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Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has shared a list of her favourite supermarket buys she makes sure to put in her shopping basket when abroad

Is there a sensation that etches itself more deeply and immediately into the British brain than the first time you enter a French supermarket?

I doubt I will ever forget the thrilling aroma of different chilled meats, walking down an aisle of completely unfamiliar cereals, or realising that you can buy small fireworks and about 400 varieties of drink syrup in a single shop.

Supermarket shopping abroad is a serious phenomenon on social media, with more than 50 million posts related to ‘grocery store travel’ on TikTok. It is packed full of travellers showing off their finds and remarking at how different everyday things are abroad.

Last year, travel giant Expedia identified “supermarket tourism” or “Goods Getaways” as a major trend for 2025. The firm predicted that more travelers, particularly Gen Z, would visit foreign supermarkets to find unique products that have gone viral on social media.

READ MORE: City ‘rivals Amsterdam’ with canals and nightlife and is ‘must visit’ in 2026

OPINION

Milo Boyd

Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has avidly visited different supermarkets throughout her long career of jet-setting across the world.

“Tourists seek landmarks and magnets for souvenirs. Flight attendants seek out grocery stores. We know which Lisbon supermarkets stock sangria worthy of wrapping inside a shoe, which Korean store to stock up on collagen face masks, which French markets sell lavender honey that doubles as a sleep remedy, and which South African shelves hold rooibos tea rich enough to taste like rest,” she told the Mirror.

“Fresh Italian pasta. Salted butter from France. Brazilian mate packed between uniforms. Lisbon sardines in artful tins. These aren’t novelty purchases — they are edible memories, our way of claiming a place as lived, not just passed through. If you ever were to peek inside a flight attendants pantry, it’d look like an international grocery store. And that gives us comfort.”

Sherry has shared her favourite foreign supermarkets when travelling abroad, and what she buys in them. “Some of this may be found in specialty stores in the U.S. but we are buying the same at dirt cheap prices,” she notes.

Do you have any foreign supermarket staples or any tips for shopping abroad? We’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]

Italy: Carrefour, Coop, and Esselunga

• One litre bottle of “rustic unfiltered” olive oil by Carapelli
• Any Italian red wine that’s about 7-10 euros – they are all fantastic
• Fresh hand-cut pasta from Maffei or from a local pasta shop
• Tomato paste by Tuscanini or Mutti
• Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce by Cento, La Fiammante, Divella and Mutti
• Fresh chunks of Parmesan for grating

France: Monoprix

• Bordier Butter, or Grand Fermage Sel de Mer (sea salt butter) is a cult product
• Lulu Barquettes boat cookies
• St Michel Original Madeleines
• Fleur de Sel gray sea salt
• Duck Confit Reflets De France (duck in a can)
• Torres Truffle potato chips
• Pringles (taste better than in the US)

Portugal: El Corte Inglés and Continente

• Dom Simon sangria (actually from Spain) and cinnamon sticks to marinate it in
• Local wines like Vino Verde, but use the Vivino app to look for ratings to try new ones
• Fresh pastéis de nata (custard tarts Portugal is famous for) from the bakery
• Grand Fermage Sel de Mer butter (French)

Sept. 10 (UPI) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Wednesday banning sales of hemp-based THC products to people under the age of 21 amid an ongoing push for state lawmakers to establish THC regulations.

Abbott called the order “safety for kids, freedom for adults,” in a post on X.

The order directs the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to ban sales of hemp-based THC products to those under 21 years old and requires retailers to verify age with a government-issued ID. Retailers that don’t follow this law will lose their retailer’s license.

Additionally, the DSHS must review existing regulations on hemp-based THC products, including labeling requirements. The DSHS, TABC and the Department of Public Safety must also partner with local law enforcement to increase enforcement of the new law.

Though the Texas Senate — backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — approved of a more sweeping ban on the sale of THC products in any form, lawmakers failed to agree on a final law to regulate the products. Abbott vetoed the full ban, seeking a less restrictive law.

“Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families,” Abbott said in a statement announcing his executive order. “While these products would still benefit from the kind of comprehensive regulation set by the Texas Legislature for substances like alcohol and tobacco, my executive order makes sure that kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now, and that consumers know the products they purchase are tested and labeled responsibly.”

Abbott also directed the DSHS, TABC and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to study a framework for wider THC regulations based on Texas House Bill 309 filed in August. The legislation, submitted by Texas Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Republican, seeks to create a Texas Hemp Council to regulate products derived from hemp, including food items and beverages.

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (UPI) — Nongshim, South Korea’s largest instant noodle maker, will release a line of products featuring characters from the Netflix hit animated movie KPop Demon Hunters later this month.

Packaging for the company’s popular Shin Ramyun instant noodles and Shrimp Crackers snacks will showcase images of characters from the film, including Rumi, Zoey, Saja Boys and Derpy the tiger, the company said Wednesday.

Nongshim will also launch a new Shin Toomba Sauce and special cup noodles modeled after the snacks eaten by the fictional K-pop group Huntrix in the movie. The company will promote the collaboration through a series of global events, including social media campaigns, digital content and offline pop-ups.

“KPop Demon Hunters’ realistic depiction of various Korean cultures, including K-Pop and K-Food, went viral and is creating a global fandom,” the company said in a statement. “The frequent appearance of ramyun, a quintessentially Korean food, naturally drew attention to Nongshim.”

The animated film, which centers on a K-pop trio who secretly battle demons, has been a massive hit for Netflix since its release in June. As of last week, it has become the second-most-watched film of all time on the streaming service, with more than 210 million views.

The Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack has also crossed over onto the global music charts, with the single “Golden” by Huntrix topping the Billboard Hot 100 list for the week of Aug. 16.

Nongshim said that the partnership was sparked by the film’s realistic depiction of Korean ramyun and snacks, which many fans said resembled the company’s products.

“This collaboration was possible thanks to fans who identified our products in Kpop Demon Hunters and shared their excitement,” a spokesperson said. “Just as KPop Demon Hunters introduced K-culture to the world, we will also work to genuinely inform global consumers of the taste and value of K-snacks.”

The limited-edition products will be available in South Korea and major markets across North America, Europe, Oceania and Southeast Asia.

ADVENT calendar season is approaching faster than you think.

The best options sell out at lightning speed every year, and Fortnum & Mason has released its luxurious Advent calendar worth a staggering £1,149.

Fortnum’s Beauty Advent Calendar, £265 (worth £1,149)

The beauty Advent calendar costs £265, and is filled with premium brands including Jo Malone, Clive Christian and Sol de Janeiro.

No one does luxury quite like Fortnum & Mason, and the iconic Advent calendar comes with 26 beauty treats – 23 of which are full-size.

Shoppers will find a variety of high-end products behind the doors, including fragrances, candles and make-up.

There’s plenty inside for skincare fans too, like the Wildsmith Active Super Eye Serum that’s worth £100 alone.

Beauty fans will also be treated to four fragrances, including a 30ml Gallivant London perfume worth £70.

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Three 10ml perfumes are inside, Fortnum’s 1707 Lilas Eau de Parfum, which costs £235 for a 50ml, a Topaze Eau de Parfum with a Gold Atomiser, and a Clive Christian Town & Country Perfume that would be £400 for a 50ml bottle.

Sol de Janeiro’s viral Bum Bum Body Cream is included for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their body care routine, along with a 100ml version of Aromatherapy Associates’ Revive Body Oil (worth £60).

There’s also a selection of stunning keepsakes including two Ortigia soaps in tins – which could even be passed on as Christmas gifts.

The 26 products are all stored inside the luxe-looking packaging, which opens up to reveal the pull-out draws with gold numbers.

Fortnum & Mason’s Advent calendar is one of the more expensive on the market, but its sky-high value of £1,149 means shoppers are saving £849 compared to purchasing the items individually.

