Company Blog

Supermercato Vs. Grocery Stores

by Adam Zack — June 4, 2025

“U.S. stores cater more to convenience and speed…”

This is Scott. Adam and I met in kindergarten—he was organizing the school supplies in Mrs. Schaufler’s closet while I was eating the finger paint. What a great duo, and we’ve never stopped being friends.

If you’ve ever traveled from the U.S. to Italy, one of the first everyday experiences that might surprise you is the difference in grocery shopping. Though the basic idea is the same—buy food and essentials—the experience varies in some key ways.

Size and Atmosphere

U.S. grocery stores tend to be much larger, often designed to be one-stop shops. In contrast, Italian stores are generally smaller and more focused. While American supermarkets have wide aisles and massive selections, Italian stores feel more compact and efficient, often located right in the heart of neighborhoods.

Freshness and Frequency

In Italy, shopping is more frequent. Italians often visit their local grocery store or market daily or several times a week, buying just what they need. This habit supports a culture of fresh eating—fruits, vegetables, meats, and bread are often bought the same day they’re consumed. In the U.S., it’s more common to do one big weekly haul and stock up.

Specialty Shops

Though larger supermarkets exist in Italy, many still prefer shopping at specialty stores: the macelleria (butcher), panetteria (bakery), pasticceria (pastry shop), and fruttivendolo (produce vendor). This contrasts with the American tendency to find everything under one roof.

Product Variety

American stores offer a staggering variety—10 brands of peanut butter, 20 types of cereal. Italian stores are more curated. You might find fewer brands, but usually higher quality, especially when it comes to pasta, olive oil, and local cheeses.

Cultural Touches

In Italy, it’s common to see whole legs of prosciutto hanging behind the deli, fresh pasta made in-store, or a wide range of regional products like truffle spreads or Sicilian blood oranges. U.S. stores cater more to convenience and speed— think pre-cut everything and large frozen sections.

Final Thoughts

Grocery shopping in Italy feels slower and more intentional, centered around fresh ingredients and community-based routines. In the U.S., it’s faster and more efficient, tailored to busy schedules and long commutes. Both styles have their perks—it all depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

When I visit Adam and Mrs. Adam, I’ve noticed that he brings home fresh meat, cheese, and produce for dinner that same night, and we tend to eat healthier and more intentionally. I love the slow pace of the supermercato, the freshness, and deliberate focus on quality. Maybe Adam and I lived a different childhood in a different life in Italy together—I probably still would have eaten the finger paint.

Until next time, Arrivederci.

Scott, Guest Blogist