Affordable Supermarkets in Germany [Where to Shop in Germany 2025]

In Germany, supermarkets are distinctly classified into local markets showcasing regional products specific to the area, and foreign supermarkets predominantly offering international goods. This extensive array of options may initially seem overwhelming, but this detailed guide will navigate you through the various types of grocery stores across the country, highlighting which are the most affordable, the most expensive, and the favorites among local shoppers.

Unlike other European nations, grocery stores in Germany tend to offer a more limited selection of products. Most stores are well-stocked with essentials like meats, dairy items, various vegetarian options, and a dedicated section for freshly baked goods.

In this article, we’ve organized the grocery stores into different categories for easier navigation:

• Discount Stores: These stores are ideal for budget-conscious shoppers looking for great deals.
• Organic Supermarkets: Catering to health-conscious consumers, these stores offer a wide range of organic and eco-friendly products.
• Hypermarkets: These are large establishments where you can find almost everything from grocery items to electronics under one roof.
• Online Grocery Stores: With the advent of COVID-19, online grocery shopping has become a popular and safe alternative, providing the convenience of home delivery.

For our Ukrainian friends: The word “супермаркет” translates to “Supermarket” in English and “Supermarkt” in German. If you’re searching for a supermarket nearby, try looking up “Supermarkt in der Nähe” or “Supermarket near me” on Google. We have also included easy-access buttons further down in our article to facilitate your search.

Supermarkets List in Germany

Here’s an expanded list of supermarkets in Germany, categorized by type and ranging from budget-friendly to more expensive options:

• Aldi Nord / Süd: These are widely recognized for their affordability and efficiency, offering a range of essential grocery items at low prices.
• Lidl: Another cost-effective option, Lidl provides a selection of groceries including fresh produce, bakery items, and weekly specials that appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.
• Netto: Known for its competitive prices, Netto offers a variety of discount groceries and household goods.
• Penny: Penny is a popular choice for shoppers looking for deals on groceries, fresh foods, and beverages.
• Treff 3000: A smaller chain of discount supermarkets, Treff 3000 is favored for its local feel and competitive prices.
• Kaufland: A hypermarket known for its wide range of products from groceries to electronics, providing a one-stop shopping experience.
• Real: Another extensive hypermarket offering diverse merchandise, including food items, clothing, and household goods.
• Edeka: A premium hypermarket chain that combines a broad selection of groceries with high-quality specialty foods.
• REWE: This hypermarket chain offers a variety of products, including a large assortment of organic and gourmet foods.
• Dm: Primarily a cosmetics and baby products store, Dm also stocks a variety of health and wellness products at moderate prices.
• Rossmann: A leading cosmetics store, offering beauty products alongside a selection of health items and snacks.
• Gorilla: An online grocery store that has gained popularity for its rapid delivery services, focusing on delivering groceries and household essentials quickly.
• Flink: Specializes in speedy delivery of groceries, appealing to those who need quick access to food and daily necessities.
• GetFaster: As the name suggests, this online store offers fast delivery services for a wide range of groceries and essentials.
• denn’s Biomarkt: An organic supermarket known for its wide array of organic and eco-friendly products, catering to the environmentally conscious consumer.
• Alnatura: This chain offers a comprehensive selection of organic foods, natural personal care products, and sustainable household items.
• Tegut: A high-end organic supermarket that provides a broad spectrum of organic groceries, gourmet foods, and environmentally friendly products.

This categorization should help shoppers in Germany understand what to expect in terms of product range and pricing at each of these popular supermarket chains.

Discount Grocery Stores / Cheap Supermarkets

Germany boasts an extensive array of grocery store chains, including a notable prevalence of discount grocery chains that now account for nearly 44% of the total market share as of 2025, according to recent statistics. These discount stores are pivotal for those aiming to effectively manage their daily expenses. They stock a comprehensive selection of everyday necessities such as food, beverages, cleaning supplies, and other budget-friendly household items.

A standout feature of these discount supermarkets is their weekly specials on a variety of items including electronics, appliances, clothing, toys, and gifts. Each store offers a dedicated aisle for these discounted products, with seasonal items prominently featured; for instance, grilling accessories and swimming gear in the summer, and winter essentials like gloves and ski helmets during the colder months.

The pricing for basic items like milk, butter, yogurt, ketchup, and bread is generally consistent across popular discount chains such as Aldi, Netto, Norma, Treff 3000, and Penny. These retailers are among the most cost-effective options in Germany, frequently sparking intense competition among them due to their low price points.

