REWE vs Lidl vs Aldi: Which Supermarket Wins for Expats in Germany?
Ask any expat in Germany which supermarket they use and you’ll get a passionate answer. REWE, Lidl, and Aldi are the three giants of German grocery shopping, and each has a loyal following. But which is actually the best for expats?
We compared all three across the categories that matter most to expats living in Germany. While these supermarkets carry a great selection of goods, you won’t find specialty items, which we cover in our guide to the Indian kitchen in Germany.
Price Comparison
We compared a standard weekly basket of 20 common items (milk, eggs, bread, pasta, vegetables, fruit, chicken, yoghurt, cheese, and household staples):
- Aldi: ~€42
- Lidl: ~€46
- REWE: ~€58
Winner: Aldi, consistently the cheapest for everyday essentials.
Quality of Fresh Produce
- REWE: Excellent, wide variety, good quality, good organic range
- Lidl: Good, fresh and reasonably priced, nice fruit selection
- Aldi: Adequate, basic range, quality can vary
Winner: REWE, clearly the best for fresh produce quality and variety.
International and Expat Products
- REWE: Best, regularly stocks international products including Asian sauces, Mexican ingredients, and international snacks. Larger stores have dedicated international aisles.
- Lidl: Moderate, occasionally runs international food weeks with themed products
- Aldi: Limited, focuses on German staples, limited international range
Winner: REWE, by far the best for expats missing tastes from home.
Organic and Health Food
- REWE: Excellent REWE Bio range, large organic section
- Lidl: Good Bio range, expanding selection
- Aldi: Growing organic range, good value bio products
Winner: REWE, widest organic selection, though Lidl and Aldi offer great value bio options.
Opening Hours
- REWE: Usually 07:00–22:00, some 24-hour city stores
- Lidl: Usually 07:00–21:00
- Aldi: Usually 08:00–20:00, shortest hours
Winner: REWE, best opening hours, especially for late shopping after work.
Weekly Deals
All three supermarkets publish new deals every Monday. The deals include both food and non-food items (electronics, clothing, tools). Check our Weekly Deals page every Monday for the best current offers.
- Aldi: Known for excellent special buys, electronics and household items at very competitive prices
- Lidl: Similar to Aldi, great non-food specials
- REWE: Food deals focused, less spectacular non-food offers
Winner: Aldi/Lidl tie, for special buys on electronics and household goods.
Overall Verdict
- Best for budget shopping: Aldi
- Best all-rounder: Lidl
- Best for quality and variety: REWE
- Best for expats missing international food: REWE
Our recommendation: Use Aldi or Lidl for everyday staples (bread, dairy, frozen food) and REWE for fresh produce, international products, and larger shops. This combination gives you the best of both worlds, quality where it matters and savings where it doesn’t.
Check This Week’s Best Deals
We update the best deals from REWE, Lidl, Aldi and more every Monday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between discounters and premium supermarkets in Germany?
Discounters like Aldi and Lidl focus on private-label brands, minimal store decoration, and high efficiency, offering the lowest prices. Premium supermarkets like REWE and Edeka offer a much wider selection of brand-name products, service counters for fresh meat and cheese, and English-friendly services, but at a higher cost.
Can I pay with an international credit card at German supermarkets?
Yes, major chains like REWE, Lidl, and Aldi accept international Visa and Mastercard credit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, small local shops and independent organic markets may still require a German Girocard or cash, so it is always wise to keep some physical Euros on hand.
Are organic (Bio) products readily available at German supermarkets?
Yes, organic food is highly popular in Germany. Aldi and Lidl have excellent, affordable private-label organic ranges (like Aldi's "Gut Bio" or Lidl's "Bio Organic"). REWE and Edeka have even larger selections, including premium organic brands like Alnatura.
How does the checkout process work in German supermarkets?
The checkout process at German supermarkets is notoriously fast. Cashiers scan items quickly, and you are expected to bag your own groceries rapidly at the packing shelf behind the register, not at the till itself. Be sure to place your items back in your cart or reusable bag quickly to keep the line moving.
Disclaimer: Expatzentrum is an informational portal designed to help expats navigate life in Germany. While we make every effort to keep our guides accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with current German regulations, the information on this website does not constitute official legal, tax, or financial advice. We are not certified tax advisors (Steuerberater) or legal practitioners. Always consult a qualified professional or the relevant German authorities (such as the Finanzamt or Deutsche Rentenversicherung) before making major financial or legal decisions.
