of water per year and maybe 10 cans of sodas per year 🤣

[@fpier]

And the price you see on the shelves includes taxes, so it's exactly what you will pay at the register. Nice video :)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Excellent point that we forgot to include. We did talk about how taxes are included in restaurants, but I forgot to add it here.

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventureyes, taxes are included in every shop. It's mandatory.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele yes. In the US, like so many things it depends on which state and city you’re in but often you don’t pay tax on groceries like you do on most other purchases.

[@golDroger88]

The fact that in the US stores don't tell you the final price to me is akin to fraud and false advertisement. I don't get how people are okay with it.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I guess it’s because we’re just used to having tax added to retail purchases.

[@skipper1971albe]

Kudos! This is one of the most accurate videos on Italian supermarkets and food habits (I am Italian).

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! We really appreciate that. It’s great to hear that. Our video is accurate.

[@MondoRockGP]

So many inaccuracies concentrated in just one video. (i am italian)One for all: in Italy there is long-life milk, if you want unpasteurized milk, buy the ones in the fridge. (i am italian.)

[@skipper1971albe]

@MondoRockGP ma quando mai, il latte unpasteurized quasi non esiste nei supermercati che non vendono quasi mai latte crudo Al supermercato il latte fresco è praticamente tutto pastorizzato, in alcuni casi microfiltrato, e nel video ha detto chiaramente che il latte "fresco" è diverso rispetto agli USA e se non c'è il gallone è perché non resiste a lungo, hanno fatto vedere che c'è anche a lunga conservazione, si chiama UHT, sempre in confezione da 1 litro per il resto è tutto corretto, fatto salvo che i supermercati non sono tutti uguali

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I’m sorry about the mistakes. We did our best based on experience and research. What are some you noticed so we can correct them next time?

[@Roberto_Lombardi]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Don't apologize you. The ratio of selling between long-life milk and daily milk is 20 to 1.

[@SnazzySnezz]

I just love their "do not touch fruits and vegetables" each time I come to Italy!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Each time we arrive, the first time we’re in the store we need to remind ourselves of this regulation, which is so important to Italians.

[@SnazzySnezz]

@OurBigItalianAdventure I've been to some countries where the people stood next to fruits and literally ate the grapes, therefore I appreciate the Italian custom. It's also more hygienic.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@SnazzySnezz Now that’s certainly not very hygienic to eat grapes standing right there. It does make you want to have the glove system in place.

[@Vittorio-t2j]

@@SnazzySnezz That habit has been always there, but it became really common during and after Covid. We still remember the trucks load ed

[@Vittorio-t2j]

Trucks full of dead bodies

[@p.f.b.1484]

This is a very accurate and informative video. Foreign visitors are going to find it very helpful. Larger supermarkets are open 7 days a week. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest and most crowded shopping times. The check out and bagging can feel a little too rushed. I like to pack my groceries carefully. So, when I first shopped in a US grocery store, I was surprised and delighted to see that an attendant was available to help me pack the groceries and carry them to the car. So nice!

[@alicetwain]

@@p.f.b.1484 esselunga made an attempt in the 1990's at introducing baggers. It failed fast. I snarled at them for the very reason that I am accurate in packing stuff, and nobody does a better job than me.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Shows the independence of the Italian shopper!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We’ve found Sundays to be especially crowded. It seems many families make the grocery trip an adventure and the whole family comes and slowly walks through the store. It can be like a traffic jam. We also have grocery stores open 24/7 in the US, just in case you need a kiwi at 3am!

[@sandrogriso2569]

È sempre interessante vedere gli stranieri commentare le nostre usanze alimentari e sociali, effettivamente quando vado all’estero i supermercati offrono prodotti diversi dai nostri con disposizioni e quantitá opposte. Comunque iscritto e attivato campanaccio

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Sono d’accordo. Ogni volta che visitiamo un paese nuovo, cerchiamo di andare in un supermercato, perché la esperienza è molto interessante.. Un amico mio ha creato un museo del prodotti internazionali con lo scopo di mostrare le differenze fra i paesi. le aziende usano per creare idee per prodotti nuovi.

[@matteoorlandi856]

I love videos like this, we italians like to complain a lot but at least with food we have it easy! But i guess it's easy to forget when you are born into it. You instead are able to see it without filters and appreciate it to it's fullest. Great video!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I agree it’s interesting to see your home country through the eyes of others. It points out the strong and weak points.

[@HoosierInUtah]

I've found that in the "self-checkouts" at some supermarkets, you will need to present your receipt to be scanned so that the "gate" will open to let you pass and then proceed to exit the store (at stores like Interspar and Bennet). Keep these informative videos coming!!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for this information! I’ve never seen that process in Italy, but I’ll keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the compliment and will keep making videos that we hope you will enjoy and find useful.

[@GuidoBatt]

That is only in the self-checkout lanes (that are not to be seen in this particular supermarket).

[@ezioauditore1522]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure I use the automatic checkout which is very convenient and allows you to avoid queues at the checkouts especially when it is crowded. It is also very useful because the device gives you an instant total as you enter every single expense, especially when there are discount coupons when a certain amount of spending is exceeded.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

We have an automatic checkout machine in nearly every grocery store here in the US. It can get very annoying because sometimes you can’t find a check out where there’s an actual person and it’s a lot more trouble to do it yourself than to have someone else do it.

[@ezioauditore1522]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure When I enter Esselunga I collect a barcode reader with my card. I go shopping by reading the barcodes with the reader on which I can at any time see how many products I am putting in the cart and the total amount I am spending. When I'm done, I go to the self-checkout area, unload the scanner by pointing it at the automatic checkout barcode and pay. Randomly it happens that the partial or total rereading notice comes out and in this case you go to the employee who checks if everything is OK. But this rarely happens.