Aldi leads as a preferred choice due to its commitment to quality and affordability. Differing from supermarkets that offer a variety of brands, Aldi primarily stocks its own house brands, which helps keep prices low without sacrificing quality. Lidl and Netto are also highly favored, known for their wide array of quality food and non-food items that typically include products with a longer shelf life like cereals and canned goods.

While shopping at these discount stores can be highly economical, be prepared for potentially busy environments, especially during peak hours, which can lead to crowded aisles and lengthy queues at the checkout.

For those seeking the nearest discount store, a quick online search for “discount store near me” will provide localized results, enabling savings on both time and money.

Bio/Organic Supermarkets

Organic supermarkets in Germany have surged in popularity as more consumers become environmentally conscious, prioritizing sustainable and organic products. These stores offer a wide range of organic items, including fruits and vegetables like organic spinach and blueberries, gluten-free products such as pasta, dairy alternatives like almond-milk yogurts, and gourmet options such as olive tapenades.

Among the most prominent organic supermarket chains in Germany are denn’s Biomarkt and Alnatura. Denn’s Biomarkt stands as one of the country’s largest chains of organic supermarkets, boasting over 320 branches nationwide as of 2025. Following closely is Alnatura, with its significant presence of more than 150 stores across various cities. In the southern regions of Germany, Tegut-Markt, a Swiss-owned organic store, marks its prominence alongside other smaller, localized bio supermarkets that dot the landscape.

While these markets are celebrated for their commitment to quality and sustainability, they are also known for their higher pricing compared to conventional supermarkets. This aspect, however, underscores the value of investing in sustainable practices and supporting local economies.

For those interested in exploring and supporting local bio markets, a simple online search for “Biomarkt near me” will help you locate the nearest organic supermarket. This not only allows you to access high-quality organic products but also supports local businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Cosmetic Stores

In Germany, when it comes to body care and cosmetic products, DM (Drogerie Markt) is the leading choice for locals. With over 3,800 stores across Germany as of 2025, DM offers an extensive range of cosmetic goods along with a variety of household products related to hygiene and an impressive selection of baby products including baby food, diapers, and baby care items. Following DM in popularity is Rossmann, which also boasts a substantial presence with around 2,200 stores throughout the country.

Both DM and Rossmann are renowned for their wide assortment of cosmetic products, but their offerings extend beyond just beauty items. Shoppers can find everything from hygiene products to health supplements, making these stores a one-stop shop for personal care and wellness needs. The convenience of having a broad range of products under one roof, coupled with the reliability of these well-established brands, makes DM and Rossmann preferred destinations for those looking to purchase cosmetic and personal care products in Germany.

Search the cosmetic/body care store near you

Hypermarkets

Hypermarkets in Germany offer a comprehensive shopping experience akin to large grocery chains found throughout other European countries. These expansive stores cater to a wide array of needs, including groceries, housewares, electronics, and clothing. Despite the relatively high cost of products, the quality is typically premium, which justifies the pricing. The layout of these stores, spread over large areas, can sometimes make finding items challenging; however, exceptional customer service and readily available staff in every aisle greatly enhance the shopping experience. The spacious nature of these hypermarkets usually means shorter wait times at checkout, providing a more streamlined and efficient shopping experience.

Several prominent hypermarket chains operate across Germany, including Combi, Edeka, Globus, Famila, Kaufland, Marktkauf, Rewe, Real, and Selgros, with Kaufland, Edeka, Real, and Rewe standing out as particularly popular among consumers.

Popular Hypermarkets:

• Edeka is the largest German supermarket corporation, managing over 6,000 stores that vary in size from small convenience stores to expansive hypermarkets. These stores offer a diverse range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery items, canned goods, and dairy products. Many Edeka stores feature dedicated aisles for sought-after international products from regions like Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
• Kaufland operates over 670 stores nationwide and is renowned for its extensive selection of goods across numerous brands. Shoppers at Kaufland can find everything from daily groceries to non-food items such as electronic appliances and clothing, making it a versatile shopping destination.
• Rewe, although smaller in scale compared to some other chains, operates around 3,000 stores in Germany. These stores are often more conveniently located and are known for providing high-quality products from well-established German brands as well as their own “ja!” brand. Rewe’s product lineup includes fresh groceries, bakery goods, premium deli items such as cold cuts and cheeses, and a variety of canned products.

These hypermarkets are essential for consumers seeking a one-stop shop where they can purchase a broad range of products under one roof, combining convenience with quality in the heart of Germany’s retail landscape.