Beauty Advent calendars have started to launch in recent weeks, and we’re expecting plenty more drops within the next month.

Shoppers have already been taking to TikTok to give a first-look at the 2025 Advents.

The Sun Shopping team will also be putting some of the bestsellers to the test, and you can read our thoughts on last year’s versions, including our Charlotte Tilbury Advent calendar review.

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Fortnum’s Beauty Advent Calendar, £265 (worth £1,149)

Beauty Advent calendars fly off the virtual shelves every year, so if you have your eye on one, it’s worth snapping it up as soon as possible before it sells out.

Fortnum & Mason’s 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar has sold out in previous years.

While it’s available to shop now, the website states that deliveries won’t be made until after 22 September.

The collection of premium products will make the ultimate gift for any beauty fan, or as a treat for yourself.

A SECRET website crammed with discontinued snacks and unusual flavours from across the globe has been revealed.

From Lemon Pie Twix bars to Italian-inspired Nestle treats, the online store promises to spice up your kitchen cupboards.

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Discount Dragon is an online-only retailer that sells products that are no longer on shelves from well-known brands.

The online shop is currently selling 18 lemon-flavored Twix bars from Brazil for just £11.99.

The zingy chocolate bars were inspired by the beloved Brazilian lemon pie.

Each bar features a crisp biscuit base topped with a tangy lemon-flavoured creme and wrapped in smooth milk chocolate.

If citrus isn’t your bag, there are also strawberry pie-flavoured Twix bars.

Nestle’s Extrafino Maxibon Chocolate bar is also up for grabs for just £1.99.

With three indulgent layers of chocolate and a satisfying crunchy base – this Italian favourite comes in a 235g bar.

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Limon flavour from America are also available on the site.

Packed with fiery chilli and a lime zing, the crunchy snacks are perfect straight from the bag or to be enjoyed with cheese for the ultimate nachos dish.

For more tasty deals, keep your eyes glued to Discount Dragon’s “Snacks & Treats” category.

They rotate mysterious stock regularly—from multipacks of limited-edition bars to exotic overseas flavours.

Discount Dragon also flogs brand-name grub for fractions of the usual cost.

Don’t worry, the website is perfectly legal and squeaky clean – it just snags surplus stock, clearance lines, or bulk buys at knock‑down prices, and simply passes the savings onto savvy punters.

With no minimum spend, you can bag yourself goodies anytime—though £40 or more gets you free tracked delivery.

Orders promptly dispatched—24 trackers in 1–2 working days, 48 in 2–3.

The website also offers 1p sales on snacks and household items from time to time.

Recently, the mad promotional sale included Nestlé Milkybar eggs, scented candles, flavoured honeys, and premium snacks.

These 1p wonders are snapped up in seconds by eagle-eyed bargain hunters with lightning-fast fingers.

This comes as B&M shoppers spotted a rare flavour of Snickers selling for just £1.

Customers were surprised to see coffee flavoured versions of the classic chocolate stocked on the shelves of the bargain store.

Posting on the Facebook group Food Finds UK Official, a user wrote: “Not sure if these are new, but in B&M and I’ve never seen this flavour!”

One user wrote: “I’ve been meaning to check out B&M for ages now and this might just be the push I need to go.”

Another added: “Imported from Australia, I had them over there and so so good I’ll need to head to B&M.”

“I will be trying these,” a third wrote.

How does Discount Dragon work?

Discount Dragon launched in 2022 and flogs products nearing their best before date or items with faulty packaging.

Because traditional retailers want to shift this produce, Discount Dragon can buy it for massively discounted prices then pass these discounts on to shoppers.

Bargain hunters will find a host of branded goods, from Cadbury and Fairy to Brewdog and Heinz, on the website on the cheap.

There’s even a dedicated page where you can browse products selling for £2 or less.

Shoppers can currently get Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddos for 25p, Heinz Broccoli and Stilton soup for 35p a tin and 2litre bottles of pineapple and grapefruit Lilt for 99p.

