In a delightful turn of events, American influencer James Charles, known for his beauty tutorials and being the first male ambassador for CoverGirl, had his first taste of British bakery chain Greggs, and his reaction was refreshingly positive. On March 25, 2025, Charles, 25, documented this culinary adventure in a TikTok video created by UK content creator Cal Edwards, which has already garnered over 1.9 million views.
Greggs has established its reputation as a staple on the UK high street, famous for its extensive array of savory snacks and sweet treats that appeal to every demographic. The most popular items include classic sausage rolls, steak bakes, cheese and onion pasties, and a selection of donuts and cakes. An astounding 2.5 million sausage rolls are sold weekly, which amounts to around 140 million annually—numbers that showcase the bakery's profound impact on the British food landscape.
As the video begins, Cal Edwards introduces the concept to James Charles, who expressed surprise that he had never tried the famous British delicacies. “Cal, I’m not from here and I don’t come here as often as I would like to, why would I have tried Greggs?” James said, setting the tone for an exciting first experience. Cal, who warmly referred to the chain as a “UK national treasure,” bought the duo to the bakery, where they were bowled over by the delightful array of pastries.
James was particularly enchanted by the famous sausage roll. After taking a hearty bite, he exclaimed, “Wait. It’s so good.” Cal was taken aback by this enthusiastic endorsement, as he had expected a more critical response. James continued his taste tests by sampling a pasty, which he described as “a luxury pastry” but humorously noted that it was “not as gorgeous on the inside as I would’ve hoped.” After taking a bite, he added simply, “Yum.” Charles also tried a delicious slice of pizza, which earned a similar enthusiastic approval with his remark that it was “good.”
The playful banter between the two influencers kept viewers engaged—as did their contrasting accents, which sparked considerable reactions. James told Cal, “I would. Absolutely. Good recommendation,” when asked if he would return to Greggs. This excitement provoked laughter and joy from audiences in the comment section, with some users expressing disbelief at seeing Charles enjoying the iconic bakery chain’s products, encapsulating that sentiment with wit such as: “Can’t believe I’ve just watched James Charles eat Greggs on here.”
In a rather humorous interaction, the official Aldi account chimed in on the comments with a suggestion: “Someone give James the experience of a lifetime (exploring the middle aisle).” This unexpected interaction highlights the growing trend of brands leveraging social media to engage audiences through popular figures, thus boosting brand visibility. Additionally, fans expressed amusement about the distinct accents between James and Cal, with comments celebrating the unique blend of an American influencer and his British counterpart.
Overall, James Charles’s enthusiastic first encounter with Greggs highlights not only the universal appeal of food but also the culture of sharing experiences through social media in this digital age. His honest reaction serves as a testament to the charm and wide-reaching popularity of British bakery chains, reinforcing that Greggs holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many, including the ever-curious James Charles.
