A young Spanish woman living in the United States has stirred a lively discussion on TikTok by voicing her concerns about a food item that seems to defy the passage of time. In a video garnering hundreds of comments, the TikToker showcases a one-kilogram package of shredded cheese purchased from Costco, remarking, "This has been with us for easily six months, and it's still in perfect condition. In Spain, if I leave an open package of shredded cheese in the fridge, it's green in two weeks."
From her kitchen, the TikToker @alegonpaez shares her bewilderment with a lighthearted tone. "Nothing irritates me more than throwing away food," she admits, yet she also expresses skepticism about the cheese's longevity. "What do they add to the food that keeps it from going bad? What magic makes it last a year in the fridge and look like you just opened it yesterday?" she wonders, holding the package incredulously.
Having spent two years in the U.S., she humorously adds, "The only thing that goes bad here, I’d say, is sliced bread. In Spain, it was a constant battle deciding, 'Should I buy this or not, because it might spoil, you know?' Here, I don't think about that. If I want it, I buy it, and if necessary, I'll eat it next year."
Concerns Over Food Additives
Her seemingly anecdotal account unleashed a wave of reactions, highlighting a common concern among European and Latin American immigrants: the abundance of additives and preservatives in processed foods in the U.S. "That's not cheese, it's grated plastic," one user quipped. Another declared, "It's not magic, it's cancer-causing preservatives." Another was blunt: "The concern isn't what they add; it's that I'm eating it."
Many pointed out the use of ingredients banned in the European Union. "In the U.S., they use additives that are prohibited in the EU, and the other possibility is that it's not really cheese," one user observed. Another commented, "If it doesn't spoil, it can't be good," while someone else noted, "It has so many preservatives even bacteria don't want it."
Differing Experiences and Emotional Factors
The video also triggered sarcastic responses, such as "Guys realizing what preservatives are." More serious references included comments like, "Food that lasts so long is because it's so processed it's no longer food," shared a follower. Others shared their direct experiences: "I can literally have chicken in the fridge for two weeks without freezing it, and it's fine. In Spain, it smells bad after three days. It's quite scary, honestly."
This phenomenon resonates with stories shared by Cuban immigrants. For instance, a mother newly arrived in the U.S. admitted feeling "traumatized" because "the food doesn't taste like anything," as her daughter recounted. "Here, you cook steak, and it doesn't smell like anything; if you don't season it, it doesn't taste like anything," they explained, highlighting a structural difference in ingredients between the two countries.
Another Cuban immigrant in Kentucky, who had dreamed of fruits and meat for years, now feels repelled: "I have apples rotting, pork and chicken, but I want nothing to do with them." His reflection sparked hundreds of similar comments: "In Cuba, we ate with hunger and desire, and everything tasted good; here, there's everything, but it tastes like nothing."
Health Concerns and Public Reaction
Some testimonies pointed to an emotional factor, such as a Cuban woman who reflected on how nostalgia affects even the taste: "The food feels flavorless because you think of your loved ones... It's not the food; it's life that feels bland."
Comments even extended beyond taste or longevity, connecting the issue to public health: "Now you know why the packages are so big," one said. Another warned, "Keep eating that type of food and tell me in a few years." Yet, some offered a different perspective. "There is good food in the U.S., you just have to look for it. I buy fresh products without preservatives at Amish markets," one noted. Another simply advised, "Buy smaller, dear. If you have to throw it away, do it, but never eat it if it's bad. And don't worry about your figure, you look beautiful," concluded a user with emoji embellishments.
The debate sparked by this video is not new. The contrast between the food models of Europe and the U.S. has been widely documented and discussed, both on social media and in public health studies. The ease of preserving some ultra-processed products in the U.S., along with the presence of unusual ingredients outside the country, raises increasing questions among immigrants who begin scrutinizing their diets with fresh eyes.
Key Questions About Food Longevity and Additives in the U.S.
Why do some foods in the U.S. last longer than in other countries?
Foods in the U.S. often contain preservatives and additives that extend their shelf life, which may not be allowed in other countries like those in the European Union.
What concerns do immigrants have about U.S. food products?
Immigrants often express concerns about the quantity of additives and preservatives in U.S. food, as well as the potential health implications of consuming such products regularly.
Are there healthier food options in the U.S.?
Yes, healthier food options are available in the U.S., including fresh products without preservatives, which can often be found at local markets and specialty stores.