Whether you’ve just moved to Germany or are visiting for a while, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is where to buy your groceries. Grocery shopping here is a bit different from what you might be used to — with a strong emphasis on efficiency, local products, and a wide range of pricing options. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of grocery stores in Germany, product varieties, and what options are best for different budgets and lifestyles.

Types of Grocery Stores in Germany

Germany’s grocery ecosystem is well-organized and typically divided into three main types:

Discount Supermarkets

These are the most budget-friendly and commonly found across cities and towns.

• Examples: Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny, Norma
• Best for: Basic household needs, packaged goods, produce, bakery items
• Price Range: € – Ideal for students, singles, and budget-conscious families
  Despite their low prices, discount supermarkets offer surprisingly good quality, including organic products (look for “Bio” labels).

Mid-Range Supermarkets

These offer a wider product selection, better presentation, and more branded goods.

• Examples: Rewe, Edeka, Kaufland
• Best for: Weekly shopping, families, fresh meat counters, and better wine & cheese selection
• Price Range: €€ – Suitable for mid-income households or those looking for quality + variety
  They often have loyalty programs and apps offering discounts or coupons.

Specialty & Organic Stores

Germany has a large organic movement, and you’ll find full supermarkets dedicated to organic and sustainable products.

• Examples: Alnatura, Denn’s Biomarkt, Reformhaus
• Best for: Organic produce, vegan/vegetarian products, allergy-friendly foods
• Price Range: €€€ – Better suited for eco-conscious shoppers or specific dietary needs

What You’ll Find Inside: Variety & Categories

Grocery stores in Germany carry a wide range of products, though things may be organized differently than you’re used to.

• Fresh Produce: Usually seasonal, locally sourced, and affordable. Bring your own bag or use the paper ones provided.
• Bakery (Bäckerei): Most supermarkets have fresh bread sections, but for real artisan bread, head to an independent bakery.
• Dairy: A huge selection of cheese, yogurt, and milk (including oat, soy, and almond milk).
• Meat (Fleisch): Available pre-packed or from the fresh counter in larger stores like Kaufland or Edeka.

Tip* To find halal meat, look for your nearest Turkish supermarket, and you can also find halal packaged meats in freezers on Kaufland and Norma. Apart from that find processed halal meat (pepperoni, salami etc) under the brand “Kamar Halal” available at some outlets of Edeka, Norma, Rewe, Netto and Penny.

• Frozen Foods (Tiefkühlkost): Great for pre-made meals, veggies, and even fish.
• Drinks: Sparkling water is popular. Juices, local beers, and wine have wide sections too.
• Ethnic Aisles: Limited in discounters but more diverse in bigger stores. Turkish, Asian, and Russian grocery stores are common in cities.
• Household Items: Cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and even clothing or kitchenware (especially at Lidl & Aldi on “offer” days).

Tip* Are you allergic to something? Find my blog if you have allergy in Germany.

Tips for Budgeting & Planning

• Use weekly flyers (“Prospekte”): Check store apps or websites for deals.
• Deposit system (“Pfand”): Bottles and cans have a deposit. Return them via machines at the store entrance and collect vouchers.
• Compare prices: A weekly shop at Aldi or Lidl can cost you 20–30% less than at Rewe or Edeka.
• BYOB – Bring Your Own Bags: Plastic bags aren’t free; reusable bags are encouraged.

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Which Store for Which Household?

Household Type	Best Store(s)	Why
Students & Expats	Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Netto	Cheap, efficient, all basic needs
Small Families	Kaufland, Rewe,Edeka	Larger selection, promotions
Organic/Eco Shoppers	Alnatura, Denn’s	100% organic, sustainable
International Tastes	Rewe, Edeka, Local ethnic stores	Global food brands, specialty items

Grocery App in Germany

Grocery shopping in Germany is practical and affordable once you get used to the system. With a bit of planning and store hopping, you can balance quality, price, and variety to fit your lifestyle. Say goodbye to writing grocery items on paper or just relying on your super confident memory. It’s not happening.

Bring! this App will help you sort your groceries in no time. It’s not just an app for lists but will also notify you for aktion or angebote (discount) items in different grocery shops. The best part, you can create list and share with friends or family for them to add things, manage list etc.

Online Grocery in Germany

Don’t wanna go out for grocery? Order in then!

Amazon Fresh / Amazon Pantry

• