I discovered something unexpected through THIS shopping experience in Ecuador

Is the cost of living in Ecuador changing because of one store? In this video, I dive into an unexpected Ecuador shopping experience at Tuti—the hard discount store that seems to be popping up on every corner. Originally, I wanted to do a simple price comparison between Tuti, Mi Comisariato, and SuperMaxi to see if shopping at Tuti is actually worth it. But after doing some research, comparing a grocery haul at Tuti to a Comisariato bill, and talking to a chemical engineer about how their products are made, I discovered something much bigger and a bit concerning for the future of Ecuador live and local communities. From the secrets behind generic branding and modified formulas (with fewer preservatives!) to how corporate behemoths like El Rosado are affecting small mom-and-pop stores, the reality of shopping in Ecuador might surprise you. We also break down how the "tarjeta de afiliado" (affiliate cards) at major supermarkets heavily skew our perception of what is actually cheap. Whether you are an expat looking at the cost of living in Ecuador or a native Ecuadorian looking to stretch your budget, this video reveals the hidden truths behind the Tuti phenomenon. Where do you choose to shop? Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below! ☕ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you find my videos helpful and want to support the channel, consider buying me a coffee or becoming a member! Your support directly funds the grocery hauls and research for these videos: https://buymeacoffee.com/gmace 📺 WATCH NEXT Did you miss my last video? Check it out here to understand the reference to the yellow Ecuadorian soccer team shirt!    • How Ecuadorian are you?   Affiliate links if you want support the channel and need help when coming to Ecuador: ⚪️Saily eSIM: https://saily.com/ace (use code ACE15 for a 15% discount) ⚪️SafetyWing Insurance: https://safetywing.com/nomad-insuranc... ⚪️Need Visa help? Try EcuaAssist: https://www.ecuaassist.com/?ref=GMACE Video from CORAPE Digital TV:    • El efecto #Tuti en Ecuador | reportajes CO...   Article from Primicias discussing the Tuti effect: https://www.primicias.ec/noticias/eco... "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use." TIMESTAMPS 0:00 What is Tuti? 2:32 Prices of items at Tuti and Comisariato 7:26 Unexpected Discoveries 15:30 What is affiliation? 21:05 What are sticker books? 24:20 Support the tiendas #Ecuador #CostOfLiving #Tuti #EcuadorLive #SuperMaxi #Comisariato #MovingToEcuador #EcuadorShopping #ExpatLife