The shelf-ie has officially overtaken the selfie. In 2026, Google search interest in “Supermarket Tourism” surged by over 5000% as travellers swap expensive dining for local grocery finds. Driven by a viral Gen Z TikTok trend, the snack-cation is the ultimate way to experience authentic culture, blending visits to famous landmarks with trips down the grocery aisle for an unfiltered glimpse into local daily life.
As the 'snack-cation' trend continues to shape global travel, we have revealed 2026’s must-visit destinations by analysing the TikTok snacks currently dominating social media hauls.
Dave Mills Iglu Cruise’s Chief Commercial Officer says, “Grocery shopping has become an incredibly popular way to immerse yourself in a local culture without the price tag of high-end dining. Stepping into a local supermarket provides an insight into daily life through flavours and products you won’t find anywhere else, turning the humble grocery run into a genuine highlight of any international itinerary.”
For the 2026 snack-cation rankings and the viral products that put them on the map, see the table below.
Data: Iglu Cruise, April 2026
Contents:
1. Mexico
Viral snack: Takis
TikTok posts: 407, 400
Takis take the top spot as the number one trending snack, originating from Mexico, with 407,400 TikTok tags. Famous for their intense chilli-lime flavour, these tortilla chips perfectly capture the viral ‘swicy’ (sweet and spicy) trend that has made Mexico a major destination for Gen Z travellers.
Mexico is the number 1 snack-cation destination of 2026
Beyond the ruins of Tulum, the pristine beaches of Cancun and the popular cruise stop of Cozumel, visitors are increasingly heading to local aisles for this iconic snack. While in Mexico, Takis are often enjoyed as preparados, a local street food style where the bag is topped with fresh lime and hot sauce for an extra kick. This simple savoury snack offers a spicy window into Mexican culture, making it a great staple for the avid snack-cationer.
2. USA
Viral snack - Reese’s
TikTok posts - 115,200
Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate cups hold the second spot in the snack-cation ranking. Their popularity is driven by the huge variety found in American aisles, where viral Big Cup innovations, like the new 2026 Marshmallow and Strawberry PB&J editions, dominate social media hauls.
Travel to the United States for a snack-cation
Beyond the flagship stores of New York City and the brand's hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania, travellers are increasingly searching local supermarket shelves for exclusive drops. Between visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or the Hollywood Sign, road-trippers can stock up at grocery stores along Route 66 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. This mix of iconic sights and the buzz of this summer’s global football tournament makes the US a primary 2026 snack-cation destination.
If you’re getting excited for the World Cup, , check out the best travel destinations for football fans here.
3. Belgium
Viral snack - Lotus Biscoff
TikTok posts - 67,400
Originally from Belgium, these caramelised biscuits have gained popularity through viral social media recipes and snack trends like the Biscoff yoghurt cheesecake. When visiting Brussels, Ghent and Bruges, travellers can head to local supermarkets to find unique variations, such as Biscoff-filled chocolates and spreads.
Lotus Biscoff in Belgium
From the futuristic Atomium to the gold-leaf architecture of Brussels’ Grand Place, the country’s picturesque cities provide a stunning backdrop for a snack-focused itinerary. Between exploring the medieval canals or the diamond district of Antwerp, visitors can easily integrate these snack-grimages into a wider tour of Belgium’s historic beauty.
4. Japan
Viral snack - Mikado
TikTok posts - 41,400
Mikado, known natively as Pocky, is the centrepiece of Japanese grocery tourism. Although standard versions are found globally, Japan’s stores offer an unmatched selection of hundreds of seasonal flavours, including Winter’s Butter Caramel and Kyoto Uji Matcha.
Visiting Tokyo and Kyoto on a snack-cation
Travellers can hunt for these exclusive snack collaborations while taking in the neon energy of Shibuya Crossing, the historic shrines of Kyoto or new 2026 attractions like the PokéPark in Tokyo. From the picturesque view of Mount Fuji and the alpine villages of the Japanese Alps to the coastal beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and the high-energy Osaka, the country’s landscapes are as varied as its snack aisles.
5. South Korea
Viral snack - Pepero
TikTok posts - 34,000
Pepero are chocolate-coated biscuit sticks whose massive popularity is driven by "Pepero Day" (November 11th), a national cultural event where the snack is exchanged as a symbol of affection, even featuring viral collaborations with K-pop icons like Stray Kids.
