The best souvenirs from Europe don’t come from gift shops. They come from supermarkets. While tourists queue at airport duty-free for overpriced chocolates in fancy boxes, experienced travelers are raiding the aisles of Lidl, Albert Heijn, Mercadona, and Esselunga for edible treasures that cost almost nothing, pack easily, and taste infinitely better than any keychain or snow globe. Here is a country-by-country guide to the best supermarket finds in Europe, all under five dollars.

The Netherlands: Stroopwafels

A packet of fresh stroopwafels from Albert Heijn — thin waffle cookies sandwiched with caramel syrup — costs about two euros and contains eight to ten pieces. Place one on top of your coffee cup for thirty seconds to let the steam warm and soften the caramel, then eat it while it’s gooey. The supermarket versions are better than most of the “artisanal” ones sold at tourist markets for three times the price. Also worth grabbing: hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles for bread, because the Dutch eat chocolate on toast for breakfast and are geniuses).

Spain: Olive Oil and Pimenton

Spanish supermarkets sell excellent extra virgin olive oil for three to four euros per bottle — the same quality that costs fifteen dollars in an American specialty store. Look for Denominacion de Origen labels from Jaen, Priego de Cordoba, or Baena. Pimenton de la Vera, smoked paprika from Extremadura, is another essential Spanish souvenir — a small tin costs about two euros and will transform every dish you cook for the next year. Mercadona, Spain’s dominant supermarket chain, also sells excellent canned seafood (mussels, octopus, anchovies) at extraordinary prices.

Germany: Haribo and Beyond

Haribo gummy bears were invented in Bonn in 1922, and German supermarkets stock varieties you’ll never see elsewhere. Goldbaren (gold bears), Saure Schlumpfe (sour Smurfs), and Lakritz Schnecken (licorice snails) are all under two euros per bag. But the real German supermarket treasure is Ritter Sport chocolate — square bars in dozens of flavors, including Marzipan, Rum Trauben Nuss (rum raisin nut), and Voll-Nuss (whole hazelnut), each costing about one euro. German mustard, especially from brands like Lowensenf (extra hot) or Handlmaier’s (sweet Bavarian), is another lightweight, luggage-friendly winner.

France: Mustard, Butter Cookies, and More

Maille Dijon mustard in a proper glass jar costs about two euros at Monoprix and is dramatically better than the imported version sold abroad. French supermarkets also stock LU Petit Beurre cookies, Bonne Maman jams in small jars (perfect gift size), and bars of Chocolat Menier or Lindt made specifically for the French market. The real insider move is buying fleur de sel from Guerande or Ile de Re — France’s famous finishing salt costs four to five euros for a bag that would retail for fifteen dollars in a specialty food store.

Italy: Pasta, Chocolate, and Coffee

Italian supermarkets are a paradise of affordable excellence. De Cecco or Rummo dried pasta costs one to two euros per package and is leagues ahead of most pasta sold internationally. Baci Perugina chocolates — dark chocolate-wrapped hazelnut truffles — cost three to four euros for a small box. Lavazza or Illy ground coffee, in the distinctive Italian vacuum-sealed bricks, is three to four euros and makes excellent espresso at home. Italian supermarket olive oil, especially from southern brands like Ferrini or house brands marked “100% Italiano,” is remarkably good for the price.

More Picks Across Europe

• Belgium: Cote d’Or chocolate bars (two euros, the everyday Belgian chocolate that outsells the fancy stuff)
• Greece: Thyme honey from small producers, often sold in supermarkets for three to four euros
• Scandinavia: Salty licorice (salmiakki in Finland, saltlakrits in Sweden) — an acquired taste that becomes addictive
• Portugal: Canned sardines in beautiful vintage-style tins — functional art for two to three euros
• Poland: Wawel or Wedel chocolates, ptasie mleczko (chocolate-covered marshmallow), and dried mushrooms
• Czech Republic: Karlovarske oplatky (spa wafers) and Kolonada chocolate wafers

Packing and Customs Tips

Olive oil and other liquids should go in checked luggage, double-bagged in ziplock bags. Dry goods (pasta, cookies, chocolate, spices) pack easily in carry-ons. Honey and jams count as liquids for airport security but are fine in checked bags. Most food souvenirs have no customs restrictions when entering other countries, but fresh meat, dairy, and some plant products may be restricted — check your home country’s import rules before buying perishables.

The European supermarket souvenir strategy is not just about saving money — though you will save an astonishing amount compared to gift shops and airports. It’s about bringing home things you’ll actually use and enjoy, things that will bring back the taste of your trip every time you drizzle that Spanish olive oil or snap off a square of Ritter Sport. The best memories come from the most ordinary places.