Traveling to a new country can be as much about tasting the unfamiliar as exploring the sights. For many, browsing foreign supermarkets is a highlight, revealing a world of bizarre grocery items that locals swear by. These unique finds can be practical, delicious, or just downright odd to outsiders. But for seasoned travelers, picking up these unusual foods and products often means a more authentic—and sometimes surprisingly convenient—experience. If you’re curious about what makes a grocery trip abroad so memorable, here are eight bizarre grocery items travelers swear by in foreign countries.
1. Pickled Plums (Umeboshi) – Japan
Pickled plums, known as umeboshi, are a staple in Japanese supermarkets. These intensely sour and salty plums are often eaten with rice or tucked inside rice balls. While their flavor can be shocking if you’re not used to it, many travelers find them oddly addictive. Some even claim that umeboshi help with jet lag and digestion, making them a quirky, functional travel snack. If you’re exploring Japanese grocery aisles, don’t be surprised to see entire shelves devoted to these wrinkled red plums.
2. Salmiakki (Salty Licorice) – Finland
Salmiakki is a uniquely Finnish treat: black licorice flavored with ammonium chloride. The taste is salty, tangy, and sharply divisive—many first-timers are left speechless. Locals eat it as candy, add it to ice cream, and even mix it into vodka. While it might sound intimidating, salmiakki is a bizarre grocery item travelers love to try at least once. If you want to shock your taste buds or bring home a memorable souvenir, a bag of Finnish salty licorice is a must.
3. Century Eggs – China
Century eggs are a striking sight in Chinese supermarkets. These preserved eggs have a blackish-green yolk and a translucent, amber “white” due to being cured in a mixture of clay, ash, and salt for weeks or months. The flavor is bold, earthy, and creamy, making it a polarizing snack. Many travelers are hesitant, but those who try century eggs often find them surprisingly rich and savory. For anyone seeking bizarre grocery items that push culinary boundaries, century eggs are hard to beat.
4. Vegemite – Australia
Vegemite is a dark, yeast-based spread that Australians eat on toast, crackers, and even with cheese. The salty, umami-rich paste is an acquired taste, but it’s a grocery staple Down Under. Many travelers are baffled by its popularity—until they try it the local way, spread thinly on buttered bread. Vegemite is a classic example of a bizarre grocery item that’s beloved at home and bewildering abroad. Don’t leave Australia without grabbing a small jar to see what the fuss is about.
5. Ketchup Chips – Canada
Ketchup-flavored potato chips are a Canadian grocery store favorite. They’re tangy, sweet, and surprisingly addictive. While ketchup chips sound strange to many visitors, locals snack on them regularly and even pack them for road trips. Travelers often buy extra bags to bring home, since finding this flavor outside Canada is tough. If you want a bizarre grocery item that’s both familiar and unexpected, ketchup chips should top your list.
6. Horse Milk (Kumis) – Central Asia
Kumis is a traditional drink made from fermented horse milk, and it’s widely available in grocery stores across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. The taste is sour, slightly alcoholic, and fizzy. Kumis is packed with probiotics and is considered a health drink by locals. For travelers, it’s a bizarre grocery item that offers a direct connection to Central Asian nomadic culture. Trying kumis isn’t just about taste—it’s about experiencing a centuries-old tradition.
7. Durian – Southeast Asia
Durian is infamous for its pungent smell, often described as a mix of onions, cheese, and turpentine. Despite its reputation, you’ll find durian in supermarkets throughout Southeast Asia, sold whole or as packaged snacks. The creamy flesh tastes sweet and custardy, winning over many adventurous travelers. Some hotels and public transit ban durian due to its odor, but locals and visitors alike swear by its unique flavor. If you’re feeling brave, pick up a durian product during your next trip.
8. Canned Alligator – United States (Southern States)
In parts of the American South, canned alligator meat sits alongside more common proteins in grocery aisles. This bizarre grocery item is often smoked or packed in spicy sauces, making it easy to try without much preparation. Adventurous eaters say alligator tastes like a cross between chicken and fish. Travelers seeking a true taste of the South often grab a can or two to bring home, both for the novelty and the flavor.
Why Bizarre Grocery Items Are Worth Trying
Exploring supermarkets for bizarre grocery items is one of the most rewarding ways to experience another culture. These foods and products might seem odd at first, but they open up conversations, challenge your palate, and sometimes offer unexpected health benefits. Whether you’re sampling umeboshi in Tokyo or grabbing ketchup chips in Toronto, these unique grocery finds can turn a simple shopping trip into an adventure.
And if you’re ever in doubt, ask a local—they’re usually happy to share their favorite bizarre grocery items.
What’s the most bizarre grocery item you’ve found while traveling? Share your stories in the comments below!
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