The World Cup has brought visitors from every corner of the globe to the United States. And, judging by multiple news stories, they’re absolutely bowled over by American consumerism.
Among many other stories, foreign visitors have been astounded at the quality of American hospitality (“such a breath of fresh air“), “stunned” at portion sizes, and have developed such a love for ranch dressing that the TSA has issued an official warning not to pack it in a carry-on bag.
Now a German TikToker who goes by the handle ‘404_sag’ has explored a brave new world for Europeans: the fabled land of… Walmart.
@404_sag #walmart #walmartpartner #europa #fy #viral
♬ original sound – 404_sag
In a hugely popular video, ‘404_sag’ describes a Walmart in Austin, Texas as “like a museum for Europeans”, marveling at its size and underlining how easy it is to become lost inside. He wanders to the pizza counter and giggles at a “1.26 kilo” Pepperoni pizza, then checks the ingredients on a humble loaf of bread (“how many ingredients?!”).
Entering an alien land
Even a humble log of ground beef doesn’t escape his attention, as he notes its girth, heft, and various other phallic elements. “You can beat someone up with this!” he notes. He also stares, astonished, at “A whole gallon for cream?”
Europe has supermarkets – even hypermarkets – which are appropriately huge and cover a vast range of products. However, some American products would be new to Europeans as they live under strict European Union directives on food standards.
For example, many products on sale in Walmart would be illegal to sell in Europe for reasons of public safety. EU laws mean that synthetic dyes and chemicals noted as possible carcinogens mean products like Skittles, Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, Pop-Tarts, Twinkies, and Ritz Crackers are considered to contain substances hazardous to human health, so cannot be sold
In addition, to combat obesity, NI Business Info says there are EU-specific standardized sizes for sugary soft drinks and stringent package regulations to aid recycling, which means many products sold at Walmart can’t be sold in Europe.
All of which leaves these World Cup visitors wandering around Walmart, admiring the scale, selection, content, and variety on offer. However, Donald Trump has pushed for relaxations on EU rules to allow American companies to freely export their products to Europe without alteration.