All-in-all, there are hundreds of products to choose from, with prices starting from just 1p.

Discount Dragon also comes with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on the Trustpilot review website, earning an “excellent” score.

Reviewers note the bargain prices and “fantastic” standard of customer service.

If Discount Dragon doesn’t take your fancy, Motatos is another online supermarket that sells surplus or short-dated stock on the cheap.

Shoppers can pick up branded products such as Walkers, Coca-Cola, Heinz and Kellogg’s.

Approved Food is another, offering consumers products nearing best before dates at discounted prices.

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ANOTHER popular gadget is destined for the scrapheap after Apple officially designated it “obsolete”.

It joins hundreds of products already on the list that are beyond repair.

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Like any tech company, Apple routinely discontinues older devices and continues to offer software and servicing for a limited period after.

The firm has two key phases: vintage and obsolete.

An Apple gadget is classified as vintage when Apple stopped distributing it for sale more than five and less than seven years ago.

You can still get a repair sorted from authorised service providers during this period but there’s no guarantee as the parts become limited.

But when it steps into the obsolete stage you can’t get any repairs sorted at all.

A device is considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than seven years ago.

As you would expect, with 49 years in the business, Apple has a lot of discontinued products now.

And there are a sizeable number of iPhones on the list dating back to the very first in 2007.

Of course, it includes other gizmos too, such as the Apple Watch.

And it’s a popular Apple Watch model that’s been bumped down to obsolete this week.

The second-generation Apple Watch Series 1 models released in 2016 have been added.

So if you own one, don’t count on any repairs – you’ll have to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch.

This means the full list of obsolete Apple Watch products is now:

• Apple Watch (1st generation), 38mm
• Apple Watch (1st generation), 42mm
• Apple Watch Edition (1st generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Edition (1st generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Hermes (1st generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Hermes (1st generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Series 1, Aluminium (2nd generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Series 1, Aluminium (2nd generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminium (2nd generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminium (2nd generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 42 mm
• Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st generation), 38 mm
• Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st generation), 42 mm

WHY DO GADGETS GET DISCONTINUED?

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

It’s never good news to hear that your favourite gadget is no longer repairable and you’ll have to buy an expensive new one altogether.

But Apple is fairly good for making tech last as long as possible, providing plenty of software updates for years after a product was released.

However, there comes a point when they have to stop.

For something like a smartwatch it’s simply not financially viable to keep producing parts for items that few people now own.

Given the second-generation Apple Watch Series 1 models were released nine years ago, a lot has changed since then.

If you do still own one, chances are it’s probably quite battered and slow now.

A travel expert has shared what free products that airlines will give away for free when asked for on any long-haul flight but she has warned that the items ‘aren’t always offered’

A travel guru has spilled the beans on the freebies that airlines can give out for any long-haul flight, but she warned they ‘don’t always offer them to you’ and the secret to bagging them is to ‘ask nicely’. The summer season is when many people jet off on their holidays.

This often involves gearing up for a journey that includes hopping on a plane. Flying is the perfect way to reach far destinations that holidaymakers may have been fantasising about for ages. Not many people are aware that on all long-haul flights, passengers can snag certain items for free regardless of what they’ve paid for their seat. Rachel Bernabeu is a content creator based in Barcelona who’s an expert in travel.

She recently posted a video on TikTok explaining what products passengers could nab for free on long haul flights.

In the clip, she revealed: “Did you know you can ask for loads of free things on a plane and almost nobody does?”

The travel content creator clarified that she got this tip from a flight attendant and that it applies to all long haul flights.

She continued: “All airlines have these things, but they don’t always offer them to you.” For her, the trick is to “ask very nicely”, as she wrote in the caption of her TikTok video.

Rachel first brought up “the classic plane socks”, which are usually quite long and “save your feet from freezing.”

She also highlighted earplugs, stressing that “if you end up near crying babies or expert-level snorers, these are essential”.