Travel in South Korea for a top snack-cation
When visiting South Korea, travellers often pair their snack hunts in Seoul’s Myeongdong and Hongdae districts with explorations of the country's most famed landscapes. From the heights of the Lotte World Tower and historic Hanok villages to the volcanic shores of Jeju Island and the coastal energy of Busan, the country offers a perfect blend of snack-K-tion appeal and K-culture influence. This unique combination makes South Korea a top-tier destination for the 2026 grocery tourist.
6. Sweden
Viral snack - Marabou
TikTok posts - 24,300
As Sweden's most celebrated chocolate brand, Marabou's popularity is driven by a wide range of unique Nordic flavours, including viral favourites such as Daim, Sea Salt, and Mint Crisp. Social media interest is often centred around the Swedish tradition of ‘lördagsgodis’ (Saturday sweets), where locals and tourists alike visit supermarkets to create a bespoke ‘pick and mix’ haul.
Stockholm & Gothenburg, Sweden
When travelling to Sweden, visitors often pair their supermarket finds with a ‘fika’, the Swedish social ritual of slowing down for coffee and a sweet treat, in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan or the hip cafes of Södermalm. Beyond the capital, travellers are increasingly exploring the culinary scene in Gothenburg’s archipelago and the modern architecture of Malmö. This blend of cosy traditions and contemporary style makes Sweden an essential 2026 snack-cation stop.
7. Switzerland
Viral snack - Ovomaltine,400
TikTok posts - 16,400
While Ovomaltine, the malty chocolate staple, is known internationally, the Swiss "original" version is less sweet and more nutrient-dense, making it a daily essential for locals. Its popularity on social media is driven by the viral "Crunchy Cream" spread hauls and limited-edition Ovomaltine chocolate bars that are exclusive to Swiss supermarket shelves.
Travel to Switzerland for a top snack-cation
Visitors can fuel their adventures with these malted treats while exploring the medieval streets of Lucerne, taking in the views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt or relaxing by Lake Zurich. These supermarket safaris are easily combined with scenic rail journeys across the Swiss Alps or visits to historic cities like Bern and Basel. A trip to the local Co-op or Migros is a simple way to discover the malty heritage that has fueled Swiss mountain life for over a century.
8. Germany
Viral snack - Ritter Sport
TikTok posts - 10,400
Ritter Sport is a highlight of German grocery tourism, famous for an ever-rotating selection of seasonal and limited-edition flavours. While classics like Marzipan and Praline remain firm favourites, viral 2026 hits such as Pistachio and White Mango Passion Fruit have sparked a new wave of social media interest.
Travel to Germany for the top Ritter Sport options
When visiting Germany, travellers often head to the Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt in Berlin to create their own custom bars, pairing the experience with a stroll through the historic Tiergarten or a visit to the Brandenburg Gate. Beyond the capital, snack-cationers can explore the beer gardens of Munich, the Gothic cathedral of Cologne, or the landscapes of the Bavarian Alps. Exploring a local Edeka or Rewe supermarket is a simple way to discover the country’s passion for quality and variety right in the chocolate aisle.
9. Australia
Viral snack - Tim Tam
TikTok posts - 9,674
This Australian icon is famous for the "Tim Tam Slam", an Australian tradition, where the biscuit is used as a straw for tea or coffee. While the Original remains popular, the 2026 trend is driven by new collaborations, such as the limited-edition Iced VoVo variety and the return of the Choc Mint packs.
Sydney and Perth for an Australian snack-cation
From the world-renowned Sydney Harbour and sunny beaches of Perth to diving in the Great Barrier Reef, the country’s scale is a major draw. Adventurous snack-cationers are also exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest or the vineyards of Margaret River. Picking up a pack at a local Woolworths or Coles is an essential part of any classic Aussie road trip.
10. United Kingdom
Viral snack - Jaffa Cakes
TikTok posts - 9,310
While the long-standing debate over whether they are a cake or a biscuit continues to drive social media views, 2026 has seen a surge in interest thanks to daring new releases like Yuzu Lemon and Hot Honey, tapping into the global ‘swicy’ trend. Beyond the classic orange centre, these new variations have turned the humble Jaffa Cake into a high-priority target for international grocery tourists looking for a quirky British classic.
A snack-cation tour around the UK
When touring the UK, visitors can hunt for these exclusive flavours while exploring the historic landmarks of London, the peaks of the Lake District or the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Whether browsing the aisles of a high-street Sainsbury’s Local or a Tesco Express, picking up a box (or three) is a part of the British experience.
Hungry for more? Discover Iglu Cruise’s selection of cruise deals
Your global snack-cation starts now! Set sail for adventure with our World Cruises, Luxury Asia Cruises or Italian Cruises. Or find the perfect 'supermarket safari' on one of our River Cruises here.