[@gpm975]

I'm an Italian living in London. Every time I go to the shops here I miss Italian supermarkets. Thanks for sharing, hope you're enjoying Italy :)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, we enjoy our time in Italy very much.

[@riccardob7774]

5:26 yes, we don’t do breakfast the way Americans do. And eggs are not refrigerated because they’re not washed. They still have the natural protective film that keeps them from going bad. Once you wash them, you need to refrigerate them

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, eggs here in the US are washed. That does mean we need to keep them refrigerated.

[@monicabello1962]

Also, eggs are stored at room temperature until they reach the buyer's home to avoid condensation on the shell. That's to prevent moulds.

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

I've lived here in Italy for 35 years, and it was a pleasure to watch an accurate and sensible video made by a couple of simpatici Americans. Bravi!! Well done. We buy our food at the local open-air food market where the produce is super delicious (as are the meats), but we have the supermarket deliver the staples directly to our house, every couple of weeks. It might be worth pointing out that Italian cities are much, much smaller than American ones; therefore, the food that comes in every day from the country is much fresher and needs no preservatives.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Much appreciated. Yes, the distance from farm to table is much less. Agriculture in the US is concentrated in a few areas, so in NYC you’re likely to get tomatoes from California even in the summer when they can be grown anywhere. We’ll have a future video about markets and butchers, bakeries, etc.

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Your viewers might be interested to know that an aspect of the freshness of the produce in Italy is the fact that everything is seasonal. I remember an incident in a restaurant right after I'd moved here 35 years ago: I'd ordered a Penne alla Fiesolana (penne with ham, peas and cream), and the waiter looked at me as though I were insane - he said, "Peas aren't in season."

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@michaeljohnangel6359 Good information! Thanks for sharing it.

[@vuotopieno]

Many don't know that Italy has a greater variety of cheeses than France, and that it has more long-matured hard cheeses. The food guide TasteAtlas has drawn up a ranking of the best cheeses in the world. Here it is: 1.Parmigiano Reggiano, Italy 2. Spicy Gorgonzola, Italy 3. Burrata, Italy 4. Grana Padano, Italy 5. Oaxaca Cheese, Mexico 6. Stracchino di Crescenza, Italy 7. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Italy 8. Queijo Serra da Estrela, Portugal 9. Pecorino Sardo, Italy 10. Pecorino Toscano, Italy

[@alessandromancuso7242]

Bravo! Diglielo a questi americani che col loro cheddar ci possono piastrellare il bagno!

[@intersezioni]

we have more cheeses in Italy than in France

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I always enjoy going to a salumeria and seeing the wide range of cheese and having the opportunity to try them.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Se pensi che il cheddar è un formaggio basso, devi provare il formaggio che chiamiamo “ americano” che è molto popolare per il hamburger. non è precisamente un formaggio, perché non è prodotto secondo le regole per il processo di produzione è ingrediente. Non è un un prodotto pericoloso, ma è molto distante dai formaggi italiani.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for this valuable list. I had no idea that so many Italian cheeses are considered in the top 10. I agree with this in general, but I have to say that I prefer a Gorgonzola dolce instead of a picante.

[@qonos68]

Italian living in Japan here. What you told in this video is very accurate. Fun fact, you shot this video in Tolentino, very close to my hometown. Infact I'm from Macerata and I'm also pleased that you chose my region for your holidays / as your home.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I’m glad to hear that it’s accurate. And you are accurate in saying it was mostly filmed in Tolentino. Our house is near Colmurano. ..

[@qonos68]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure oh, you really live there then. Colmurano is a very quiet place, really beautiful. Urbisaglia and San Ginesio are also nice places. Enjoy your life there!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree and thanks!

[@pianomanny1397]

Thus was so great! Thanks for doing this video. Everyone is mostly focused on travel but not too many go through the details of shopping. Much appreciated!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. Grocery shopping in another country is a great experience.

[@Alessandro-y9o]

As an Italian, I really enjoyed the video! As for the expiration date of fresh milk, I would like to say that there are basically two types, one that expires after three/four days at most and one that expires after 10/15 days. The taste and genuineness are the same. I think that the one that lasts longer is subjected to a process called microfiltration. You can understand which one it is by looking at the expiration date. It is the milk that I like the most because it does not make you feel rushed to consume it quickly and it does not have the horrible taste of UHT long-life milk. You can also easily find organic ("biologico") and lactose-free milk. As for ready-made sauces, I suggest looking in the fresh section where the refrigerators are, the difference with sauces on the shelves is that you can find sauces without preservatives and additives. Some of the good brands and better quality have a really good taste. In the video you can also see my favorite coffee. I don't like coffee from the bar, I prefer a thousand times the homemade one religiously made with the Bialetti moka 😄

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for the good explanation of milk. And for the tip about sauces in the refrigerator section. I hadn’t examined that part of the store closely, I guess Anne uses her Moka every morning to make her required cup of coffee.

[@antoniob.9396]

FAGE your favourite yoghurt from the USA is a GREEK brand and not from the United States. Even though it is now also produced in the USA for obvious shelf life reasons, it's still a Greek company. Great video, I subscribed to your channel. Greetings from Umbria.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I know! Fage is the best Greek yogurt!

[@ledatufarulo7316]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventureno,there are many others! Fage Is the most industrial One!