Search the Supermarket / Hypermarket near you

Online Grocery Shopping in Germany

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of navigating crowded aisles and enduring long checkout lines, opting for home delivery might be the perfect solution. In Germany, REWE has emerged as a top choice for online grocery shopping, particularly appreciated in major cities. However, one limitation is that REWE requires customers to schedule deliveries in advance, with specific time slots, and sometimes available slots might not be open for several days. It’s advisable to explore different companies that offer delivery services to your area, utilizing numerous online applications designed to streamline this process.

Grocery Shopping During Lockdown in Germany

The 2020 lockdown prompted several startups to enhance their services, offering doorstep delivery of groceries across many German cities. Prominent among these are Gorillas, Flink, and GetFaster, which quickly adapted to meet the increased demand for home delivery. Like traditional grocery stores, these services adhere to local regulations, including the typical closure on Sundays. Additionally, some stores in Germany have innovated by delivering ingredients specifically portioned for recipes chosen from their cookbooks, a strategy that effectively minimizes food waste.

This approach not only provides convenience but also supports sustainable consumption by ensuring that customers receive exactly what they need, thereby reducing excess. Whether through established chains like REWE or newer platforms like Gorillas and Flink, Germany offers a variety of options to make grocery shopping more accessible and efficient, even under lockdown conditions.

International Stores

While Germany offers a vast array of products, adjusting to local food preferences can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re missing comforts from home. Fortunately, Germany’s multicultural landscape ensures that you’re never too far from familiar flavors. In nearly every sizable town, there are international stores that specialize in offering a diverse range of global groceries—from South American spices and Indian seasonings to various Asian rice varieties and even nostalgic candies.

These international markets are a boon for expatriates and global food enthusiasts alike, enabling them to purchase authentic ingredients to recreate traditional dishes right in their own kitchens. This accessibility helps ease the transition for those new to the country and provides a culinary bridge back to their homeland.

In addition to these specialty stores, Germany’s dining scene is increasingly embracing global cuisines. Restaurants across the country are experimenting with foreign recipes, enhancing the variety of dining options available. Supermarkets are also responding to the growing demand for diverse products, with more shelves stocked with Latin American, Asian, and other international goods.

The proliferation of online food delivery services has further broadened access to ethnic cuisines, delivering a wide array of international dishes directly to consumers’ doors. Whether it’s through physical stores or online platforms, Germany’s food landscape is robustly catering to its diverse population.

Moreover, Germany hosts specialty supermarkets that focus exclusively on Turkish, Asian, Russian, or African products. These stores offer an extensive selection of unique items such as specialty meats, various cheeses, different types of noodles, and more, all designed to satisfy diverse palates. Here, shoppers can also find fresh fruits and organic produce, ensuring that all dietary preferences and needs are met.

Whether you’re in search of a specific ingredient to complete a cherished recipe or simply exploring new flavors, Germany’s multicultural grocery offerings ensure that you can find a taste of home, no matter where you are from.

Ready-to-Cook Grocery

If you’re aiming to streamline your meal preparation while ensuring a healthy diet, ready-to-cook meal kits like those offered by HelloFresh are an excellent choice. HelloFresh provides a variety of meal options that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan choices. You can customize your subscription based on the number of people in your household and the number of meals you’d like to receive each week. This flexibility allows you to tailor your meal planning to fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Each kit includes all the necessary ingredients, pre-measured to eliminate waste, along with easy-to-follow recipes delivered right to your doorstep. This service is particularly valuable for those with busy schedules or for anyone looking to avoid the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. Additionally, HelloFresh offers options for quick meals, which are ideal for those short on time, as well as balanced diet options for health-conscious individuals.

This convenient approach to cooking not only saves time but also introduces you to new recipes and cooking techniques, enhancing your culinary skills. If you’re still unsure about whether this service would be right for you, HelloFresh provides resources such as online videos that demonstrate meal preparation and offer further insights into their meal plans. These resources can be particularly helpful in making an informed decision about subscribing to their service.

Important Things To Know About Supermarkets in Germany

Here are some important tips to navigate supermarkets in Germany effectively:

Bring Your Own Bags:
In Germany, it’s essential to bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket. If you forget, you may have to purchase bags, as free plastic bags are not offered due to environmental regulations. Reusable fabric or sturdy paper bags are recommended, and keeping a few in your car or handbag can ensure you’re always prepared.

Keep Some Change:
Most large supermarkets require a coin (usually €1) to release a shopping cart. This deposit is refundable when you return the cart to the designated area. This system encourages shoppers to return their carts, helping to keep the parking lot organized and free from stray carts.

Self-Service Checkout:
Prepare for a self-service experience at the checkout in German supermarkets. You are expected to bag your own groceries, and it’s advisable to do so efficiently to keep up with the cashier’s pace.

