Topic: Does It Exist In Spain? (Read 13200 times)

stacylimones · « **on:** December 22, 2006, 08:09:26 PM »

While I am very happy here and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle, food, etc., there are many products (particularly in the kitchen) that I miss from home. I thought we could make a list of products that we haven't been able to find here and give each other suggestions on where they may be found (or alternatives). Of course, the obvious answer is always \"El Corte Ingles\" but it would be nice to know if I am going to be trekking downtown in vain or if I am actually going to find what I'm looking for...
So, inspired by my desire for apple pie and such on Christmas, does anyone know what the following are called in Spanish and where I could possibly find them? Alternatives would also be much appreciated. Please feel free, everyone, to add to the list...

nutmeg
Crisco (vegetable shortening)
baking powder
brown sugar
French fried onions (for green bean casserole)
chocolate chips
sharp cheddar cheese
cranberries

Thanks!
Stacy

SRedw · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2006, 11:58:42 PM »

Stacy,

Just look for an American store that sells products from the USA. That's no problem to find in many big cities.

WORD REFERENCE is a good site to find translations for what you need.

Have a great day,

Shawn

Jonniboy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2006, 12:28:24 AM »

Hi in most of the bigger cities there are British expats importing goods. In Valencia this guy for example http://www.spainsburys.com/ exported stuff from Sainsburys the British version of El Corte Ingles.

Think he was aiming more at British expats since there were more of us but you're obviously far more likely to find American goods on British shelves than Spanish ones. Carrefour also had a pretty wide selection of goods.

RebeccaG · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2006, 04:15:03 AM »

Hi Stacey!

Ahhh you just touched the baking heart in me! I just baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies which were promptly shared with and enjoyed by my clients!

Some translations..

nutmeg- nuez moscada (available in most decent sized neighborhood grocery stores with a spice section)

crisco - I have never seen here and have just substituted with butter or margarine

baking soda - bicarbonato sodico. Or, you can just ask for \"sobres de Royal\" since that is the most common brand.

brown sugar - azucar moreno. I had been using the brown sugar widely found in the supermarkets (under the brand name Azucarena) although the consistency isn't the same as the heavier/stickier brown sugar in the States. However, I have just discovered the more \"American-like\" version in the Hipercor of Sanchinarro (Madrid).

French fried onions - cebolla frita. I have also just discovered them in the Hipercor (in Sanchinarro) as well.

Chocolate chips - pepitas de chocolate

sharp cheddar cheese - queso cheddar. The only place I have ever seen Cheddar cheese has been at Mercadona on Calle Bravo Murillo -- Tetuan area (Madrid). They have it in the deli case where you have to ask for it.

cranberries - arandanos (rojos).

Hope this helps! Happy baking!

tonytorero · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2006, 06:54:07 AM »

Great topic, Stacy! B) For those in Madrid, there are a couple of American supermarkets by the name of 'Taste of America' where you can find such delicacies as Dr. Pepper peanut butter, bisquick, maple syrup and V8! :wub:

I know there's one in Madrid on Serrano I believe and another in Pozuelo near the American school.

I have had to grow my own cilantro in my garden to make the style of Salsa I like. Speaking of salsa and other great 'Americanada' recipes, a great website I discovered several years ago is called topsecretrecipes.com. This is a great source of knock of popular American restaurant style recipes.

I have been known to prepare Applebee's Tequila Lime Chicken in Madrid on an occasion or two thanks to a recipe I got from that site. It's a great resource for those times when you feel a particular craving.

SRedw · « **Reply #5 on:** December 24, 2006, 01:40:57 AM »

Ok, Tony. Taste of America to me is not that great. :rolleyes: I prefer THE AMERICAN STORE on Calle San Francisco de Sales (Metro Islas Filipinas). They are much cheaper and always have sales.

Hespen & Suarez (very expensive

) on Calle Mejía Lequerica (Metro Tribunal) and another on Calle Orense (Metro Nuevos Ministerios). Not a big fan of this place because of the prices, but they do sale bagels, something that many Americans crave. You have to go first thing in the morning to get the bagels.

I really didn't miss any American product when I was in Spain and just used what was available to me and many times, the dish that I made tasted 100% better.

You can also find many more American products in stores such as Alcampo, Carrefour and even Champion. Pretty soon, places that just specialize in American things will have competition.

Chocolates chips - I've also seen on many packages \"perlitas de chocolate\"

Happy Holidays,

Shawn

stacylimones · « **Reply #6 on:** December 24, 2006, 12:38:00 PM »

Thanks, everyone, for the great responses! I will let you know how the baking goes. Wish me luck!
Happy Holidays!

tonytorero · « **Reply #7 on:** December 24, 2006, 09:51:53 PM »

Quote

Ok, Tony. Taste of America to me is not that great. :rolleyes:

Oh, you're preaching to the choir, Shawn. I guess it's just one of those, \"I'm desperate for a taste\" destinations where necessity eclipses quality! Not to mention, the prices are 'por las nubes' (up in the clouds) as well.

