Cheapest Supermarkets in Germany: The Expat Grocery Guide (2026)

The first time most expats go grocery shopping in Germany, they’re surprised by how cheap it is. Aldi and Lidl genuinely cost a fraction of what you’d pay back home, but the quality gap between the discount chains and the full supermarkets is smaller than you’d expect. This guide breaks down every major supermarket chain so you know exactly where to shop, what to pay, and where to go for the things you can’t find at Aldi.

This guide breaks down the major supermarkets, what they’re best for, and how to get the most out of your weekly grocery budget in Germany.

Overview of German Supermarkets

Aldi (Süd and Nord): Cheapest Overall

Aldi is Germany’s original discounter and consistently the cheapest option for everyday staples. Germany is split between Aldi Süd (south) and Aldi Nord (north), but both offer similar prices and quality.

• Best for: Staples, dairy, bread, frozen food
• Price level: Very low
• Organic range: Limited but growing
• Weekly deals: New special buys every Monday and Thursday

Lidl: Best Balance of Price and Quality

Lidl is slightly more expensive than Aldi but offers a wider range of products and a better fresh produce section. Many expats prefer Lidl as their main shop.

• Best for: Fruit, vegetables, meat, bakery
• Price level: Low
• Organic range: Good (Bio line)
• Weekly deals: Updated every Monday

REWE: Best Full-Service Supermarket

REWE is the most popular full-service supermarket in Germany. Prices are higher than discounters but you get a much wider selection, better quality fresh produce, and often English-speaking staff in larger cities.

• Best for: International products, quality fresh food, convenience
• Price level: Medium
• Organic range: Excellent (REWE Bio)
• Weekly deals: Updated every Monday

Kaufland: Best for Large Shops

Kaufland stores are large hypermarkets that combine a supermarket with a department store feel. They offer the widest range of products and are great for expats doing a big weekly shop.

• Best for: Large weekly shops, specialty items, household goods
• Price level: Low to medium
• Organic range: Good
• Opening hours: Often open until 22:00

EDEKA: Best Quality

EDEKA is Germany’s premium supermarket chain. It’s the most expensive option but offers the best quality, widest international product range, and excellent fresh counters.

• Best for: Quality, international products, deli counter
• Price level: Medium to high
• Organic range: Excellent

Penny and Netto: Budget Alternatives

Penny (owned by REWE) and Netto are budget discounters similar to Aldi and Lidl. Good for everyday basics at low prices.

How to Save Money on Groceries in Germany

Check the weekly deals (Angebote)

Every major German supermarket publishes weekly deals every Monday. These can be 30–50% off regular prices. Check our Weekly Deals page every Monday for the best offers.

Use the supermarket apps

REWE, Lidl, and Kaufland all have apps that show personalised deals and digital coupons. Download them, they’re free and regularly offer exclusive discounts.

Buy store brands (Eigenmarken)

German supermarket own brands are excellent quality. REWE Ja!, Lidl’s Combino, and Aldi’s house brands are often identical to name brands but 30–40% cheaper.

Shop at the end of the day

Many supermarkets mark down fresh products (bread, meat, ready meals) in the evening, sometimes up to 50% off. Worth checking after 18:00.

International Food in Germany

Missing food from home? Germany has excellent options for international groceries:

• Asian food: Asia shops in most cities, plus REWE and EDEKA carry decent Asian ranges
• Indian food: Indian grocery stores in larger cities (Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart)
• Middle Eastern food: Turkish supermarkets (Türkischer Supermarkt) are everywhere and very affordable
• British/American food: MyBritishStore and Amazon.de for hard-to-find items