'Supermarkets in Germany: Where to Buy Groceries and How Aldi, Lidl,
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In Germany, people usually don’t shop at just one “best” store, but rather choose based on the situation: they buy their basic groceries at a discount store, fresh produce and a wide selection at REWE or Edeka, bulk purchases at Kaufland, organic items at a bio-market, and use delivery services where available. Below is a practical overview of the chains that newcomers most often encounter.
See also: Cost of Living in Germany
Quick Comparison of Supermarket Chains
| Chain | Type | Typically suitable for | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi Nord / Aldi Süd | Discount store | basic grocery basket, private-label products | € |
| Lidl | Discount store | affordable groceries, special offers, baked goods | € |
| Netto | Discount store | shopping near home, basic goods | € |
| Penny | Discounter | affordable shopping, stores in residential areas | € |
| REWE | Supermarket | wide selection, delivery, ready-to-eat meals | €€ |
| Edeka | Supermarket | wide selection, meat/cheese/delicatessen items in larger stores | €€ |
| Kaufland | Hypermarket | bulk shopping, household goods, sales | €€ |
| METRO | Wholesale store | businesses, self-employed, bulk packaging | €€ |
| denn’s Biomarkt | Organic supermarket | organic products and specialty items | €€€ |
| Alnatura | Organic supermarket | organic, vegan, and eco-friendly products | €€€ |
Prices depend on the city, neighborhood, store size, and special offers. Even within the same chain, the product selection can vary significantly: a small REWE near the train station and a large REWE Center are almost entirely different formats.
Discounters: Aldi, Lidl, Netto, and Penny
Discounters are the easiest way to put together an affordable grocery basket. They focus on private-label brands, a limited selection, and quick shopping. In Germany, discounters typically include Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Lidl, Netto, and Penny.
What to buy at discount stores:
- milk, eggs, grains, pasta, water, oil, and basic groceries;
- bread and baked goods, especially at Lidl and Aldi;
- fruits and vegetables on sale;
- household cleaning products and paper goods;
- seasonal items from weekly specials.
Aldi in Germany is divided into two regional companies: Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd. They operate on a similar model but serve different regions and have differences in their product assortment and store design.
Aldi – By Kyro
The boundary between the Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd zones is colloquially referred to as the Aldi-Äquator. For shoppers, this is more of a curious fact: if you move from one part of Germany to another, the nearest Aldi might look a little different, but the concept remains the same.
Regular Supermarkets: REWE and Edeka
REWE and Edeka are usually more expensive than discounters, but they offer more variety. Larger stores often feature sections for fresh meat, cheese, fish, salads, prepared foods, international products, and items for special diets.
When is it more convenient to shop at REWE or Edeka:
- You need a specific brand that isn’t available at a discount store;
- If you want more fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals;
- looking for Asian, Latin American, Eastern European, or other international products;
- Decide whether you need delivery or in-store pickup, if the service is available in your area;
- The store is located closer to home than a discount store.
Both chains have their own budget brands: Edeka often carries Gut & Günstig, while REWE offers ja!. This is a good compromise if you want the variety of a supermarket but don’t want to pay for brand-name products.
Good to know: At the checkout at REWE, Penny, dm, and some other stores, you may be asked about PAYBACK. This is a loyalty program where you earn points at partner stores. For more details: The PAYBACK Card in Germany
Hypermarkets: Kaufland and Large-Format Stores
Kaufland is one of the most prominent options for bulk shopping. These stores typically carry groceries, beverages, household cleaning products, home goods, pet food, seasonal non-food items, and large promotional sections.
Hypermarkets are convenient if you’re doing a weekly shop, live with a family, or want to buy groceries and household items in one trip. The downside is that these stores are often located outside the city center, in shopping districts that are easier to reach by car or public transportation.
It’s best not to use the real chain as a current reference point when looking for a supermarket: the former real format was sold off and closed or renamed in various locations. If you see an old recommendation to “go to real,” check the specific address: a Kaufland, Edeka, REWE, Globus, or another retailer may now operate at that location.