[@Laurelin70]

@@ledatufarulo7316 Beh, nei supermercati spesso è l'unica marca di yogurt realmente greco (altrimenti hai il Muller e il Danone "ALLA greca"). Non sono molti i supermercati che vedono altre marche di yogurt greco: nei discount Todis ho visto il Pavlakis, in altri super ho visto il Mevgal, ma poco altro.

[@Argonauth75]

I will say this more as an advice than a criticism: the fact that Usa people is quite often, almost always so surprised about italian food or italian cooking methods or every other stuff concerning italian nutrition and health, even when exploring a supermarket, should REALLY make you think about how BAD is "what" you eat and "how" you eat in your country. I really hope your italian experience will help in spreading a bit more of awareness. Greetings from Rome.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree. In fact, Americans are clueless about what happens in most other countries, not just Italy and not just grocery stores. Our level of interest and curiosity is not very high.

[@pierovalentini4786]

È un piacere vedere delle persone straniere avvicinarsi al nostro paese con l'attenzione e l'apertura mentale che mostrate nei vostri video.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! Il tuo commento è molto apprezzato. Ci dai un po’ di assicurazione che non siamo totalmente scemi!

[@ChaiTea17]

Seeing what I'm used to in Italy from another point ov view really makes me appreciate even more how much we have of good quality here. Like from the daily freshed bread to the milk. If prices weren't so high I'd be buying freshly made stuff everyday to eat a lot of tbh. Thank you so much for the great explanation of not only the products but also our customs!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We really appreciate your support.

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

Try shopping at local markets. There's a huge range to choose from, and a lot less packaging to seal with!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree. We focused on the supermarket here, but may do a future video about the smaller stores and local markets.

[@cencinisbooks9669]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventure you should try temporary street markets and fairs, you can find good stuff there produced by local farms. Many small towns do them once a week.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@aginulfo]

I am Italian, living in Parma (northern Italy), and I watched your video with great pleasure. Your descriptions are absolutely correct and precise. This is a great video which I would recommend to all of my American friends. Thank you so much for your effort and your exquisite way to introduce all the sections. I am going to subscribe to your channel... immediately! :-)

[@Bitrey]

Da modenese, confermo

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! That’s quite a compliment. We really appreciate it and in hope you enjoy our upcoming videos. And maybe even like some of them that we’ve already done!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! Molto gentile.

[@Giovis968]

Da veneto confermo

[@Zonnymaka]

01:19 Fun fact: whenever you enter a store in order to buy some personal care or house cleaning products, about 60/70% of the brands you'll find on the shelves are properties of either Procter&Gamble or Unilever. It doesn't matter if the brand's name is in italian, spanish, french or whatever.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

You are absolutely correct. Anne used to work for a personal care company in the US that was eventually purchased by Unilever.

[@ridewyoming]

True, but what matters is that Italy, and the EU in general, have stricter regulations so the products will be higher quality here too, even if made by those huge corporations.

[@ahill4642]

Cool vid. And now I’m hungry. ☺️ Thanks for the tour. Love, 🇨🇦

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@giorgiopeirce3393]

So, as an Italian I thank you for this very punctual and precise description, as a local I could have done no better.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! That makes us feel really good. Thanks.

[@youemanuel]

Just one thing. In some shopping centers you can also find the medicine department. They sell generic medicines that don't require a doctor's prescription. But not all shopping centers have a medicine department. The "Coop" shopping center does.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. Good information to have.

[@jasminamelink822]

Yes, but still, there is a person (pharmacist), who will give you a medecine, where is generic or not. You can’t take or choose by yourself. But yes, it’s in supermarket, in the middle of the isles….

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@jasminamelink822 You can get more medicine in Italy without a prescription for a doctor than you can in the US. Pharmacies are a great resource.

[@carollund8251]

I moved to Italy from the States in the 80's so I've been here a long time. One thing that has changed so much is the very existence of supermarkets. My first years here I lived in Milano and I remember my utter confusion as to where to buy certain things. The closest thing to a supermarket was a mini market, I mean really mini! And if I remember right it just had food products. I went to the bakery every day for bread, to the mercato every week for fruit and vegetables. I remember how I couldn't find a pair of scissors. I went to a Cartoleria (Stationery store) and was mind boggled that they had no scissors there..They sent me to a Ferramenta ( where they sell tools and stuff). Which makes sense of course, it is a tool made of metal but in America you would find it in a stationery store because, well, you need them to cut paper! Anyway, although when I was young and whiny I complained a lot about not being able to find things I needed, and about everything being closed from like 1 to 4 pm ( or from 12 in Milano if I remember right) and the whole city completely dead in August ( they set up places in parks where poor people like me who couldn't afford to go on vacation could buy a meal for a low price, because all the stores were closed) I now miss all that. It was so much more " Italian" and family oriented in those days. I won't complain about the convenience now, but in spite of the differences you point out in your lovely video, compared to before, supermarkets...and life habits in general..( for example most people went home for lunch " long ago") it has become very Americanized. When my children were little I used to hold Halloween parties and nobody knew what it was and it was impossible to find any Halloween decorations anywhere, so I made my own ( not an easy task either as big bundles of construction paper were not to be found either, and no such thing then as large bottles of tempera). Now Halloween is quite a big commercialized thing here. And I wish it wasn't! The funny thing is, while Italy has become more and more modern I've become more old fashioned!

