Germany is definitely home to some of the most delicious meals known to man, but there are also some rather weird things in German grocery stores I’ve found as an expat around here. Join me as I explore 10 of the strangest creations you’ll find in German grocery stores – some of which are actually worth trying!
🐟 Rohlmops – Pickled Herring Rolls
One of the weirdest things I’ve found in German grocery stores is rohlmops, which is pickled herring rolled up and stuffed with savory filling. Sometimes it’s eaten on a breakfast roll or as a lunch snack. Personally, I haven’t been able to bring myself to try it yet because it looks super slimy and just not my thing.
🥩 Aspic – Meat or Vegetable Suspended in Gelatin
Another strange item on the grocery shelves in Germany is meat or vegetables suspended in aspic. Aspic is a meat stock made of gelatin that can be filled with various ingredients and then cut into slices. It’s something I’ve never seen in North America and looks quite unappetizing.
3. Meat Paste Spread – A Tube-Friendly Alternative to Pâté
One of the interesting things I’ve noticed in German grocery stores is the variety of breakfast spreads available, both sweet and savory. One that caught my eye is the meat paste, which is often packaged in a tube. This seems more convenient and visually appealing compared to the traditional jar packaging. It’s definitely a unique take on toast toppings that I’m curious to try.
4. Sugar Beet Bread Spread – A Unique Take on Toast Toppings
Another one of the weird things in German grocery stores is the sugar beet bread spread. While I initially thought it might be similar to yeast spreads like vegemite or marmite, I was surprised to learn that it’s actually made from sugar beets. The concept of a sugar beet bread spread is quite unique, and I’m looking forward to giving it a try. It seems like a delicious and distinctive option for topping toast.
5. Tube Condiments – The German Love of Squeeze Bottles
One of the things that struck me as weird in German grocery stores is the prevalence of condiments in squeeze tubes. From mayonnaise to mustard to ketchup, and even remoulade, it seems like everything comes in a tube. While it’s initially strange to associate tubes with food, I’ve come to appreciate the practicality of it. The aluminum tubes make it easy to transport condiments, keeping them cold and mess-free, especially for outdoor events like barbecues.
6. Remoulade – The Condiment Germans Can’t Get Enough Of
Remoulade is a condiment that I had never heard of before moving to Germany. It’s similar to a salad cream, and while it’s not exactly to my taste, I find it fascinating how much Germans love it. It’s a staple at barbecues and savory meals, with my friends and family here piling it on everything from fish to meat to veggies. While it may not be for everyone, it’s definitely a condiment worth trying when exploring the weird and wonderful things in German grocery stores.
7. Maggi – The Mysterious Flavor Enhancer
One of the weird things in German grocery stores is Maggi, a flavor enhancer used on meat, in soups, or in sauces. It’s a unique product that’s hard to compare to anything else, almost like a different version of soy sauce. What’s even more confusing is that when you ask for Maggi, they’re actually referring to a specific product, not just the brand. It took me a while to figure out what it was, but now I see it everywhere in Germany.
8. Schwip Schwap – The Unique Cola-Orange Soda Combo
One of the first things I noticed when I came to Germany was Schwip Schwap, a soda that combines cola and orange flavors. The name itself is quite amusing, and the combination of flavors is definitely unique. It’s something I’ve never seen in North America, and it’s just as fun to say as it is to try. Schwip Schwap is definitely one of the weirdest and most interesting things I’ve found in German grocery stores.
9. UFO Saucers – Retro German Candy with a Sour Twist
One of the weird things in German grocery stores is the UFO saucers, a retro candy that is still popular today. These saucers are made of a rice waffle coating filled with sour sugar, which I found to be quite strange. While it wasn’t exactly my thing, I can see how those who grew up with it might love it.
10. Bear-Shaped Cheese & Meat – A Quirky Lunchtime Treat
During a grocery trip with my toddler, he picked out a bear-shaped meat that I had never purchased before. In Germany, the lunch culture includes a warm meal at lunchtime and a simple sandwich in the evening, which leads to a wide assortment of cheeses and meats. This bear-shaped meat was definitely a quirky find, and while my son found it yucky, it was an interesting addition to our taste test.
Weird Things in German Grocery Stores Bonus: Grocery Store Recs
- Edeka: The widest variety of items
- Netto: Very affordable prices
- Marley Spoon: Delivers fresh ingredients and recipes to your home
- Flink: Another great online grocery delivery service
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