I'm with Stacy... Great conversation folks...

Happy holidays to all... B) :xmassanta:

SaritaSevilla · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2006, 09:10:57 AM »

Hola Stacy! Fancy *seeing* you here

It's been a while since I've posted on this board...how are you all?

Just wanted to tell you that you can definitely find cheddar cheese at Mercadona and you also might want to check out the grocery store at Hipercor or Carrefour, they have choc chips and other fun baking stuff you can't find in the city. Also, make sure you check out Contenedor on C/ Laraña, they have Betty Crocker blueberry muffin mix! YUM! Contenedor is a little pricey but if you're desperate....LOL

Besos!

SRedw · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2006, 01:52:55 AM »

Sarita,

I enjoyed reading your blog. Please keep up the good and interesting work with your writing.

Shawn

SaritaSevilla · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2006, 02:14:06 PM »

Thanks Shawn! How's everything going with you? Are you in Spain yet?

SRedw · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2006, 08:30:22 PM »

Sara,

Things are great. I am back in the States for a while and will be returning next year. I was in Madrid for 3 years and 4 months, without seeing my family and it's great to see them after such a long time. I am adjusting to reverse culture shock slowly but surely.

Look for me next year. Will be returning to Madrid, but am open to any other part of Spain.

Have a wonderful new year,

Shawn

observador · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2007, 12:28:04 PM »

Back on topic, but talking about UK favourites: Does anyone know where in Madrid I can buy Marmite, Really hot English Mustard, HP Sauce, Branston Pickle etc etc? I love Madrid, but every so often I feel the need for that little bit of home.

Expat_teacher · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2007, 04:22:04 PM »

Hiya Observador! Have you tried the gourmet shop at the Corte Inglés? I know the prices are higher but since your "antojo" is only occasional you might want to check them out. I've also seen some English and American products in VIPS.

Where are you? Madrid?

Jonniboy · « **Reply #14 on:** November 29, 2007, 11:11:09 PM »

Quote from: observador on November 27, 2007, 12:28:04 PM

Back on topic, but talking about UK favourites: Does anyone know where in Madrid I can buy Marmite, Really hot English Mustard, HP Sauce, Branston Pickle etc etc? I love Madrid, but every so often I feel the need for that little bit of home.

There's a huge list here which is mainly for Valencia but does include some in Madrid and some who will probably deliver there.

http://valencia.angloinfo.com/af/513/valencia-online-food-and-drink-stores.html

tonytorero · « **Reply #15 on:** November 30, 2007, 05:35:00 PM »

It's good to see you around, Jonni! Hope you're well...

Great link, by the way. That looks like a solid lead for observador...

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2009, 11:05:13 PM »

As a MEPSYD hopeful for the 2009-10 school year, I'm already adapting to a more frugal lifestyle in an effort to save/prepare to stretch 700 euros per month.

Are there stores that are notoriously cheap/expensive? I have experience w/ El Corte Ingles and know that it is just as convenient as it is expensive...at least in Vigo. Is Alcampo competitive? I've only really seen VIPS in Madrid, but that's pretty expensive too, right?

Basically, I'm not looking for a product in particular just yet...just a place that is affordable to shop at. Just so you get an idea, I've been able to comfortably make $80 grocery bills last 2-3 weeks. Any suggestions?

Beckett · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2009, 10:34:57 AM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on February 25, 2009, 11:05:13 PM

As a MEPSYD hopeful for the 2009-10 school year, I'm already adapting to a more frugal lifestyle in an effort to save/prepare to stretch 700 euros per month.

Are there stores that are notoriously cheap/expensive? I have experience w/ El Corte Ingles and know that it is just as convenient as it is expensive...at least in Vigo. Is Alcampo competitive? I've only really seen VIPS in Madrid, but that's pretty expensive too, right?

Basically, I'm not looking for a product in particular just yet...just a place that is affordable to shop at. Just so you get an idea, I've been able to comfortably make $80 grocery bills last 2-3 weeks. Any suggestions?

Look for a supermarket chain called "DIA". They are a low-cost supermarket chain that is in Madrid, so they probably have locations in other parts of the country. Also you might be able to get a free lunch (or pay a small fee) to get lunch at your school. That really depends on the school though but it's something to remember to ask them about.

If there is any particular product that is a "must have" for you (like contact lens solution, peanut butter, protein bars, etc.) stock up and bring it with you to Spain. You'll at least save a little bit of money that way since many of the "must have" items for some Americans are things that are either a). not widely available in Spain or b). cost more than what you'd pay for it in the U.S. My favorite example is contact lens solution. $2 at Wal-Mart in the U.S., 11 euros in Madrid. BIG difference.