[@AntonioVergine]

Italian here. You did a very good job, summarising all what should be known. Very concise and dense information, and yet very complete. Great.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@sandrinoes]

You guys are so nice and gentle and a pleasure to watch and listen

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! And you are too kind. We’re not as nice as you might think, at least not all the time or at least Ed isn’t :-)

[@s.d.d.6063]

I am Italian as well. The reason why there are so many kinds of pasta is that, believe it or not, they each taste different and then they have to get matched with the right ‘sauce’ (condiment would be a more appropriate term). 😊

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Very interesting. Maybe you have to be Italian to tell the difference between the taste of spaghetti and penne. I’m not quite sure why condiment is a better term. At least in the US, we use condiment to refer to sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup.

[@dianapohe]

​@OurBigItalianAdventure I'm italian as well and you're right, condiment isn't an accurate translation of "condimento" as they are slightly different in use 😊 We also use different terms depending on the region/area... I usually call whatever sauce I use "sugo", I rarely call them "condimento"

[@piergiorgioliprino4045]

Imagine being Italian and correcting an American on the use of an English term :D

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍😎

[@chiaramazza5523]

Parents also put the sweet snacks you showed into their children’s backpacks. In the morning, usually around 10 for elementary school kids and around 11 for the older ones, there’s a 15 minute break between classes during which time they enjoy a small snack and something to drink. As for the milk, unless someone drinks it daily with their cereals or has a small baby, it’s mostly considered a cooking ingredient. Italian kids don’t have a glass of milk together with their lunch or dinner as I often see in many TV series

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for the explanation about milk. We were a little puzzled how it’s used usually in an Italian household.

[@danielnapoli649]

A friend of mine visited family in Sicily. They knew that he often enjoyed a glass of milk in america so, one morning they surprised him with a tall glass of milk. They went to a local dairy farmer to get it. All eyes were on him as he raised the glass to his lips. The milk was still warm from the cow and there was a hair in it from said cow but he HAD to be polite and drink the whole thing with pleasure while suppressing his gag reflex . When they did it again, he asked them to refrigerate it for later.

[@danielepavone3131]

Well done, extremely accurate and estensive. A guide for every foreigner who need to shop in Italy. Excellent

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@giuseppecorona75]

In Italy we don't have package as 1 gallon of milk (3,78 litres) or other big packages that are usual in United States. I loved the expression "due belle dita".,.it means that italian culture is growing inside of you.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Especially since I said “two” instead of “due”. Numbers in Italian are easy to learn, but I can get careless, as “2” is so ingrained as “two” I will slip up. This is especially true when hearing numbers spoken. I have to concentrate so I don’t mishear, say, 1976 for 1966.

[@igormanzoni]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure It happens. It just happened to me when I understood "due" as the english meaning of the word instead of the number. And clearly, I'm Italian. 🤣

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

😎

[@ModernCultureMan]

even 1 gallon's fruit juice is almost impossible to find in italy...

[@carollund8251]

​@@igormanzoniWhat's the English meaning of " due".? As a native English speaker, I don't get what you mean.

[@peggyclio1199]

Woow you both make a very detailed explication! Very very precise and clear! Complimenti!! Bravi!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@lupodimontenero661]

An important thing is that sometimes, especially on the signs of the price of fruit and vegetables, you will find the name of the country of origin and or, the word "at zero km", this means that the product comes from crops of the Sressa Province , not simply from Italy. For example, that I live in the province of Arezzo I can buy fruit from crops less than 30 km, and which, for saving on transport and less exchanges in the purchase chain: farmer - wholesaler - supermarket are also cheaper, apples at prices between 0.89 and 2.25 € per kg

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for commenting. That’s valuable information.

[@francescasalvetti]

Very accurate! (I'm Italian) Just a couple of notes: - MILK: you can usually find "intero" = whole, "Parzialmente scremato" = semi-skimmed, and "scremato" = skimmed. Both refrigerated and stabilised. - SCALE: in hard discounts like LIDL you don't weigh fruit and vegetables before, but the cashier will do it at the checkout.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Good information. Thanks for sharing.

[@lorenzofrancescovarenneduc4276]

I'm Italian but I was absolutely struck by the way you underlined the differences with US markets. Some things I did not even notice and you gave a reason for it. Awesome content!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@dax_5486]

Hi! Italian here, and beef lover so I hope this helps. Every country has its own traditional cuts of beef (and meat in general) and Italy makes no exception. Argentina has its own almost unique cuts such as Matambre, Entraña, Vacio, etc..., Brazil has Picanha, etc... However, the main difference between America (North and South) and Europe is traditional recipes. The US, like Argentina for instance, has a great BBQ and grill culture, so the beef is cut accordingly. In Europe, on the other hand, perhaps for climate reasons, we have a great tradition of long cooked meats: stewing, brasing, roasting, pot roasting, etc, has been the traditional way of cooking red meat for centuries (UK and Ireland come to mind, with their Irish Stew, Scouse and of course the glorious Sunday Roast... ). So, whenever you travel to a different country (or continent) you have to take this into account. However, some cuts of beef are definitely similar and can be found almost everywhere. A quick guide, starting from the cuts you mentioned: the most similar cut to a Strip Steak (NY Strip et similia) is definitely the "Controfiletto". Same part, same thickness (though the meat might be different from what you're used to as Chianina and Fassona breeds - and Italian breeds in general - are much leaner: in Milan, where i live, most grocery stores have meats from all over the world which makes it easy to pick the right cut for the right recipe). However, if you're looking for an exact replica of a NY Strip, you'll have to ask for it and have it cut from your local butcher. The problem is, most "controfiletto" either end up on a "Fiorentina" (either the equivalent of a Portehouse - when cut closer to the rear - or even a T-Bone - when cut closer to the front) or end up being sold as "Bistecca di roast beef" (which is basically a much thinner "controfiletto") or even as "Entrecote", the latter sometimes resembling a Ribeye Steak, which in turn might be sold es either a "Costata", bone in, or "Enrecote", bone out. Brisket now: bad news, sorry, Brisket falls into the "long cooked meats" category in this knack of the woods: "Punta di petto" is the part you're looking for, but it's typically sold as a large, roast-sized cut as it's supposed to be roasted, boiled, stewed, etc... Same for US succulent cuts such as Skirt, Flat Iron (ends up being cut across to form the "Reale" cut) and the "Tri-Tip". For these 3, again, I suggest you ask your local butcher to cut it for you. Top Blade Steak is roughly the equivalent of "Cappello del prete" which - again - is sold in a roast-sized cut (suggetion: buy the whole thing and slice it across, it will make 4-5 steaks, or remove the line and slice it along). I thought I would help but I'm realizing I'm only adding up to the confusion and yes, pretty damn hard to compare different cuts I can soooo relate! :-)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for the detailed comment! As I read it, I too, was appreciating even more the difficulty of untangling, the different cuts, and the different vocabulary.

