Shopping for groceries in Germany doesn’t have to be expensive. If you know where to go, you can get fresh food, drinks, and snacks without spending a lot of money. In this article, we compare Lidl, Aldi, Netto, and Penny, four of the most popular budget supermarkets in Germany, and share tips to save even more.
Shopping smart can save you money, time, and effort. Knowing which store is cheapest, which has better products, and which offers special deals can make your life easier.
1. Lidl is famous for low prices and fresh products. They have a lot of fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy. Most items are store-brand, but quality is usually very good. Lidl also has weekly specials called “Angebot,” where you can find big discounts on meat, drinks, bakery items, and even kitchen gadgets. Fun fact: Lidl sometimes sells seasonal items like Christmas cookies or summer barbecue tools at very low prices.
Another advantage of Lidl is their international products section, where you can find food from Italy, Spain, or Asia at affordable prices. This makes it popular for people who like to cook different cuisines.
2. Aldi is one of the cheapest supermarkets in Germany. Aldi stores are simple and easy to shop in. They mostly sell store-brand products, which keeps the prices low. Aldi is perfect for milk, bread, pasta, frozen food, and snacks. They also have a “weekend special” section with discounts on electronics, kitchen tools, or even small furniture. Many people like Aldi because the food quality is good, and shopping is fast.
Aldi also focuses on eco-friendly products. They sell organic items, reusable bags, and some stores have recycling stations for bottles and cans. This makes Aldi a good option if you want to save money and be environmentally conscious.
3. Netto is another budget-friendly option. Netto sells both store-brand and some popular brands. Prices are low, and they often have weekly discounts. Netto is great if you want a mix of cheap and branded products. Some Netto stores even have small sections for organic food or international products, which makes them interesting for people looking for variety.
Netto sometimes has special “theme weeks”, like Italian week or Spanish week, where they sell pasta, olive oil, snacks, and drinks at discounted prices. It’s a fun way to try new foods cheaply.
4. Penny is convenient and cheap, with stores often located in city centers. They focus on everyday essentials, like milk, bread, eggs, and canned goods. Penny is perfect for quick shopping trips. They also have weekly flyers with deals on drinks, snacks, and household products. Penny stores are smaller than Lidl or Aldi, so you might not find all products in one visit, but they are easy to shop in if you are in a hurry.
Penny also has a section for discounted fresh food, often near closing time, where you can get bakery items, fruits, and vegetables for a lower price. This is a great trick for budget-conscious shoppers.
Extra Tips to Save Money in Germany
- Check weekly flyers – Lidl, Aldi, Netto, and Penny all post online flyers with discounts for the week. Planning your shopping around these deals can save a lot.
- Buy store-brand products – They are usually cheaper but good quality. German private-label brands are often as good as name brands.
- Shop seasonal food – Fruits and vegetables are cheaper and fresher when in season.
- Compare prices – Some items are cheaper in Lidl, others in Aldi or Netto. Don’t buy everything from one store.
- Use loyalty apps or cards – Some stores have apps that offer digital coupons or bonus points.
- Look for “Multipack” deals – Buying in packs can be cheaper per unit for drinks, snacks, or cleaning products.
- Shop early or late – Fresh bread and bakery items are usually cheaper in the morning. Close to closing time, some stores discount food that will expire soon.
- Check frozen and canned foods – They are cheap, last longer, and often taste just as good as fresh products.
- Bring your own bag – Some stores give a small discount for reusable bags.
