Quality and Affordable Supermarkets in Germany

If you live in Germany or have just moved there, finding supermarkets that offer high-quality products at affordable prices is essential. Germany boasts a variety of supermarkets known for competitive pricing and high-quality products. In this blog, we will explore some of the best supermarkets in Germany renowned for their affordability and quality products.

1. Aldi

Aldi is one of the largest and most popular discount supermarkets in Germany. It is known for its extremely competitive prices and quality products.

• Advantages:
• Very affordable prices.
• Fresh products including vegetables, fruits, and meats.
• Many organic and environmentally friendly products.
• Weekly promotions with special offers.
• Operates under two main branches: Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd.
• Locations: Widely spread across Germany, easily found in both major cities and smaller towns.
• Tips: Aldi has two main brands, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, depending on the region. Both brands offer similar products but may have some differences in product choices and promotions.
• Latest Information: Aldi continues to expand its organic product line and has committed to reducing plastic usage in their product packaging. They also frequently hold special offers on electronics and household items.
• Prices: Very affordable, especially for essentials like milk, bread, and vegetables.

2. Lidl

Lidl is another discount supermarket that competes directly with Aldi. Lidl offers a wide range of products at very competitive prices.

• Advantages:
• Attractive weekly promotions.
• Quality imported products.
• Extensive selection of fresh foods.
• Non-food items such as clothing, household goods, and electronics.
• Locations: Many branches across Germany.
• Tips: Lidl often runs themed weekly promotions offering products from various countries such as Italy, Greece, or the United States.
• Latest Information: Lidl has introduced a broader range of vegan and vegetarian products and has committed to using 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. They also offer online shopping with home delivery in some regions.
• Prices: Highly competitive, often equivalent to or even cheaper than Aldi for certain products.

3. Penny

Penny is part of the Rewe Group and is known as a discount supermarket offering affordable prices and advantageous weekly deals.

• Advantages:
• Highly competitive prices.
• Varied weekly offers.
• Quality local and international products.
• Convenient locations in urban and suburban areas.
• Locations: Found in many urban and suburban areas.
• Tips: Utilize the Penny app to access exclusive coupons and offers that can be used in-store.
• Latest Information: Penny has increased its focus on regional and sustainable products. They also regularly expand their range of organic products and conduct promotional campaigns for environmentally friendly items.
• Prices: Very cheap, with many weekly promotions making shopping more economical.

4. Netto

Netto Marken-Discount offers products under well-known brands and their own brand at very competitive prices.

• Advantages:
• Regular discounts and promotions.
• High-quality products with a wide range of brand choices.
• Beneficial weekly offers.
• Locations: Widely spread throughout Germany.
• Tips: Netto has two versions, Netto Marken-Discount and Netto City. Netto City is smaller and typically located in city centers, while Netto Marken-Discount is larger and offers more product choices.
• Latest Information: Netto continues to expand its loyalty program with an app that offers exclusive discounts and weekly promotions. They are also increasing their range of organic and sustainable products.
• Prices: Generally inexpensive, especially for their own brand products.

5. Kaufland

Kaufland is a large supermarket offering a comprehensive shopping experience with a wide range of products from groceries to household items.

• Advantages:
• Very extensive product selection.
• High-quality products.
• Weekly promotions and special offers.
• Spacious and comfortable store areas.
• Locations: Found in major cities and suburban areas.
• Tips: Kaufland frequently offers discount coupons that can be used for various products. Check their website or app for these coupons.
• Latest Information: Kaufland has introduced more environmentally friendly products and committed to reducing plastic usage. They also continue to expand their range of organic and regional products.
• Prices: Vary, but generally quite affordable with many promotions that help save money.

6. Edeka

Edeka is one of the largest supermarket chains in Germany, known for high-quality products and excellent customer service.

• Advantages:
• High-quality products, including local and organic options.
• Wide range of fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, and meats.
• Good customer service.
• Weekly promotions and offers.
• Locations: Many branches across Germany.
• Tips: Edeka often offers regional products and local specialties. Look for the local products section to find unique foods from specific regions of Germany.
• Latest Information: Edeka has launched new initiatives to support local farmers and regional products. They are also expanding their vegan and vegetarian product lines and focusing on reducing carbon emissions in their operations.
• Prices: Slightly higher than discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, but justified by the quality of products offered.

7. Rewe

Rewe offers a variety of high-quality products with many stores located throughout Germany. Rewe also has a loyalty program for regular customers.

• Advantages:
• High-quality products with a wide selection of fresh items.
• Weekly promotions and loyalty programs.
• Friendly customer service.
• Organic and environmentally friendly products.
• Locations: Many found in major cities and suburban areas.
• Tips: Use the Rewe app to order products online and pick them up in-store or have them delivered to your home.
• Latest Information: Rewe has expanded its online shopping and delivery services, offering more organic and sustainable product options. They also run various campaigns to reduce food waste and support environmental sustainability.
• Prices: Generally higher than discount supermarkets, but weekly promotions and loyalty programs help lower overall shopping costs.

8. Real

Real is a hypermarket offering a wide range of products from daily necessities to electronics and clothing. Real is ideal for bulk shopping with competitive prices.

• Advantages:
• Very extensive product selection.
• Competitive prices and weekly promotions.
• Fresh products and household needs.
• Electronics, clothing, and other necessities.
• Locations: Found in major cities and suburban areas.
• Tips: Real often offers significant discounts on large items such as household appliances and electronics. Check their weekly catalog for the best deals.
• Latest Information: Real has been acquired by other supermarket groups, leading some branches to rebrand. Nevertheless, they still offer a wide range of products at competitive prices and frequently host large-scale promotions.
• Prices: Generally competitive, especially for bulk purchases and non-food items.

Shopping Tips in German Supermarkets

1. Take Advantage of Weekly Offers: Many supermarkets in Germany offer weekly deals that you can find in their brochures or websites. This is a great way to save money.
2. Use Loyalty Cards: Some supermarkets like Rewe and Edeka offer loyalty cards that provide additional discounts and points redeemable for rewards.
3. Shop at Off-Peak Hours: Shopping in the morning or close to closing time is usually quieter and you can find freshly stocked products.
4. Check Discounted Items: Many supermarkets have sections for discounted or near-expiry date products. This can be a great way to save money on still consumable items.
5. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags: Most supermarkets in Germany charge for shopping bags. Bringing your own bags can save you a little money and is also environmentally friendly.
6. Check Expiry Dates: When buying discounted items, especially, always check the expiry dates to ensure the product is still fresh and safe to consume.
7. Compare Prices: Don’t hesitate to compare prices between several supermarkets. Sometimes, certain products may be cheaper at one supermarket than another.
8. Utilize Discount Stores: In addition to major supermarkets, there are also discount stores like Tedi, Kik, and Action that offer household products at very affordable prices.
9. Shop at Farmer’s Markets: Besides supermarkets, local farmer’s markets often offer fresh products like fruits and vegetables at competitive prices and excellent quality.
10. Use Shopping Apps: Many supermarkets have apps that offer exclusive discounts, special offers, and online shopping options that make shopping more convenient and time-saving.

With the plethora of quality and affordable supermarkets in Germany, you can easily find the right place to meet your everyday needs without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!