[@HauntingGround4ever]

I don't have much else to say but thank you for your kindness and the amount of respect you showed when talking about a different culture from yours ☺️ it's not easy to do at all!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! It’s not so hard when you’re talking about Italy.

[@HauntingGround4ever]

@OurBigItalianAdventure I'm flattered 😄

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@matfak5996]

The sweet snacks are usually also for breakfast more than afternoon snack

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

Yes, especially cookies Italians eat a lot dipping them in milk or caffelatte (hot milk + coffee)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Cookies and milk is a favorite after school snack for children in the US, particularly with our favorite cookie, one with chocolate chip chips.

[@fededeluca-colombo8338]

Thanks from Italy 🇮🇹

[@Beregorn88]

Also, different chains tend to focus on different selections: there are 3-4 "national" chains that will have a standardized inventory of mostly brand-name stuff, and a big variety of almost everything; a lot of "regional" chains that focus on one or two sections, while covering the rest with the most popular brands and their own lines (for example, Esselunga was renowned for their fresh produce, while Iperal have a better and cheaper cheese selection). Then you have discount chains, that are more focused on price, with only a couple of choices for every product, mostly offbrand. And finally, you have the local, family owned, stores; usually they are little more than a big room filled with just whatever you may need in a hurry for your day-to-day consumption.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. Those are some valuable distinctions to understand.

[@lindab5789]

We are headed to Italy in a couple of months for a 5-week stay. I have been watching videos about Italian grocery stores, and yours is the most helpful one that I have seen thus far. Thank you!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We’re glad it’s useful. Enjoy your trip!

[@charginginprogresss]

3:54 Small correction: the milk, the refrigerated one, lasts 1 week (assuming you buy the newest one, lots of stores will try stocking older unsold one putting it in front of the new one, well ofc not the expired one, but if you are distracted and pick the frontmost from the fridge, you could get a bottle expiring in 4 or 5 days instead of 6-7). 2-3 days is from when you open the bottle.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good tip. Thanks.

[@acsody]

That's how you tell if the shop is well run ... reaching for the back rows of packs, only to find the same expiration date as on the front 😂

[@acsody]

That's how you tell if the shop is well run ... reaching for the back rows of packs, only to find the same expiration date as on the front 😂

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Excellent point.

[@anitainapnea2]

I am italian and I think you did a great job. Mainly we do not have many vegetables at the supermarket because we prefer to buy them at local markets.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! Molto apprezzato.

[@toscasam1353]

Very nice! I'm italian and always very interested to know how other cultures approach to ours. I loved that you said that drinking wine with pizza would be considered odd . And I also loved to learn that in the US you have someone to bag things for you! Also I've never heard someone ask for "due belle dita" of meat, but I'll definitely use it some day ahahah. Thank you for this!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I learned it from a chef when I mentioned to him the Italian penchant for thin slices.

[@BitSplits]

I'm italian, perfect review of our supermarkets!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie mille!

[@Romalvx]

Hello there from Rome, you two are so good ambassadors of culture, as you live in my Country you try to be informative with your kind tone of voice, that fully matters a lot to us! I hope you’ll always make it wonderfully in our land! Bravissimi!! I hope you’re going to speak about other shops as well, like cafeterias, bookshops, please visit any “pasticceria” (pastry shops) on Sunday, you’ll have fun and meet many families!!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for your kind words and support. We will need to check out a pasticceria on Sunday. It’s always great to see Italian families and often we’re quite a novelty as the Americans particularly, out in the rural part of Marche where we live.

[@Romalvx]

@ I’ll write you with other suggestions: for instance, how about pharmacies? We start to have big ones here as well, at least in Rome and Milan. But you may find some big ones in the closest mall you go to. That would do great information.

[@Gastonblues_]

I love you my bella, little, silly and eco-friendly Italia

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@riccardomulazzani7436]

We drink a lot of milk... In Italy more milk is consumed per person than in the USA and in Italy fresh milk has a real expiry date because it is not added with preservatives and/or vitamins like in the USA

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Interesting. I stand corrected. I never see Italians drinking milk.

