An American who moved to the UK has expressed shock at the low cost of groceries in Tesco, describing the experience as a stark contrast to the high prices in the United States. Ashley Baker, writing in The Times, said she was delighted by the affordability of items such as wonky carrots for 43p and Brussels sprouts for 85p.
Baker, who previously lived in the US where it is 'normal to spend senselessly on food,' said she was so thrilled by Waitrose prices that she called her mother to marvel at the cost of bin bags. However, her excitement peaked when she discovered Tesco, which she described as offering a 'similar bounty at two-thirds of the price' compared to other supermarkets.
She noted that most Americans would not know Tesco unless they had heard Lily Allen's 2006 song 'LDN,' which mentions the chain. Baker also praised Tesco's Clubcard discounts and free parking, as well as a car wash service for £25.
Baker admitted to sending photos of low-priced items to her American friends, who initially told her to 'sod off' but later stopped replying, leading her to fear she may have 'gone too far.'
This comes after another US expat in the UK shared a 'culture shock' regarding different interpretations of closing times. The unnamed Reddit user said that in the UK, closing time means employees expect to leave, whereas in the US, customers can often still be served shortly before closing.