The travel enthusiast shares that airlines frequently provide complimentary dental kits featuring a toothbrush and miniature toothpaste, ensuring you don’t get off the plane with unpleasant breath.

Similarly, she highlights that female sanitary products are also accessible for travellers during unexpected situations.

For families, Rachel explains there are activity packs for children, including colouring books or puzzles.

Finally, the specialist revealed that airlines carry surplus food, and if meals remain after the lunch or dinner service, passengers can request them at no charge.

Rachel’s TikTok clip has attracted 212,100 views, over 5,000 likes and almost 90 comments within two days.

Several followers have asked whether these amenities are available to economy passengers.

She confirms that on long-distance flights this is certainly possible, referencing multiple airlines in comments section, but she clarifies this doesn’t apply to low-cost airlines.

Numerous TikTok users contributed details about their personal encounters about the validity of these claims, and which airlines provide them, within the comments area.

One stated: “Lufthansa offers all that, it’s true.” Another remarked: “Emirates gives it its all.”

A third noted: “I’ve been to China a couple of times and they only gave us blankets. Iberia from Barajas to London did have paints for the children.”

Another added: “Qatar provides it. When we went to Thailand, the service was good.”

Some viewers weren’t as optimistic, with one saying: “Very few airlines do this, and it depends greatly on the countries of departure and destination.” Another user quipped: “Now they don’t even say good morning to you.”

The travel experts at Which? have called out the travel health products that are a “waste of money” and have warned consumers against purchasing them ahead of a summer holiday

While many of us enjoy making the most of the good weather next to a pool or beach, jetting off during the summer holidays often costs more than it would if you travelled off-peak.

Whether it’s sticking to hand luggage or bagging a last-minute flight for less than £20, many of us are also conscious of making our money go further when planning a summer holiday, but there are certain items you could be splashing cash on that simply aren’t worthwhile.

There are, however, some things you simply can’t plan for, and that’s falling ill while travelling. Investing in some mosquito repellent to ensure you don’t spend the entire holiday scratching at them, or stockpiling on allergy medicines in local Boots might seem like an essential task to do before travelling, but it could be a waste of time and money depending on what you purchase.

While many of us want to avoid getting sick on holiday, the travel gurus at Which? have revealed the travel health products that are actually a “waste of money”, reports the Express.

In a clip shared on Instagram, the travel specialists highlighted the popular items many of us buy to ensure we feel our best before jetting off, which aren’t entirely essential and could be setting you back more than they’re worth.

Mosquito wristbands

Remembering to reapply repellent can prove tricky whilst on holiday, which explains why numerous holidaymakers opt for wristbands as an alternative. Emitting a combination of components that deter the insects, Which? warned that they’re not actually the most efficient.

Whilst it may shield your wrist or at least the upper portion of your body, the specialists noted: “You’re better off using a spray or lotion with 20% to 50% DEET on all exposed skin.”

Travel sickness bands

If you’re facing a lengthy car journey from the airport to your accommodation, or need to board a ferry, you might splash out on an anti-travel sickness band.

A type of acupressure that’s claimed to ease queasiness and nausea, the experts at Which? said: “The NHS says there’s little scientific evidence that these work and when we put them to the test at a fairground, they didn’t work either.”

Instead, they recommended buying tablets such as Kwells which contain hyoscine, a medication that prevents nausea signals.

Once-a-day sunscreen

Whilst once-a-day sunscreen may appear to be a perfect answer if you forget to reapply it, Which disclosed that they discovered a 74% reduction in protection throughout the day.

It’s safer for your skin to use sunscreen that you can reapply during the day, and you should top it up every two hours.

Branded medicines

Numerous branded medications are frequently pricier than generic alternatives available in supermarkets, despite containing identical ingredients.

Which? recommended that whilst brands such as Piriteze and Clarityn might cost you £11, supermarket alternatives of the allergy treatment typically cost under half the price, and the same principle applies to Immodium.

Search for the active component loperamide hydrochloride, and save cash by switching to an unbranded alternative.