[@oscarbrambani3928]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure That's because they drink milk at home for breakfast with their families. In my case, instead of drinking milk, I prefer to use it to make cappuccino. :)

[@clb9201]

Hello, I love how kinda flattering this video sounds to Italians😆 Thanks a lot❣️ I really appreciate the accuracy, but there is one thing that's missing: the Italian breakfast can sometimes be caffè + cornetto al bar, but most people have their small morning meal at home and the most default is: coffee/milk/tea + biscotti/merendina, so the "sweet snack isle" at 11:40 is actually an appendage of the breakfast/cereal isle! A staple in Italian life, at all ages!😆 The monunental range of "biscotti" (50-kcal-ish cookies, a whole other world than American style cookies) is also the most relevant difference with supermarkets around the world. Can't find my Pan di stelle or Abbracci for breakfast abroad. (Which is a good thing, I'm all for exploring local customs when traveling, of course!)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! And we really appreciate the additional information about breakfast. And by the way, we love Abbracci!

[@gabrielebergamin4730]

In Italian supermarkets you should avoid buying bread, as it is produced using low quality flour products often coming from Eastern European countries and therefore sold at low cost. If you want excellent quality bread, you have to go to the baker.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good point. We may do a future video about bakeries, butcher shops, etc.

[@Laurelin70]

Ma dove? Dipende dai supermercati.

[@gabrielebergamin4730]

@Laurelin70 Tutti. Il fornaio utilizza lievito madre e farine "fresche" mentre nei supermercati si utilizzano farine vecchie anche di sei mesi e lievito in cubetti. Non che sia roba scaduta ma se cerchi la qualità,vai dal fornaio sotto casa...quello il cui lievito madre lo si tramandata da generazioni.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! L’informazione molto interessante e utile.

[@user-zd9yp3di4d]

​@@gabrielebergamin4730è anche vero che i supermercati non "producono" il pane che vendono lo acquistano presso forni che a volte hanno il panificio sotto casa.... ovvio che ciò che viene preparato per la grande distribuzione può perdere di qualità! Ad esempio io non acquisto carne o frutta al supermercato ma vado in macelleria e frutteria

[@igormanzoni]

As an Italian it's really interesting to watch a different point of view on our way of life. It has been insightful. Thanks!

[@nicolanobili2113]

As for the milk, it is not true that we mostly have "whole" milk. We have three types, normally: whole, "partially skimmed" and "skimmed". We should add that, especially in small towns, there are dedicated shops called "latteria" (there used to be more in the past) where we buy milk and its derivatives. What you said about milk going bad after a day or two is not totally accurate. Traditionally, when I was a kid, most women would buy milk every day or two, especially if they had children, but nowadays not so many people have enough time, so fresh milk is less popular and long-life milk has become more popular. You can commonly find it in shops.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Very interesting information! I have never heard of a “latteria”. And thanks for giving us more information about milk and how it’s stored and used.

[@nicolanobili2113]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure What part of Italy have you been living in? If you live in a large town, for instance, there may be few latterias left... In the suburbs or in the countryside there are more

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@nicolanobili2113 Our house in in Marche, in the countryside. Maybe I’ve just never noticed one.

[@nicolanobili2113]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Oh, cool, I like Marche, I live in the neighboring region Emilia-Romagna

[@videovedo36]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventure fresh milk has completely another flavour than long lasting one (which I hate!), and nowadays there are two types of fresh milk: the normal, which indeed lasts 2-3 days, and the extra or micro filtered one, which lasts about two weeks in the fridge. I always pick this last one and I think it's perfect because it gives both advantages: long life and good taste!

[@deaconstjohn4842]

What a lovely couple. I hope you're having a great time here!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We certainly are.

[@etherdog]

You guys are very sensible--we like it!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate the comment.

[@jefff6167]

Very helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to create it.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@roughmatch3899]

Great video! So informative.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We’re glad you enjoyed it and think that it’s informative.

[@auroramoonb]

Che carino questo video :) ❤ continuate così

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! Sarà almeno due video nuovi in dicembre.

[@pumpupjam9648]

I remember going to the open market to buy my breads. Foccacha my favorite!!!

[@skipper1971albe]

I am currently in Genova area, they make probably the best focaccia (focaccia ligure and, yes, it’s spelled with an i not the h 😀)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, I think the tradition of going to a separate bakery is wonderful. It’s considered very romantic by Americans because we have so few independent bakeries in our country.

[@pb1964]

That's a pretty accurate and honest review! Kudos... and the final section, the counter, it's definitely spot on, be quick packing your stuff and paying!!! don't waste my time!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

😍

[@elsajohnson6663]

Great video. A couple of ideas for future videos, getting gas in Italy. OMG, its easy once you figure it out, but we saw dozens of dutch tourists drive off because they couldn't figure it out. (We were observing trying to learn ourselves). Also doing the tolls! And paying for parking where there is a gate, we had a steep learning curve on that. We were in towns with no large grocery stores, and I found these micro grocery stores a bit stressful due to the lack of room to move around and limited supply of anything.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

We made a driving video that talked about getting gas and certainly about the tolls. We may make separate videos on those topics because they are so important. I’ve never found dealing with the parking where there’s a gate to be a problem, but it may just have to do with the particular parking lot I’ve visited. It seems that many of them take a picture of your license plate when you enter and then when they see it and you’ve paid for your parking at the machine, it lets you out automatically. We’re stunned by those small stores in small towns. There’s one near us that has an unbelievable array of items in a very small space, not a lot of variety but the opportunity to buy almost anything. But they are small and a little difficult to get around.

[@Padanian1]

As an Italian, I love your views on the experience of getting around Italy.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We have a good time learning about Italy and having these experiences.

[@eugeniojelacic8767]

Very true and quite accurate. Being this Oasi supermarket you are probably in Abruzzo.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

You’re close. Central Marche (MC).

[@RubenUbern]

Congrata fornthe video! It's really nice to see people fron the US really knowing the italian cukture around groceries and sharing it, really shows that you asked your questions and went in without a judgemental attitude. As an Italian now living in Canada, props to you! :)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Your comment is much appreciated.

