4 minBusiness
International supermarkets offer savings and new flavors for American shoppers
A growing number of Americans are turning to international supermarkets for both lower grocery bills and culinary inspiration. Industry data shows the sector generated $55.8 billion in 2024, with revenue expected to top $64 billion by 2029 as demographic shifts and younger consumers drive demand.
Americans looking to shake up their dinner routines may find both savings and inspiration at international supermarkets, though the financial benefits depend heavily on what goes into the cart. Industry analysts note that while some specialty items carry premium prices, savvy shoppers can often find competitive deals on everyday groceries at these stores.
Barbara E. Kahn, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, said the economics of international grocers vary by store and product category. "If the supermarket caters to a specialized segment, they may sell enough to reduce their costs of stocking those specialized items," she explained. "On the other hand, it's possible that some of these specialized international markets are stocking premium products that you can't get anywhere else, so there's an exclusivity aspect to it, and some of those prices might be higher."
The sector has been growing steadily. IBISWorld data reported in August 2025 shows international supermarkets and small grocery stores generated $55.8 billion in revenue in 2024, expanding roughly 3 percent annually since 2019. Forecasts project the market will surpass $64 billion by 2029. Analysts attribute this growth to demographic shifts, including rising Asian and Hispanic populations in the United States, as well as younger consumers actively seeking new flavors and culinary experiences.
Beyond potential cost savings, these stores offer a pathway to kitchen creativity. Palina Louangketh, director of the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora, said shoppers can transform familiar meals by introducing just one or two unfamiliar ingredients. "Coming here to an international market, you get both a dose of cultural experience but also healthy, fresh exotic ingredients," she said. "It doesn't have to be so scary or unique. If you pair your protein with vegetables and with a starch and add savoriness to it — soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce — you're covered."
For those uncertain where to begin, experts recommend starting with a familiar dish and exploring its variations across different cultures. Beryl Shereshewsky, a New York-based video producer whose YouTube channel focuses on global food cultures, suggested this approach as a low-risk entry point. "That way you add a couple of new ingredients and you're trying something new from something that's familiar," she said.
International supermarkets can initially feel confusing or intimidating, and they may not always be located in easily accessible neighborhoods. Shereshewsky encouraged shoppers to venture beyond their usual routes to discover these stores. "I think you would be surprised by how many international markets exist, even in small towns and cities," she said. "Everywhere you go in America, you're going to find immigrants, and those immigrants are still cooking their foods from their countries and cultures."
Experts also advise researching recipes and preparing a shopping list before heading to the store, which can help shoppers stay focused and avoid impulse purchases while exploring unfamiliar aisles. This preparation allows consumers to compare prices effectively and identify genuine bargains on the items they intend to buy regularly.
