Grocery shopping in Spain has been a big adjustment for me. Back home, I used to shop every two weeks, but here, I find myself going to the store every four days or so, just picking up what I need for the next few days. It’s kind of nice, though, because you can grab ingredients for dinner and cook it the same day, very convenient. But honestly, grocery shopping here can feel both overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. Let me explain…
It’s overwhelming because, for someone like me who’s still getting comfortable with Spanish, there’s a lot of translating to do. You can’t just rely on the pictures to figure out what things are. Plus, many products or ingredients from the US aren’t available here, so I often have to find an alternative, and that can be a bit of a challenge too. It’s like a mini adventure each time I go!
On the flip side, it can be underwhelming because there aren’t as many options to choose from. It might sound strange, but having fewer choices can actually be a relief. Instead of walking down an aisle with 20 different brands, you only have a handful to pick from, which actually makes the decision process easier (and quicker!). I think it’s just one of those little things that makes life simpler here.
Grocery shopping here has taught me to be less of a consumer and more intentional about what I buy. You quickly realize that the less you have, the better, especially when you have to lug your groceries across town! It makes me more mindful of what I really need.
Plus, there’s always a little market or fruiteria on almost every street, so if I need something fresh or forgotten, I can make a quick pit stop without having to plan a big trip. It’s been refreshing to embrace a simpler way of shopping while still having everything I need within reach.
Grocery shopping in Spain has really opened my eyes to how simple, yet impactful, small changes can make a big difference. Another thing I’ve really embraced is being more eco-friendly with my reusable grocery bags. It’s such a small habit, but it’s amazing how it contributes to reducing waste. Since I tend to buy less at a time, I also find that I’m eating the food I buy more often and more efficiently.
There’s something so satisfying about having fewer leftovers and knowing that I’m cutting down on food waste. It’s become part of my everyday routine, and I actually enjoy the process now, it feels like I’m being kinder to the planet and myself.
Lastly, if you’re coming from the US like I did, you’re probably used to signs everywhere guiding you to exactly what you need, flowers, flour, whatever it is, there’s usually a sign to point you in the right direction. Here in Spain, though, it’s a different story. You have to wander a bit and figure things out on your own. There’s no sign telling you where to find the milk or flour. It’s all part of the adventure.
And speaking of stores, I’ve also noticed that not every shop follows the same layout. In one Mercadona, the milk might be in the back left corner, and in another, it could be all the way up front on the right side. It feels like a little scavenger hunt each time I go grocery shopping. It’s honestly a fun challenge in its own way, though it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re looking for something specific and don’t know exactly where to start. But hey, it adds a little bit of excitement to the daily errands!
Whether you’re shopping in Mercadona, Consum, or Masymas, the food quality here is so much better, and it’s made me appreciate even the simplest things, like picking up fresh oranges. After all, I’m living in Orange City, so it feels almost magical to think that I could just pick them straight from a tree in the street. But, I’ve heard mixed things about the taste of the local oranges, apparently, they’re not the best when it comes to flavor. Still, there’s something special about the idea of getting them right from the source. It’s a small but beautiful part of living here.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