Quick packing can prevent hold-ups and the impatient glances of fellow shoppers waiting in line.

Customer Interactions:
Customer service in Germany may appear more straightforward and less personable compared to other countries. It’s useful to be prepared for a no-nonsense approach in interactions, whether it’s being asked to hurry by a staff member or dealing with other customers vying for the last product on a shelf. Social exchanges are typically minimal, with most people focusing on their shopping.

The Pfand System:
Germany’s deposit system, known as “Pfand,” is an excellent recycling initiative. You can return empty bottles and cans to machines provided in supermarkets and receive a voucher based on the deposit value of the items returned. This voucher can be redeemed for cash or deducted from your shopping bill, promoting environmental sustainability through recycling.

By keeping these aspects in mind, you can navigate German supermarkets more smoothly and integrate into the local shopping culture effectively.

Typical Timings of The German Supermarkets

Store hours for supermarkets in Germany can vary widely depending on the location and size of the store. Generally, the operating hours for most supermarkets on weekdays are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, in smaller towns, stores may close earlier due to lower customer volumes. On the other hand, larger grocery stores in urban areas might extend their hours, staying open until midnight to accommodate the schedules of busy city dwellers.

For late-night needs, Germany offers a type of local convenience store known as a Späti. These stores are typically open late into the night and provide essentials such as alcohol, beer, and basic groceries. It’s worth noting that the freshness of products available late at night might not be as high as during regular daytime hours.

On Sundays, the majority of stores traditionally close due to Germany’s strict “no-work” policies, which are designed to ensure a day of rest. However, the tradition has evolved, and exceptions are made during Verkaufsoffener Sonntag (Open Sale Sunday). During these designated Sundays, which occur a few times a year, larger stores and shopping malls open for limited hours, often until noon or for part of the afternoon. This gives shoppers a chance to catch up on their purchasing needs even on a Sunday.

When planning your shopping in Germany, it’s helpful to check local store hours and keep an eye out for announcements regarding Verkaufsoffener Sonntag, especially if you need to make purchases on a Sunday.

What Germans buy in the Supermarket

Shopping habits in German supermarkets reflect a blend of traditional preferences and modern influences, with consumers purchasing a variety of goods that cater to both convenience and a growing interest in health and sustainability.

Staple Foods and Ingredients

• Bread and Bakery Products: Bread is a staple in the German diet, with a vast variety of breads available, including whole grain, rye, and sourdough.
• Dairy Products: Items like milk, cheese (especially local varieties), and yogurt are consistently popular.
• Meat and Sausages: Germany is known for its wide range of sausages and meats, with many consumers purchasing items like Bratwurst, Schinken (ham), and other cold cuts.
• Fresh Produce: Potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage are common, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Convenience and Frozen Foods

• Ready Meals and Frozen Pizza: For busy lifestyles, frozen and ready-to-eat meals are popular choices.
• Frozen Vegetables and Fruits: These items offer convenience without sacrificing nutritional value.

Health and Organic Foods

• Organic Produce: There’s a significant trend towards organic fruits and vegetables, reflecting a broader environmental and health consciousness among German consumers.
• Plant-based Alternatives: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets has led to increased sales of plant-based milk alternatives, tofu, and meat substitutes.

Beverages

• Coffee and Tea: These remain staple beverages for many households.
• Mineral Water: Germany has one of the highest consumptions of bottled water in Europe, with a preference for sparkling mineral water.
• Beer and Wine: As traditional beverages, both local and international beers and wines are frequently purchased.

Snacks and Sweets

• Chocolate and Confectionery: Germany is famous for its chocolates, and a wide variety of sweets are regularly enjoyed.
• Snack Foods: Chips, pretzels (particularly the German “Brezeln”), and other snack items are common for gatherings or as treats.

Non-Food Items

• Household Cleaning Supplies: Products for cleaning and maintaining the home are essentials.
• Personal Care Products: Items like shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics also feature prominently in shopping carts.

Overall, German supermarkets cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences, balancing traditional German products with newer, global influences and trends towards health and sustainability.

Conclusion

In Germany, supermarkets are always bustling and offer a vast selection of products, making them a crucial part of daily life, especially for expatriates seeking familiar tastes. These stores provide an impressive range of local and international foods, ensuring that you can find almost anything you need. Whether you’re new to the country or planning to move, understanding the local grocery landscape can greatly enhance your living experience, allowing you to enjoy both cooking and indulging in a taste of home. This abundance not only caters to basic needs but also enriches your culinary experiences, making supermarkets in Germany an essential stop for anyone who loves food.