‘I’d cry for joy if M&S was in America – but the US has better hangover cures’: New Yorker in London reveals what she likes about UK shops (and what they could sell more of to help drinkers)

“I would cry for joy if Marks & Spencer was in America.”

That’s according to London-based American Victoria Prieto, who spoke to MailOnline Travel about the differences between doing business in the UK and her home country – and why America offers better hangover cures.

A self-confessed supermarket lover (as her @victoriaabroad TikTok bio notes), Ms Prieto says she finds UK supermarkets “amazing” and reveals she enjoys “going through M&S, Tesco or Sainsbury’s” but is more passionate about them dedicated to M&S and Gail’s bakeries.

“These two are my absolute favourites,” she reveals.

In a TikTok video, the 34-year-old introduced some of her favorite treats from the get-go — items that, she stressed, aren’t available in the United States.

From her M&S shopping bag came first a small pre-packaged salad with dressing, followed by a ‘Bang Bang Noodle Slaw’ and Millionaire’s Bites (‘It’s the best, so tasty’) and Percy Pig sweets.

The New Yorker further explained her love of British supermarkets, saying, “British supermarkets offer smaller quantities and more affordable options compared to American supermarkets.” For example, meal deals, dinner packages and so on.

“Moreover, there are more options for foie gras and pate in British supermarkets.” It could only be found in an expensive American cheese/meat section.

“I also like how many ready-made cakes there are in all the British supermarkets.” I wish I had a reason to buy it. They are all so colorful and cute.’

Ms Prieto, a self-confessed supermarket lover (as her biography on TikTok profile @victoriaabroad reads), says she finds British supermarkets “amazing”.

In a TikTok video, Victoria showcased some of her favorite treats from the get-go — items that, she pointed out, aren’t available in the United States. From her M&S shopping bag came first a small pre-packaged salad with dressing, followed by a ‘Bang Bang Noodle Slaw’ and Millionaire’s Bites (‘It’s the best, so tasty’) and Percy Pig sweets

She continued, “It looks like yours [Brits] likes sausage rolls, pork pies, mashed potatoes and scotch eggs, many of which are rarely found in an American supermarket. But no mashed potatoes.’

Victoria, Senior Campaign Manager at The Influencer Marketing Factory, is also a fan of shopping culture in the UK – and Europe – in general.

She explained: “I think Brits and Europeans buy more every day than every week.” Americans buy in bulk and I think it’s a nicer, slower way of life to buy what you need and then buy some. To be able to walk to the grocery store days later to buy more fresh produce.”

However, there is one area where Victoria believes America is the absolute winner: hangover cures.

She explained: “Hangover medicine is better in the US.” I’m sorry to say that. It could be the simple fact that Americans simply have larger portion sizes. And who doesn’t want to eat a big, greasy, greasy portion when they’re hungover?

“But the main difference is bagels. Bagels are a huge part of American culture, especially in New York City, where I’m from.

“Bagels are on every street corner and easily delivered via any ordering app, but here in the UK they’re hard to find.”

“My ultimate goal would be to open a bagel and iced coffee shop in the UK to introduce the New York style of bagel and coffee.”

“Our iced coffee… is iced coffee, not iced coffee.” And we have bagels that are doughy, chewy, creamy and filling for any meal, but especially for a hangover.

Do you think there are branches in America that Brits would like to set up in the UK?

Victoria said: “I think the UK will love Trader Joe’s – it offers such unique snacks, healthy food and creative items.” “Ewhon is great too, just super expensive.”

For more information from Victoria, visit her TikTok profile and Instagram account – @thedailyvictoria.