An American expat currently residing in the Netherlands has taken to TikTok to express her astonishment regarding the much smaller sizes of fizzy drinks in Europe compared to those in her home country. This stark disparity has captivated audiences and has highlighted a cultural difference that many visitors from the US experience upon arriving in Europe.
The individual, known as Lily, shared her observations in a video that quickly gained considerable traction, amassing over 4.9 million views within five days. Based in the Netherlands since relocating from the USA, Lily has made it a point to document her encounters with various cultural distinctions, one of which is the size of soft drink packaging commonly found in European supermarkets.
In her TikTok video, Lily showcased a selection of 330ml fizzy drink cans from well-known brands, including Coca-Cola and Fanta. These cans, often sold in packs of six or twelve, led her to question, "Can someone please explain why all soda cans in Europe are so tiny?" She pondered if these smaller sizes were intended for children's consumption. She further expressed her surprise while showcasing the larger one or one-and-a-half-litre bottles, asking, "And where can I find the gallon of soda you can buy in every American supermarket?"
Lily's exploration of the soda sizes continued as she displayed a 1.5-litre bottle of Fanta and Coca-Cola, exclaiming, "Are these really the biggest bottles of soda in Europe? This is insane!" Her light-hearted tone and genuine bewilderment struck a chord with viewers, prompting a flurry of comments in response to her inquiries.
In the ensuing discussion, one viewer clarified that the largest bottles available are typically around two litres, to which Lily reacted, "Which is very tiny don’t you think?" Another user highlighted that Europeans generally prefer other beverages such as sparkling water or juice over soda, suggesting that these smaller sizes align with local consumption habits. Many viewers also demonstrated their own shock at the common American sizes of soft drink bottles, with some reaching capacities of up to three litres.
The comments section served as a platform for lively exchanges, with one user humorously remarking, "I got diabetes just from SEARCHING American soda." Another quipped that their device could have Type 2 diabetes simply for searching “American soda can size.”
Such insights reveal not only the differences in portion sizes between the USA and Europe but also hint at broader lifestyle and consumption preferences that vary by culture. Lily's video has become a focal point for engaging dialogue surrounding these cultural contrasts, illustrating how everyday products can evoke surprising reactions and reflections when experienced from different global perspectives.
Source: Noah Wire Services