--- title: "Grocery Shopping in Rome: A Guide for Students Planning to Study Abroad" description: Grocery shopping in Italy is a little different than in America. Check out this handy guide to help you navigate Italian grocery stores when you study abroad. image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/may-23-3.jpeg --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # Grocery Shopping in Rome: A Guide for Students Planning to Study Abroad June 6, 2019 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/study-abroad/grocery-shopping-rome-guide-students-planning-study-abroad](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/study-abroad/grocery-shopping-rome-guide-students-planning-study-abroad) ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/may-23-3.jpeg) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/study-abroad/grocery-shopping-rome-guide-students-planning-study-abroad](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/study-abroad/grocery-shopping-rome-guide-students-planning-study-abroad) ![John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/JCUCrestWhiteonBlue-1.jpg) Written By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) Topic [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/student-life), [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) When you study abroad in Italy, you’ll have a chance to live just as the Romans do, which includes buying groceries at Italian grocery stores. However, grocery shopping in Rome is a bit different than shopping in the United States. Large, big-box supermarkets are virtually unheard of in the ancient city center of Rome, and there are cultural differences between how Americans and Italians grocery shop. While these differences can take some getting used to, once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be shopping for groceries just like a local. Here’s what you need to know. ## Understand the Difference Between an Alimentari and a Supermercato In Italy, a general all-purpose grocery store is called either an *alimentari* or *supermercato*. An *alimentari* is a small, family-owned grocery store where you can get a limited amount of groceries. While the selection isn’t huge, the food tends to be very fresh and in some cases you will find products made by the owner, such as homemade pasta. A *supermercato*, on the other hand, is bigger and has a much more varied selection, although it is still likely to be smaller than the large supermarkets you are used to. Though they won't have a neverending cereal aisle like your supermarket back home, they will have most of the items you need for day-to-day living. Plus, the selection of cheeses and cured meats tends to be excellent! You'll find some supermarkets in Trastevere, which is where our **[American college in Rome](https://www.johncabot.edu/)** is located, such as Todis, Conad, and Carrefour. You can get a good idea of the alimentari and supermarkets near your residence by taking the organized neighborhood tour with your Resident Assistant during Orientation. ![study abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/may-23-2.jpeg?width=600&height=400&name=may-23-2.jpeg) ## Buying Fruits and Vegetables Is a Unique Experience When You Study Abroad in Italy Buying fruits and vegetables at an Italian grocery store is a unique experience. First, you’ll need to use disposable gloves, which are provided for free, when picking produce. Failing to do so is considered rude and unhygienic. If you don't want to waste extra plastic, just use the plastic bag you'll put the produce in as a glove. Next, you’ll need to weigh your selection. To do this, first check the number on the sign or bin where you got your produce. Put your produce on the scale then type in the number. A sticker will print out, which you then put on your bag. A recently enacted Italian law requires that supermarkets charge customers for all plastic bags, so you'll pay a few cents for each bag you put your produce in. Alternatively, if you want to get very fresh fruits and vegetables, you can check out one of Rome’s open-air markets. After all, when you **[study abroad in Italy](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx)** going to a market is a great cultural experience and a chance to taste some of the food that Italy is known for. The San Cosimato market in Trastevere is just around the corner from JCU, and open Monday through Saturday!   ![Rome’s markets are a great place to get fresh fruit and vegetables](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/may-23.jpeg?width=600&height=400&name=may-23.jpeg)    ## Be Aware of Some Minor Differences with Roman Grocery Shopping A few other things about Italian grocery stores may strike you as strange. For example, in Italy, eggs are kept on shelves rather than in the refrigerated section. Don’t worry, room temperature eggs are completely safe to eat! The difference in storage is due to the freshness of the eggs, and how they are washed and treated in Europe compared to North America. Also, when you get to the checkout, don’t be surprised if people cut in line in front of you, especially elderly people, mothers with children, priests, nuns, and people who are purchasing fewer items than you. While this can seem rude, it’s commonplace and not worth getting upset about. You’ll have to purchase your own bags at the checkout, or you can bring a cotton tote bag if you want to be eco-friendly. You will also be expected to bag your own groceries. **Do you want to [study abroad](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx)?** **Contact John Cabot University to learn more about our programs.** [Previous Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/degree-seeking/life-jcu-christine-modafferi-class-2015?hsLang=en) [View all posts](https://blog.johncabot.edu) [Next Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/degree-seeking/gi-bill-testimonial-bailey-ward-class-2021?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recommended Reading [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) ##### [Staying Active While Studying Abroad at John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) By [Lauren Brondyke](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/lauren-brondyke) / May 22, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) ##### [Top 3 Student Clubs to Join at John Cabot University in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) By [Elba Maria Peña](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/elba-maria-peña) / May 8, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) ##### [John Cabot University’s Campuses in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) / May 6, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe and stay up to date ### Subscribe and stay up to date - [Academics](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/default.aspx) - [Admissions](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/default.aspx) - [Student Life](https://www.johncabot.edu/student-life/default.aspx) - [About JCU](https://www.johncabot.edu/about-jcu/default.aspx) - [Studenti Italiani](https://www.johncabot.edu/universita-americana/default.aspx) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JohnCabotRome) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/john-cabot-university/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/johncabotuniversity) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/phone.svg) [+39066819121](tel:+39066819121) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/email.svg) [admissions@johncabot.edu](mailto:admissions@johncabot.edu) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/address.svg) Via della Lungara 233 00165 Rome, Italy [©](https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/11/?skin=oucampus&account=john-cabot&site=www&action=de&path=/default.pcf) 2025 John Cabot University ### Request Info »