Tourists Speak Up About What Surprised Them Most When Visiting the United States

New York supermarkets can be overwhelming in the best way. Shelves may have endless cereals, snacks, sauces, frozen meals, international ingredients, dairy options, drinks, and specialty products. For visitors, the variety can feel exciting at first, then shocking once the total price shows up at checkout.

The selection comes from America’s consumer culture, big supply chains, and New York’s incredibly diverse population. Stores often stock products for many communities at once, from everyday American brands to imported foods. Prices, though, are pushed up by rent, labor, logistics, and the high cost of operating in the city.