[@alicetwain]

Nivea is actually a German brand. The name means "snow-coloured". Also, Faye is a Greek brand.

[@couvertgerard7742]

Nivea is deutch.

[@ChloeXxxx-y8e]

Nivea Is german and fage greek

[@alicetwain]

@couvertgerard7742 you are right. But that explains why it was available in Italy in the late 1930's when Italy was under strict embargo.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. Anne said “my favorite brand from the US” because it’s a known brand produced and marketed in the US, but it is Greek. Sorry for the confusion.

[@estelladog1]

WOW! That was a fab video! Quite informational. Thank you!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@CharlieFleed]

Is this the queue to say it's a great video?

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Your comment made me chuckle. And thanks for the support.

[@MondoPaolo99]

Oh lord, I've recognized where you filmed this video. This is a hangout spot for our friend group in the late evening, mostly the McDonald's on the lower level. Hope you liked our region, even if it's not that touristic!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! That's the first time anyone has recognized that store! It's about 20 min. from our house but we've actually never been inside that McDonalds.

[@natasamilanovic3204]

Refrigerated pasta is the fresh one made with eggs 🤤

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@aliceballerini9024]

Italian here, stumbled upon your video by accident and really liked it. Very well explained, accurate, easy to follow. Loved it even if i knew what a supermarket here looks like. When I was in the US a few years ago I was very surprised to notice how different they effectively are.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We’re glad to hear it as accurate.

[@vuotopieno]

As for the selection of soft drinks, it is a bad habit that Americans should stop. Together with fast food, it is the main cause of obesity, they are loaded with sugar, even the zero and "sugar-free" ones, full of artificial colors and flavours. The expansion of these drinks is due to the low cost, incredibly it costs less than water in the USA. It is seriously harmful to your health because it is all empty calories that produce diabetes. Furthermore, since they are not very thirst-quenching, one is led to drink more and more, causing a real addiction. The American industry makes billions at the expense of citizens, in health but also in healthcare spending, the government should severely punish them. So I'm happy that in Italy there isn't this large assortment.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

You can’t know how much Anne agrees with you about the problem of so much sugar. It’s one of the reasons that she’s stunned by the number of merenda items offered and given to children. Any product that high in sugar or carbohydrates can be very bad for your health..

[@ObatongoSensei]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventure Not if you are a kid and you get just one or two per day. A kid can burn those calories in a wiff, especially if it can go play outside or if it practices some sports. And here in Italy we walk a lot too. Besides, EU standards keep unhealthy stuff at an acceptable minimum in basically any product, so in comparison even the same unhealthy things that you can buy in the US are quite less unhealthy here. And most taste better too. Italy has even stricter standards for many foods too.

[@SC-dp1gv]

I lived 25 years in Italy and 15 in the U.S. quality is not even close, it’s sad but here in the U.S. we eat poor quality food and we have horrible habits. RFK is totally right, they are killing us, many preservatives that are illegal in Europe are not here.

[@gardengeek3041]

This is one of the most significant comments I have read in years. It should have 1,000 thumbs up. But, needs to be spaced in PARAGRAPHS or people will skip over it.

[@vuotopieno]

@@gardengeek3041 Thank you. We Europeans love many things about American culture, but unfortunately some of these are harmful to human beings, and we are infected by them. I sincerely hope that many US citizens become aware of those who govern them. I know it's difficult because you are told a reality that doesn't exist, starting from school. They want you to be manipulable, addicted to drugs, addicted to the "American dream", ignorant and stupid. Politicians are only the servants of multinationals and the arms and industry lobbies, but this also happens with the European Parliament now. Eating and drinking, healthy and genuine, should be an inalienable right for all humanity, nothing more than medicines for every stupid thing, inventing non-existent diseases, nothing more than $80,000 cars or sport to distract us from the real problems of the world. Let's wake up! Everyone!

[@amrita8815]

You are both lovely and did a splendid job with this informative video. Hope you'll keep enjoying your Italian adventure. 😊

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@simone311]

Italian here. I don't even know how I came across this lovely couple here on KZbin, but I think I fell in love with both of them. Subscribed.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@kalessin_s]

You guys are truly adorable. I appreciate the scrupulous analysis and watching a lot of other videos you made, i see you are really knowledgeable about Italy. As an Italian (like a lot of people in the comments) i really appreciate how you are talking about reality and not through stereotypes like many people do, exaggerating aspects aren't existing anymore or are present just in very tiny parts of Italian territory. All i can augur you is to continue your journey in Italy and never run out of passion and genuine stupor about our country. Have fun and stay safe!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Adorable? That’s something I’ve never been called. Anne, yes, but me, no.

[@alessandrogiorgi4879]

Ehi ma dove é la NUTELLA??😄 Avete dimenticato la Crema Sacra Italiana, il nostro burro d'arachidi! Comunque é Il più preciso video di descrizione dei supermarket Italiani fatto da Nord Americani che ho visto finora! Molto bene👍 🇮🇹🤝🇺🇸

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Ti ringrazio! Infatti, dopo aver registrato il video, Anne ha osservato la stessa cosa. Nutella è scapata!

[@oscarbrambani3928]

Sì, sono stati bravissimi. Good job, guys! ;)

[@wanderingdoggo]

I'm Italian and I appreciated your description, was amazed by the differences with the US. Also your explanation of Italian habits was on the spot! Nice video :)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@francopieracci2113]

Actually you must use the plastic gloves also while operaying the scale. This is for a hygiene, probably underestimated in US (I mean, you probably would not like to eat food that has been touches by other people, would you?)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Oops! I didn’t know that about the scale, but it makes sense. But I wonder if you should wear them throughout the store, since you’re touching other items.