RebeccaG · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2009, 11:06:07 AM »

Hi Brandon,

Beckett has made some good suggestions. I'd also like to add LIDL as a recommendation. It is a hard discount store and it's prices, quite often, are often lower than DIA. The main difference is that DIA carries more well known national brands than LIDL. However the meat section at LIDL is really decent.

I recently sliced my weekly shopping bill in half simply by changing supermarkets and buying more store brand products. We now do our shopping at Ahorramas and spend about 65€ a week for a family of three. The biggest expense on that list is the 12 liters of milk that we buy each week.

Other than that, I would recommend Mercadona. Their store brand, Hacendado, is high quality and very reasonable in price. Beckett, what brand of contact lens solution do you use? I have always been a B&L Renu user, but have recently switched to the brand carried in Mercadona. After checking the ingredients list and finding it to be essentially the same, I gave it a try and have since switched. Price difference? B&L 11€ and Mercadona 5€.

For those of you who are big on specific brands but want to be cost conscious, check out the following blog: http://www.jorgegonzalez.com/listado-de-marcas-blancas/. There is a list of the major national brands that manufacture products for various store brands.

Happy shopping!
:)Rebecca

Beckett · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2009, 01:31:48 AM »

Hi Rebecca,
I wear soft lenses. I'm not partial to any brand, that's why I buy the Wal-Mart $2 brand when I go to the States.

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:24:42 PM »

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely take both stores into account...and I had no idea that Wal Mart sold contact solution for $2.

buffalove · « **Reply #21 on:** December 19, 2009, 02:16:54 AM »

Mountain Dew!!! i've seen it once in madrid and it was terrible (maybe it was old?) has anyone seen it anywhere?

RebeccaG · « **Reply #22 on:** March 29, 2010, 01:21:14 AM »

Hello Everyone,

Just thought I would share this tidbit with you all... I have been living in Spain for 9 years now...so have a pretty good feel of what is and isn't readily available from an expat's perspective...

Living in Madrid certainly makes it possible to find a lot of things that perhaps don't exist in a smaller city or town.

I spotted ginger ale (schweppes) in Mercadona and Peter Pan peanut butter in Hipercor (Corté Ingles' hypermarket).

Recently on a hunt for white eggs to dye in time for Easter, I discovered them at Lidl and also at a frutería called 4 Estaciones (I believe it is a chain)...

Anyone else find something of interest for Expats in and around Spain?

ahmedroshdy77 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2012, 04:46:36 PM »

Thanks for the WORLD REFERENCE Site, it's very helpful

Natori · « **Reply #24 on:** January 27, 2012, 06:31:56 PM »

I have a few "Does it Exist in Spain?" questions: I've tried to the Spanish equivalent of Bleach (Clorox) online to see it it exist and didn't get a good result. If I go to Spain, I will NEED something to disinfect the surfaces of wherever I will be staying. The same goes for Pine-Sol. Does it exist? Also, I had a hard time finding ground Corn Meal online in Spain...it keeps coming up as horse feed.

Does it not exist as an edible food product there? The only real reason I want to know if it's available is simply because I may want to celebrate Thanksgiving while in Spain...and that can't be done without my own version of my mother's Southern Cornbread Dressing.

DAV · « **Reply #25 on:** January 31, 2012, 02:04:25 PM »

Hi Natori,
Bleach: "lejia" is very easy to find cheaply at any supermarket. They have pine scented cleaning products as well, but I'm not sure if the make-up is the same as Pinesol.

For Thanksgiving I use a mix of Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing and their regular stuffing, but I have to bring it in the suitcase, because I haven't found it here. I' would imagine that the American shops listed further down the list would have them, especially at Thanksgiving time. I also like to make cornbread muffins, but I also bring the mix with me. I haven't found corn flour here. Instead, they sell "Maizena" which is cornstarch, a great product for thickening gravy or pie filling, but it doesn't have the crumb for cornbread.
Good luck!
David

Natori · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2012, 03:29:19 AM »

Quote from: DAV on January 31, 2012, 02:04:25 PM

Hi Natori,
Bleach: "lejia" is very easy to find cheaply at any supermarket. They have pine scented cleaning products as well, but I'm not sure if the make-up is the same as Pinesol.

For Thanksgiving I use a mix of Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing and their regular stuffing, but I have to bring it in the suitcase, because I haven't found it here. I' would imagine that the American shops listed further down the list would have them, especially at Thanksgiving time. I also like to make cornbread muffins, but I also bring the mix with me. I haven't found corn flour here. Instead, they sell "Maizena" which is cornstarch, a great product for thickening gravy or pie filling, but it doesn't have the crumb for cornbread.
Good luck!
David

Aw, thanks...for the info. You gave me an idea...I might bring a small bag of cornmeal (I use the cornmeal mix) with me...

Author Topic: Does It Exist In Spain? (Read 13200 times)