Popular US snacks in Gießen: Nostalgia meets price-frustration!

US-Snacks sind in Gießen beliebt, doch Preis- und Verfügbarkeitsprobleme durch Handelspolitik werfen Fragen auf.
US snacks are popular in Gießen, but price and availability problems through trade policy raise questions. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

Popular US snacks in Gießen: Nostalgia meets price-frustration!

in Gießen, US snacks are still very popular, especially among children and adolescents. The shop "Sweet Vibez", operated by Maria and Gabriel Arthuc, specializes in American sweets. Around 70% of the range comes directly from the USA. Since the opening four years ago, which is based on the experiences of the previous "Marbobo" kiosk, the shop has developed into a popular destination for school classes and clubs that visit the city. The location on the new farm/corner of Sonnenstrasse, where a shoe store used to be based, not only attracts young buyers, but also older customers who combine nostalgic memories with the products offered.

Currently, however, the operators are concerned about the effects of the changing trading policy under Donald Trump. Discussions about possible price changes and the availability of US products are omnipresent in both dealers and customers. In the past six months there have also been delivery problems for US foods. These affect products such as canned goods and soft drinks, while the prices for US goods remain high. For example, sweet breakfast cereals cost 9.80 euros per pack and syrup 13 euros. Despite these challenges, there are no hamster purchases in the "Sweet Vibez", although some customers buy stocks.

protests against US products

The political tensions also have an impact on the automotive sector. Sold numbers of Tesla in Germany fell by over 76 percent compared to the previous year in the first two months of 2025. Reports on damaged vehicles in connection with the so-called "Tesla Takedown" movement further get the company into the debate. Political scientist Larry Gerston warns of the economic consequences of a boycott against US products that could lead to global recession. He sees the responsibility for these problems with US President Donald Trump, whose policy is responsible for the emigration of customers.

market changes and future challenges

For the owners of "Sweet Vibez", the uncertainty about the availability of US products in customer inquiries is reflected. The mixture of nostalgic buying behavior and current trends, such as the German product "Pipapo", which became popular by the rapper AMO, shows the complexity of the market conditions. Trend products come and go, as the Dubai chocolate, which has lost in popularity in the past few months

The discussion about a possible boycott of US products is increasing in Germany. A study by Civey, carried out on behalf of the "Handelsblatt", shows that 64% of the 5,000 adults surveyed can imagine avoiding US products. However, 24% stated that they did not want to do without what clarifies the complexity of the situation. A critical mass of consumers is required for a successful boycott, so that many factors, including prices and product quality, will be decisive.

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