[@robertm.4916]

You guys are great!! We love your videos.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@YacineBoussoufa]

I just randomly got this video in my feed... And I recognized the location right away... That's Tolentino Oasi xD

[@ironicloud]

Me too. And I live 1 km near that shopping park

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@ironicloud 👍

[@lalva2024]

Very informative and to the point by you taking turns with the grocery items. I glad that you trimmed the fluff on your presentation. Thank you

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! That’s great to hear.

[@annaesposito541]

We do have more kind of cheese than France and last year Italy won on the International venues,taking firts places of the list with parmigiano e mozzarella,though many others italian cheeses were included.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Bravo to Italy!

[@RosyJacobin-xt8jd]

I love the small town grocery store . Mom and pop. The cheese and the bread are my favorite. The endless verity of bread and cheese is amazing. 😊

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree. We have a video coming up about those stores.

[@cesarefoligno7957]

Di certo gli italiani non sono maniaci e spreconi come gli americani....

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

In la maggioranza di casi, sono d’accordo. Siamo abituati a cose grandi e con la nostra storia di abbondanza abbiamo diventato spendaccioni.

[@lorenzotorresin4595]

I'm Italian and I've just subscribed and liked the video, your content is absolutely spot on and lovely. Your information is 100% accurate and I truly wish you the best during your stay in Italy, hope you have tons of fun and amazing experiences! You are just so sweet

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! You’re very kind.

[@EnricoEngelmann]

Your descriptions are really very good! Almost scientific! Just two very little notes: - pizza fits very well also with white sparkling wine, which helps the digestion more than beer, in my opinion - cookies are also often eaten during breakfast

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. And your additions are useful. Thanks for commenting.

[@jacopocom]

Another italian here cross checking if you made it right…. and you did! The pasta and sauces thing was spot on. And the pronounce of orecchiette was moving. Snakcs (and biscuits) are often eaten at breakfast too. Bravi!!!!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. I stumbled a bit over orecchiette. I’m glad to hear at least I was close. Sometimes my pronunciation could be OK for a foreigner, and sometimes my tongue just gets twisted up.

[@missymoppel]

Thank you, very interesting. I was pleased to see that in this supermarket they sell one of my favorite rums, Kraken 😁

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. I’ll have to try Kraken.

[@jesjames]

Thx for your video, I love knowing what other people think🔥 I'll tell you more about the pasta isle. It's not so much about the "regional pasta" as to pasta being the most important first course. That's why there's so much pasta. You'll find the same major makes in *all* italian supermarkets, that is Barilla, De Cecco, Divella, Rummo, Garofalo, etc. and you'll find, more or less, the same types of pasta from Milan to Sicily ("short pasta", "long pasta", special formats and pastina for kids/ill people). Up to 25/30yrs ago you'd eat pasta every single day, with the exception of sundays when lasagna or "pasta al forno" would be maked; and maybe gnocchi would also be an exception on some special days. Nodays, things are slightly different because many more women work plus there's more attention in eating different kind of food. So nowdays many families will eat pasta 2-3-4 days a week, and alternate with rice/vedge/proteins. Some regions do have a tradition of making special pasta, like in Puglia where there's the famous "Pasta di Gragnano" or in Emilia Romagna where they're specialized in tortellini. And in some regions the distribution market may choose to sell more pasta of one specific make/type in respect to others.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! This is great info. Maybe we should make a special video just about pasta.

[@alessandropau1706]

Honestly, this is a very accurate description of our grocery shopping with no judgment. Great work. I love watching Italians going to your shops finding odds things we don't have😂

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We love going to grocery stores in new places. It’s always an experience.

[@gardengeek3041]

In Canada many stores have adopted 4 of these practices: A coin for a cart, weighing your own produce, bringing your own bag and packing it. About 20 years ago, this started at a discount chain called 'No Frills'. Hardest to get used to was remembering to bring your own bags. Now, even Wal-Mart grocery section expects shoppers to bring bags. This was very interesting. I didnt expect to see supermarkets in Italy. Nice to see they don't sell so much soda pop and chips and very little produce from far away places.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Those practices exist in the US, but not in many places. The most common is the reusable bag. Where we live in SC they are mandatory in our town.

[@bradlafferty]

This was really interesting to me! Well presented, too. Thank you! New sub.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate the support.

[@funghouls5498]

I was in Italy for the first two weeks of November this year, and I can attest that the food and products at their supermarkets were phenomenal, fresh, and half the price that they are in Canada. We ate so well throughout Italy, half the time cooking and half the time eating out. What impressed me was this year quantity of non-GMO, non-glyphosate produce available. As I am lactose intolerant, I buy nut milks in Canada, mainly almonds, but it has very little flavor, while in italy purchasing almond milk, You can actually taste the almonds in it without having any “natural flavors “ Added. Thank you for this presentation on grocery shopping in Italy

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! The cost and the quality of the food in Italy never ceases to amaze.

[@yannip2083]

EXCELLENT video!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@danielaluisiburns9993]

Thank you for the accuracy of this video. I am from Bologna, in the US now. For too many years I have been explaining how we live from top to bottom - including the simplest trip to the grocery store -. I agree with many of comments in saying very well done video and informative to the American community. I still believe that as far as quality we come pretty high on the scale. Lived in Spain and visited various countries.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I hope you’re enjoying the US and its advantages and disadvantages vs. Italy. I’d agree about the quality of food.