Cuban traveler transports Sam’s Club strawberries to family in Cuba

A Houston-based Cuban traveler has transported two packs of strawberries purchased at Sam’s Club across international borders so her relatives on the island could taste the fruit for the first time. The viral TikTok video, published on Sept. 27, details the packing methods used to keep fresh produce intact during a 50-pound luggage transport to Cuba.

Packing Fresh Produce in Luggage for Cuba

The traveler, who posts under the handle @yanis_sweet.houston, outlined a multi-step preservation process in her video. She placed the strawberries inside a small basket lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, wrapped the container in aluminum foil, and stored it inside a 50-pound suitcase.

To maintain low temperatures, the traveler woke up at dawn before her departure and transferred the fruit into an insulated cooling bag alongside frozen items. The precautions allowed the berries to survive the journey in pristine condition.

Serving Sweet Treats to Family Members

Upon arrival, the reaction from family members varied. Because strawberries are rarely seen or cultivated locally due to strict growing requirements, not everyone immediately took to the flavor.

To celebrate the occasion, the creator prepared individual tres leches cakes for each relative, topping them with Cuban meringue and fresh sliced strawberries. The preparation turned an unfamiliar grocery item into a shared family dessert experience.

Social Media Trends Among the Cuban Diaspora

The viral clip reflects a trend documented by members of the Cuban diaspora on social media platforms. Travelers frequently film their grocery hauls at major U.S. retailers like Walmart or Costco before boarding flights to the island with suitcases packed with food items.

Earlier, another Cuban traveler journeyed to the island with a backpack filled with cheese and prosciutto. On Sept. 30, a separate social media user shared footage of a Walmart shopping trip undertaken ahead of a flight with her daughter.

Broader Debates Over Island Agricultural Realities

The scarcity of fresh berries on the island has previously sparked online discussions. In April 2025, a separate influencer shared images of strawberries grown in a private garden, igniting criticism from users who argued that such a reality was far from the daily life of many Cubans.

Agricultural cultivation of strawberries in Cuba is limited and demands specialized care. Consequently, imported grocery items brought via personal luggage continue to serve as a supply for specialized foodstuffs among families with relatives abroad.