Imagine you’re strolling leisurely through the aisles of Mercadona after a long day at work, ready to pick up a few items for dinner. You might be a little tired, perhaps already thinking about the next Netflix series you want to binge-watch – and then you see it: a pineapple. But not just any pineapple; no, this one is upside down in a shopping cart. And suddenly, you start to wonder: Am I in some kind of dating show?

Welcome to one of the craziest viral trends that has taken Spain by storm: the Mercadona pineapple, which has become the unofficial signal for flirting in the supermarket between 7 PM and 8 PM. How did it come to be that a harmless piece of fruit suddenly became a symbol for romantic advances in the supermarket? Let’s take a closer look.

 

The Beginning: A TikTok Phenomenon Is Born

It all started—like so many quirky trends these days—on TikTok. Someone (probably with a good sense of humor and a hefty dose of boredom) posted a video claiming that Mercadona was the perfect place to spark a flirtation. But of course, there needed to be a secret signal to make things a little more exciting. And voilà: the upside-down pineapple was born. Simple, easily recognizable, and totally unexpected—the perfect sign for anyone open to flirting.

Soon, the first reactions began flooding social media. Suddenly, people started picking up on the joke and trying it out themselves. The idea of meeting someone in the supermarket didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. Why not make grocery shopping a bit more thrilling? After all, the person next to you in the produce aisle could be your next date candidate!

 

The Game Begins: The Upside-Down Pineapple as a Signal

So, how does this work exactly? It’s simple: if you’re at Mercadona between 7 PM and 8 PM and you have an upside-down pineapple in your shopping cart, it signals that you’re open to flirting. If you happen to encounter someone using the same “secret sign,” it’s basically a green light to strike up a conversation. For the particularly brave, there’s even an extension of the game: deliberately bump your shopping cart into the other person’s—of course, only if they also have an upside-down pineapple. Sounds crazy? Absolutely. But that’s what makes it so much fun.

This trend spread like wildfire. People shared their experiences on TikTok, Instagram, and more, and it didn’t take long for pineapples in Mercadona stores to become a coveted object. Who would have thought that a simple fruit could cause such a stir?

 

The Reactions: Between Excitement and Confusion

As with any viral trend, reactions were mixed. Many found the idea fantastic and joined in. After all, it’s a fun and creative way to meet new people—in an environment where you wouldn’t expect it. Especially after months of isolation and limited social interactions, the Mercadona pineapple trend was a welcome change.

However, not everyone was thrilled. Some customers, just trying to do their shopping, were confused or even annoyed. Imagine wanting to grab a pineapple for your fruit salad and suddenly finding yourself caught up in a flirty supermarket game. No wonder there were critical voices complaining that the shelves were bare because so many people were using pineapples as “date props.”

 

Brands Jump on the Bandwagon

And as always, when a trend gets big enough, brands aren’t far behind. Some Spanish companies quickly recognized the potential of this viral hype and utilized it for their own purposes. From humorous commercials to nods in social media campaigns—the pineapple became a star in the Spanish advertising landscape.

Supermarkets outside of Mercadona also jumped on the bandwagon, launching their own marketing campaigns that embraced the trend. There were even contests and promotions inviting customers to share their best “pineapple stories.” Suddenly, the fruit that usually sat quietly in the produce section became the center of creative advertising campaigns and viral videos.

 

The Humorous Side: A Bit of Fun in Everyday Life

What makes this trend so special is the lightness and humor it brings. In a time when life is often filled with stress and routine, the pineapple trend offered a way to lighten the everyday grind. It was a reminder that life can be fun—even while shopping. Sometimes, it just takes a small, unexpected idea to put a smile on people’s faces.

And who knows? Maybe some couples really did meet at Mercadona over an upside-down pineapple. One thing is certain: this trend has kept and entertained many people for a while.

 

Conclusion: A Viral Hype with a Lasting Impression

Like most viral trends, this one will likely fade eventually. But as long as it lasts, it provides plenty of conversation and laughter. Whether you join in or not, the upside-down pineapple at Mercadona will remain in many memories for a long time—as a symbol of the creativity and humor that the internet can sometimes produce.

So next time you’re at the supermarket and pick up a pineapple, remember: there might be more to it than you think!

 

We hope these tips will help you to master your everyday life as an expat even better! Do you have your own experiences or further recommendations on the topic of emigrating? Feel free to leave us a comment! Share this post with others who could benefit from the tips and stay tuned for more inspiration from life as an expat.

Your Steffi & Marius