Snack Tourism 2026: Why Travellers Are Choosing Local Supermarkets Over Iconic Landmarks

Travelling for food is nothing new - but travellers are no longer just chasing fine dining or iconic dishes. Increasingly, it's the humble local snack that's shaping global itineraries. From flavoured KitKats found only in Tokyo to Tim Tams (a chocolate cookie) in Sydney, holidays are turning into full-blown food hunts through supermarket aisles and convenience stores. According to a recent Skyscanner report, a growing number of travellers now pack their bags with one goal in mind: tasting snacks they can't get at home.

Dubbed 'snack tourism,' the trend marks a shift in how people experience destinations, trading traditional sightseeing for exploring local snacks and spending as much time in grocery stores as at famous landmarks.

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Tourists Are Eating Like A Local, One Snack At A Time

Gastro-tourism has long been about restaurants and iconic street food. But today's travellers are increasingly discovering countries through snack shelves, vending machines and convenience stores. From Japan's 7-Eleven Slurpees to Iceland's geothermal-baked bread, local snacks are offering travellers an affordable, authentic peek into daily life, allowing them to connect with local culture instantly.

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Local Supermarkets Are Attracting Tourists

According to Skyscanner, nearly four out of five Indian travellers (79 per cent) say they always or often visit local supermarkets when travelling abroad. In the UK, 47 per cent of travellers rank local food and snack options among their top priorities when booking a trip, Skyscanner reports.

The report reveals that travellers typically head to supermarkets abroad to discover global brands unavailable in their own country, experience the everyday food habits of locals, and try the snacks, drinks, and quick meals unique to that destination.

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Snacking Over Sightseeing

Skyscanner's data shows that Millennials are the most likely generation to plan trips around popular snacks and cult foods. Nearly 59 per cent of Millennials who holiday abroad say specific foods or supermarkets influence their choice of destination, while 70 per cent even set aside a dedicated snack budget.

But Millennials are not alone. Among Gen Z travellers, food experiences are increasingly prioritised over conventional sightseeing, with 38 per cent saying they would rather enjoy French cuisine than visit the Eiffel Tower to immerse themselves in local culture.

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5 Tips To Plan Your Next Trip With Focus On Snacks

Here are some simple tips for travellers keen to experience the rising snack tourism trend:

1. Research Before You Reach: Do your homework by using social media platforms like Instagram and local food blogs to discover must-try snacks before you fly.
2. Skip Tourist Traps: Shop where the locals shop, as supermarkets and convenience stores offer an authentic snapshot of daily life without inflated tourist prices.
3. Keep Space In Suitcase: While packing your stuff for the trip, make sure to carry an empty bag or leave some room for all the yummy snacks you'll be bringing as souvenirs.
4. Check Airport Rules For Food: If you are planning to take some snacks back home, first check customs rules because not all food items are allowed to cross borders.
5. Share And Enjoy: Share the experience by hosting a snack-tasting night after returning home.