Roberto Alfonzo, a TikTok user, has gone viral by showcasing the prices of Venezuelan goods in the United States, and his reaction is telling: "Oh my God, it's so expensive!" In his video, Roberto strolls through a supermarket stocked with iconic Venezuelan products, listing their prices one by one, which seem out of this world to him. Among the surprises is PAN cornmeal priced at $3.49, Mavesa margarine at $4.99, and Toddy at $7.39. "What the heck, dude, $7 $8 for a Toddy, heck Toddy," he exclaims in disbelief.
The shock continues as he notes more prices: "La Campiña milk at $26... this is a relic in Venezuela," he comments with excitement, also showing Cerelac for $6.99 and Marilú cookies at $4.29. The cost of a six-pack of Maltín Polar malt beverage also leaves him stunned at $5.99. He is further bewildered upon realizing that "Flips" are now called "toops" and are priced at $3.69. "It's disrespectful to my country... an unpatriotic thing," he jokes about the name change.
Reactions from Around the Globe
The video from @robertoalfonzov quickly attracted reactions. Many point out that although the prices seem high, the difference is that salaries in the United States make these purchases feasible. One notable comment reads: "The difference is that over there, your paycheck actually allows you to buy it," while another adds, "there, money stretches further, not here." Someone else observes that "Cerelac is cheaper there than here."
There are also comments comparing prices in other countries. A user from Mexico notes, "PAN cornmeal costs the same here." Meanwhile, someone in Venezuela responds that PAN cornmeal there is priced at $1. Another follower in the US wonders where that supermarket is because she has never seen so many Venezuelan products together. Other users humorously suggest the video might cause prices to rise in Venezuela: "With this video, now all Venezuelan shopkeepers are adjusting prices," they comment with irony.
Nostalgia in Every Purchase
Roberto's video continues to circulate on TikTok, garnering thousands of views, likes, and comments from Venezuelans and Latinos worldwide, many reminiscing about those products that, although available in their new countries, always bring back fond memories of Venezuela.