METRO: Not Your Average Supermarket
METRO in Germany operates primarily as a wholesale store for businesses. At Großmarkt, you can buy bulk packages of food, beverages, professional kitchen equipment, tableware, and supplies for restaurants and retail.
To shop at METRO Markt, you usually need to register as a business customer: you’ll need to provide proof of a company, self-employment, freelance work, or another suitable supporting document. Online shopping at METRO may have separate terms and conditions. Before your trip, it’s best to check the registration rules and required documents on the METRO website, because simply walking in “like you would at a supermarket” might not work.
Organic Supermarkets: denn’s Biomarkt and Alnatura
denn’s Biomarkt and Alnatura specialize in organic products, eco-friendly goods, vegan selections, natural cosmetics, and products for special diets. They’re more expensive than discount stores, but they’re convenient if you’re looking for Bio-certified products, rare grains, plant-based milk, gluten-free foods, or a wider selection of vegan alternatives.
To save money on a daily basis, many people combine different shopping formats: they buy basic groceries at Aldi or Lidl, and specific organic products at Alnatura, denn’s, or the organic sections of regular supermarkets.
Grocery Delivery
In Germany, delivery options vary greatly depending on the city and specific address. In large cities, the selection is usually better; in smaller towns, often the only options are pickup or a traditional store.
Popular options:
- REWE Lieferservice—grocery delivery and curbside pickup in areas where the service is available;
- Picnic—delivery along routes where the service is already available;
- Flink—fast delivery in select cities;
- Flaschenpost—delivery of beverages and a selection of groceries;
- HelloFresh and Dinnerly—these are ingredient kits for recipes, not a full replacement for the supermarket.
Before placing an order, check the minimum order amount, delivery fee, available time slots, service area, and prices: the total in your online cart may differ from the price in-store.
Sundays and Holidays
Most supermarkets in Germany are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Exceptions can be found at airports, major train stations, gas stations, and some tourist destinations, but the selection there is usually smaller and prices are higher.
Grocery delivery also often doesn’t operate like a regular weekday service. That’s why the local custom is simple: stock up in advance on Friday or Saturday, especially before a long weekend.
How to Buy Groceries More Cheaply
- Compare not only the chains but also their private labels: ja!, Gut & Günstig, Milbona, Crownfield, Milsani, and others are often cheaper than well-known brands.
- Check out the apps and weekly flyers: sales in Germany can really make a big difference in your final bill.
- Buy basic groceries at a discount store, and specialty items at REWE, Edeka, or a bio-market.
- Pay attention to the price per kilogram or liter, not just the price per package.
- For beverages, keep in mind the Pfand—a deposit on bottles and cans that is refunded via a return machine.
- Don’t plan a big shopping trip for Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which supermarket in Germany is the cheapest?
Discounters are usually the cheapest: Aldi, Lidl, Netto, and Penny. But the final cost depends on sales, store brands, and your specific shopping list.
Where’s the best place to buy high-quality groceries?
For a wide selection, REWE and Edeka are convenient; for organic products, try denn’s Biomarkt and Alnatura; and for bulk shopping, head to Kaufland. However, quality varies significantly depending on the specific store and its fresh produce section.
Are supermarkets open on Sundays?
Usually not. Look for exceptions at train stations, airports, gas stations, and special tourist areas, but don’t count on finding one at a regular large supermarket.
Do You Need a Loyalty Card?
Not necessarily. Loyalty cards and apps can offer discounts and points, but for everyday shopping, a debit card or cash is sufficient. If you shop frequently at REWE, Penny, or dm, PAYBACK might be useful.
Conclusion
For daily life in Germany, it’s most convenient to choose a combination of two or three stores near your home. A discount store covers your basic shopping needs, REWE or Edeka offer variety and services, Kaufland is ideal for bulk shopping, and organic markets help with organic products and special dietary needs. The key is to check the hours of operation, keep Sundays in mind, and avoid relying on outdated lists from websites like real.
