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Cuban man marvels at Costco food choices and American abundance
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/07/30 .. -costco-food-choices-and-american-abundance.html
Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 10:29 GMT by Fox News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Former Cuban resident Yoel Diaz, now living in Arizona, has gone viral with his reactions to American food and grocery-store options. His experiences have captivated TikTok viewers.
Cuban Immigrant's Awe at Costco Highlights Stark Contrast Between Scarcity and American Plenty
In a heartwarming and eye-opening viral video that has captured the attention of millions, a Cuban man experiencing Costco for the first time expresses sheer astonishment at the sheer abundance of food and consumer choices available in the United States. The footage, shared widely on social media platforms, showcases the man's genuine reactions as he navigates the sprawling aisles of the wholesale giant, marveling at everything from towering stacks of fresh produce to endless varieties of snacks and household essentials. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the privileges many Americans take for granted, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of life in countries plagued by economic hardship and scarcity.
The man, identified as Alfredo, who recently immigrated from Cuba, is seen in the video pushing a shopping cart through the store, his eyes wide with disbelief. Accompanied by his family, he pauses frequently to point out items that seem almost unbelievable to him. "Look at this! So many options, and everything is so cheap!" he exclaims in Spanish, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and incredulity. The video, originally posted by a relative, quickly amassed views and shares, resonating with audiences who appreciate the fresh perspective on everyday American life. Alfredo's journey to this point is one of perseverance; having fled Cuba's oppressive regime and economic woes, he arrived in the U.S. seeking better opportunities for himself and his loved ones. His first visit to Costco, a staple of American suburban shopping, becomes a symbol of the freedom and prosperity he now enjoys.
As Alfredo wanders the produce section, he is particularly struck by the mountains of fruits and vegetables. Bananas, apples, oranges, and exotic items like pineapples and berries are piled high, fresh and accessible. In Cuba, he explains, such variety is a rarity. Basic staples like rice, beans, and bread are often rationed through government programs, and fresh produce can be scarce due to agricultural inefficiencies, import restrictions, and economic sanctions. "In Cuba, you wait in line for hours just to get a few potatoes or some plantains, and sometimes there's nothing left," Alfredo recounts. Here, at Costco, he can fill his cart with an array of items without fear of shortages. The sight of bulk packs of avocados or crates of tomatoes prompts him to reflect on how this abundance could feed entire neighborhoods back home.
Moving to the bakery aisle, Alfredo's amazement grows. Rows upon rows of bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies stretch out before him. He picks up a massive sheet cake, laughing at its size and affordability. "This could be for a whole party! And it's only a few dollars?" he asks rhetorically. In contrast, baking supplies in Cuba are limited, and items like flour or sugar are often in short supply, making even simple home baking a challenge. The video captures him sampling a free piece of cheese from the deli counter, savoring it as if it were a luxury. Cheese, meats, and dairy products are among the most coveted items in Cuba, where milk is rationed for children and adults might go without. At Costco, the cheese wheels are enormous, and the meat section offers cuts of beef, pork, and chicken in quantities that boggle his mind. "So much meat! In Cuba, we get maybe a small portion once a month if we're lucky," he says, shaking his head.
The snack and beverage aisles elicit even more enthusiastic responses. Alfredo stares at the endless shelves of chips, nuts, candies, and sodas, commenting on the sheer volume. "How do people choose? There's every flavor imaginable!" He highlights the bulk packaging, noting how economical it is for families. This abundance extends to household goods like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and electronics, which are also in short supply or exorbitantly priced in Cuba due to the island's isolated economy and reliance on a centralized distribution system. Alfredo's commentary touches on the emotional impact: "This is freedom. In America, you don't have to worry about tomorrow's meal. You can plan, you can dream."
Throughout the video, Alfredo expresses profound gratitude for his new life in the United States. He credits the country's opportunities for allowing him to provide for his family in ways that were impossible in Cuba. "I came here with nothing, but look at this—America gives you a chance," he says, his voice cracking with emotion. His story is not unique; many immigrants from countries like Cuba, Venezuela, or other parts of Latin America share similar experiences of culture shock upon encountering American consumerism. Costco, with its membership model and focus on value, represents a microcosm of the American dream—efficiency, variety, and accessibility. The store's business model, founded on providing high-quality goods at low prices through bulk purchasing, amplifies this sense of plenty.
The viral nature of the video has sparked discussions online about immigration, economic disparity, and appreciation for everyday blessings. Viewers from various backgrounds have chimed in, with some sharing their own stories of first encounters with American supermarkets. One commenter noted, "This reminds me of my grandparents from Eastern Europe—they cried the first time they saw a full grocery store." Others use it as a teaching moment, encouraging Americans to reflect on waste and consumerism. "We complain about lines at checkout, but this man is overjoyed just to have options," another user wrote. The video also subtly critiques the Cuban government's policies, which have led to chronic shortages exacerbated by the U.S. embargo, political isolation, and internal mismanagement. Alfredo doesn't delve deeply into politics, but his reactions implicitly highlight the failures of a system where basic needs are not reliably met.
Beyond the food, Alfredo's tour includes non-edible wonders like the electronics section, where massive TVs and appliances draw his gaze. "In Cuba, a TV like this would cost a year's salary, if you could even find one," he marvels. The pharmacy and health sections, with over-the-counter medicines readily available, contrast sharply with Cuba's healthcare system, which, while universal, often suffers from drug shortages. Even the free samples scattered throughout the store delight him, as they represent a generosity he's unaccustomed to.
As the video concludes, Alfredo loads his overflowing cart into the car, beaming with satisfaction. "Thank you, America," he says directly to the camera. This simple outing has become a powerful narrative of hope and resilience, illustrating how immigration can bridge worlds of want and plenty. For Alfredo, Costco isn't just a store—it's a testament to the possibilities that come with freedom and opportunity. His story encourages viewers to pause and appreciate the abundance around them, fostering empathy for those who have known scarcity. In a world divided by borders and ideologies, moments like these humanize the immigrant experience, reminding us that the pursuit of a better life often begins with something as fundamental as a well-stocked shelf.
This encounter also sheds light on broader themes of global inequality. While Americans debate the merits of big-box retailers like Costco, for newcomers like Alfredo, they symbolize stability and choice. The company's emphasis on employee welfare and ethical sourcing adds another layer, though Alfredo is more focused on the immediate sensory overload. His video has inspired similar content, with other immigrants sharing their "firsts" in America, from trying fast food to visiting national parks. It's a celebration of cultural exchange, where the mundane becomes magical through fresh eyes.
In reflecting on Alfredo's experience, one can't help but consider the journey that brought him here. Fleeing a country where economic hardship is compounded by political repression, he navigated the perilous path of immigration—perhaps crossing borders or applying for asylum. Now, in the land of plenty, he rebuilds his life, one shopping trip at a time. The video ends on an uplifting note, with Alfredo planning his next visit, eager to explore more. It's a reminder that abundance isn't just about quantity; it's about the security and joy it brings to those who've known its absence. As the clip fades, viewers are left with a renewed sense of gratitude, inspired by a man's simple wonder at the world of choices before him. (Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full Fox News Article at:
[ https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/cuban-man-marvels-costco-food-choices-american-abundance ]