A Cuban resident in Spain showcased on TikTok the second part of his shopping at Mercadona to take to Cuba, and the list of products says more about the island's crisis than any official report: shampoo, toothpaste, beans, powdered milk, and B-complex vitamins.
The creator, identified as @juanki160794 (Juanki1607), published the video last Tuesday with a tone of humor and resignation that resonated with his followers in the Cuban diaspora.
"Well, since they have no electricity or food, at least let them wash their hair with shampoo and conditioner," she said as she showed the first items from the bag, choosing the most affordable model available in the supermarket.
Toothpaste also made the list, with an explanation that reflects the health situation of the island: "Also to take care of your teeth so you don't have to go to the dentist, because there's nothing available, and while going to a doctor is expensive, going to a dentist is the most costly of all."
The semi-skimmed powdered milk was another essential item. "My mom always asks for this, my people," the young man explained.
But perhaps the product that attracted the most attention was a supplement containing vitamins B1, B6, and B12: “The best things to take to Cuba. It contains three types of vitamins, B1, B6, and B12. This is amazing.”
The beans were also included in the bag. "Right now, if you want to have some congrí, you have to bring the beans because there aren't any," he pointed out before adding some treats for the children and a cologne for his nephews: "Let's give those kids a little joy."
This type of video is part of a well-established phenomenon among Cubans in Spain who shop at Mercadona to bring essential products to their families, and they document these purchases on social media.
In that context, Juanki1607's suitcase —shampoo, toothpaste, powdered milk, beans, vitamins, and snacks— serves as a daily portrait of what the Cuban regime fails to provide for its population.
At the end of the video, the creator invited their followers to guess how much they had spent on that "simple purchase," leaving the receipt for the finale: "What do you think? Cheap or expensive?"
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