‘I would cry for joy if Marks & Spencer were in America.’
So says Victoria Prieto, an American living in London who spoke to MailOnline Travel about the differences between shops in Britain and her native country – and why America offers better hangover remedies.
Ms. Prieto, a self-confessed grocery store enthusiast (like her @victoriabuitenland TikTok biog says), says she ‘loves’ British supermarkets, revealing that she loves ‘walking through an M&S, Tesco or Sainsbury’s’, but is most passionate about M&S – and Gail’s bakeries.
“Those two are my ultimate favorites,” she reveals.
In a TikTok video, the 34-year-old showcased some of her favorite treats from the first — items, she pointed out, that are not available in the United States.
Victoria Prieto (above), an American living in London, spoke to MailOnline Travel about the differences between shops in Britain and her native country – and why America offers better hangover remedies
First out of her M&S tote bag was a small, bagged salad, with dressing, followed by a ‘Bang Bang Noodle Slaw’ and Millionaire’s Bites (‘these are the best, so good’) and Percy Pig sweets.
Further explaining her love for British supermarkets, the New Yorker said: ‘British supermarkets offer smaller quantities and more affordable options compared to American supermarkets. For example, meal deals, dinner packages and so on.
‘In addition, British supermarkets have more options for foie gras and pate. These could only be found in an expensive American cheese/meat department.
‘I also love how many ready-made cakes are available in all UK supermarkets. I wish I had a reason to buy them. They’re all so colorful and cute.’
Ms Prieto, a self-confessed supermarket lover (as her biog on @victoriaabroad TikTok profile states), says she thinks British supermarkets are ‘amazing’
In a TikTok video, Victoria showcased some of her favorite treats from the first — items, she pointed out, that are not available in the United States. Out of her M&S tote bag came first a small, bagged salad with dressing, followed by a ‘Bang Bang Noodle Slaw’ and Millionaire’s Bites (‘these are the best, so tasty’) and Percy Pig sweets
She continued: ‘It seems you (Brits) love sausage rolls, pork pies, mashed potatoes and Scotch eggs, many of which are rarely found in an American supermarket. But no mashed potatoes.’
Victoria, Senior Campaign Manager at The Influencer Marketing Factory, is also a fan of the shopping culture in Britain – and Europe – in general.
In the US, hangover remedies are better. I’m sorry to say it. It may stem from the very simple fact that Americans simply have larger portions. But the main difference is bagels
She explained: ‘I think British and Europeans buy more every day than they do every week. Americans buy in bulk and I think it’s a nicer, slower way of life to buy what you need and then be able to walk to the grocery store a few days later to get more fresh produce.”
However, there is one area where Victoria thinks America is the outright winner: the hangover cure.
She explained: ‘In the US, hangover medicine is better. I’m sorry to say it. It may stem from the very simple fact that Americans simply have larger portions. And who doesn’t want to eat a big, greasy, greasy portion when they’re hungover?
“But the main difference is bagels. Bagels are a big part of American culture, especially New York City, where I’m from.
‘Bagels can be found on every street corner and are easy to deliver via any ordering app, but here in Great Britain they are difficult to find.
‘My ultimate goal would be to open a bagel and iced coffee shop in the UK, to introduce the New York style of bagels and coffee.
‘Our iced coffee… is iced coffee and not iced coffee. And we have bagels that are doughy, chewy, creamy and satisfying for any meal, but especially for a hangover.”
Are there any outlets in America that she thinks the British would love to set up shop in Britain?
Victoria said: ‘I think Britain would love it Trader Joe’s – it offers such unique snacks, healthy food and creative items. Erewhon is also great, just super pricey.’
For more information from Victoria, visit her TikTok profile and Instagram account – @thedailyvictoria.