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The 10 Spanish products you miss most when living abroad
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Living outside Spain has many good points: discovering new cities, learning another language and getting to know different customs. But there’s one thing that almost always ends up cropping up sooner or later: nostalgia for the flavours of home.
We’re not just talking about food. We’re talking about routines, memories and little pleasures: having breakfast just like you used to at home, whipping up a quick dinner with familiar ingredients, opening a packet of snacks on a Sunday, or having that one product to hand that was always in your parents’ kitchen.
Here are the 10 Spanish products people miss the most when living abroad.
1. Serrano or Iberian ham
Ham is probably one of the Spanish products most missed by those living abroad. Not just for its flavour, but for everything it represents: family gatherings, celebrations, impromptu dinners and that very Spanish gesture of bringing out a plate of ham for a snack.
You can find ham outside Spain, but it’s not always easy to find good value for money or convenient formats for home use. That’s why packets of sliced ham, cubes or even small pieces become real treasures for many Spaniards living abroad.
2. Chorizo, salchichón and lomo
Whilst ham takes top spot, Spanish cured meats are not far behind. Chorizo, salchichón, lomo embuchado, fuet and cecina are products that are sorely missed, especially as they’re so versatile: for sandwiches, appetiser platters, quick dinners or nibbles with friends.
What’s more, they’re very handy for those living abroad, as they last a long time, keep well and let you whip up something with a Spanish flavour in a matter of minutes. A charcuterie board with bread, cheese and a few olives can sort out any dinner.
3. Manchego cheese and other Spanish cheeses
Spain has a rich tradition of cheese-making, and you really notice this when you’re living abroad. Manchego cheese is usually one of the most sought-after varieties, but it’s not the only one: matured, semi-matured, sheep’s, goat’s and traditional blended cheeses are all part of the Spanish pantry.
You miss Spanish cheese because it has such a distinctive flavour. It’s perfect on its own, paired with quince jelly, included on a platter of appetisers, or used to make sandwiches with a real homely touch. For many, having a good cheese in the fridge is a simple way to feel a little closer to Spain.
4. Extra virgin olive oil
Anyone who gets used to cooking with good olive oil really notices the difference when they don’t have it. Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in Spanish cuisine: for toast, salads, vegetables, fish, meat, stews or simply for dipping bread in.
Outside Spain, you can find olive oil, but not always in the variety, at the price or of the quality you’d expect. That’s why it’s one of those products that many Spaniards try to always have at home. A good bottle of oil can completely transform a simple meal.
5. Cola Cao, instant cocoa and traditional breakfasts
There are flavours that have been with us since we were little, and Cola Cao is one of the best examples. For many Spaniards living abroad, finding their favourite instant cocoa is almost an emotional affair. It’s not just a drink: it’s childhood, breakfasts before school, afternoon snacks and winter evenings.
Alongside instant cocoa, other very Spanish breakfast products are also missed: María biscuits, magdalenas, sobaos, specific cereals, familiar pastries or coffee from well-known brands. It may seem like a small thing, but starting the day with a family breakfast helps a lot when you’re far from home.
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6. Tomato sauce, sauces and cooking essentials
Tomato sauce is one of those products we take for granted in Spain. It’s found in many kitchens and is used to make pasta, Cuban-style rice, pasties, eggs, meatballs and quick meals. Outside Spain, however, it’s not always easy to find a tomato sauce with the same flavour and texture as the traditional version.
The same goes for other sauces and kitchen essentials: Spanish mayonnaise, alioli, stock, sofrito, peppers, paella spices and ready-made mixes for traditional dishes. These products make it easy to cook ‘Spanish-style’ without too much fuss, which is particularly useful when you’re living in another country and don’t always have the time.
7. Spanish tinned foods
Tinned foods are a fundamental part of Spanish cuisine. White tuna, mussels, sardines, cockles, razor clams, anchovies, octopus, stuffed olives and piquillo peppers are products that can turn a simple meal into something special.
For those living abroad, tinned foods have a huge advantage: they’re easy to store, have a long shelf life and allow you to whip up quick snacks or dinners. Opening a good-quality tin, adding some bread and serving it with chips or olives can be enough to bring back memories of a favourite local bar.
8. Rice, pulses and traditional dishes
Although rice and pulses are found in many countries, we Spaniards often miss certain varieties, brands and ways of preparing them. Paella rice, cooked chickpeas, lentils, fabada, cocido, tripe, beans and traditional ready-made dishes are highly prized by those living abroad.
These products evoke home cooking. They are hearty stews, Sunday meals and family recipes. Having them to hand means you can whip up something comforting, especially in winter or on those days when you fancy eating like you do at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
9. Crisps, olives and snacks
Few things are as quintessentially Spanish as opening a packet of crisps, some olives or some ‘banderillas’ before a meal. Spanish appetisers play a very important role in the way we socialise, and you really miss them when you live abroad.
Flavoured crisps, pork rinds, nuts, sunflower seeds, stuffed olives, pickles, gildas or traditional snacks are the sort of things many people look for when getting together, watching football matches, having dinner with friends or simply treating themselves. They’re small things, but they hold enormous nostalgic power.
10. Spanish sweets: turrón, polvorones, biscuits and pastries
Spanish sweets are another nostalgic classic. At Christmas, for example, it’s hard not to miss turrón, polvorones, mantecados or marzipan. But throughout the rest of the year, there are also plenty of treats that are fondly remembered.
These products aren’t always part of your daily shopping, but when you’re away from home, they become a way to celebrate, share and keep certain traditions alive. Sometimes, simply opening a box of Spanish sweets is enough to turn a get-together with friends into a little party.
Your Spanish Shop: the taste of home, wherever you are
Missing Spanish products whilst living abroad is perfectly normal. It’s not just about food; it’s about maintaining a connection with the flavours, customs and moments that are part of our lives.
At Your Spanish Shop, we want to help you with precisely that: so you can continue to enjoy your favourite Spanish products even when you’re far from Spain.
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