Did you know that women’s clothing and personal care products are often priced higher than men’s? It’s been that way for years and there’s even a name for it. Pink Tax. Now with Trump implementing widespread tariffs, how will this impact women’s goods and jobs?

This week on Now You Know, we talk to Prachi Agarwal, a research fellow at the International Economic Development Group at ODI Global. She focuses on trade policy and women in trade, explaining how tariffs work and why they disproportionately impact women.

The NCAA Division I college baseball playoffs begin this week, and there are several graduates from Southern California high schools representing in the college ranks.

Freshman Dylan Volantis of Texas, a Westlake High graduate, has had an All-American season, going 4-1 with a 1.99 ERA and 12 saves as a closer in the SEC.

Freshman shortstop Nate Castellon, a Calabasas grad, helped Cal Poly win the Big West tournament. He’s batting .364.

Collin Clarke (Santa Margarita) is 5-2 with a 4.59 ERA for Oregon. Trent Caraway (JSerra) has 33 RBIs for Oregon State. Colin Yeaman (Saugus) is batting .342 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs for UC Irvine. Aiden Taurek (Foothill) is batting .336 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs for St. Mary’s.

Derek Curiel (Orange Lutheran) is the No. 2 hitter for LSU with a .336 average and 45 RBIs. Aidan Cremarosa, who once played for Burbank Burroughs until enrolling at IMG Academy, is 6-5 with a 4.13 ERA for Fresno State.

Dean Curley (Northview) is batting .313 with 12 home runs for Tennessee. Jimmy De Anda (Mater Dei) has a .281 average for Utah Valley.

For USC, Ethan Hedges (Mater Dei) leads the team with a .343 average and has nine saves. For UCLA, freshman Easton Hawk (Granada Hills) has been a late-season closer with five saves.

The Call brothers, Chase and Phoenix, play for UC Irvine and UCLA, respectively, and could face off in the Westwood regional.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].

SKINCARE fans have been racing to pick up Boots’ new beauty box that has been branded as “incredible value”.

The £30 set includes £113 worth of products, with skincare favourites from Byoma, Beauty of Joseon and The Inkey List.

Boots Fresh Faced Skincare Set, £29.99 (worth £112.99)

Beauty boxes are a great way to try out new products or stock up on favourites, and the Boots Fresh Faced Skincare Set has everything needed for a routine refresh.

Six out of the nine products inside are full-size, including Lumene’s Glow Boost Essence, which is worth £34 (more than the entire beauty box) when purchased separately.

Beauty of Joseon is the Korean beauty brand that’s been all over social media lately, and shoppers will receive its popular Matte Sun Stick.

There are three cleansers inside the new beauty box, including The Inkey List’s popular Oat Cleanser and Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser.

E.l.f’s Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm is also inside (worth £11), and the cleanser has racked up thousands of five-star ratings on the Boots website.

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The solid balm melts away make-up while hydrating the skin, with a formula made up of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.

Byoma’s Brightening Serum is another cult favourite including in the Boots beauty box, along with Pixi’s Vitamin C Serum (worth £26).

The products also come with a stylish checked print washbag that’s ideal for storing away beauty essentials.

The £30 set only has a few reviews currently, all of which are five-star.

One shopper wrote: “This set is excellent value for money if you want to try some new brands and level up your skincare routine, and the bag itself is very good quality, plus it would make an excellent gift.”

Another added: “The bag included is very good quality that will last years and I got lots of products for a great price.

I bought this for myself to try some new products but it would also make an excellent gift.”

Shoppers caused mass sell-outs on the Boots website earlier in the month after the retailer launched its Luxury Haircare Beauty Box.

Featuring £219 worth of products for £45, the haircare edit didn’t stay in stock for long.

Lookfantastic also released a new beauty box recently, and the Trending Beauty Box comes with nine viral favourites worth £110 for £40.

The Boots Fresh Faced Favourites Beauty Box is still in stock for now, but if it’s anything like the retailer’s other new releases, it’s going to sell fast.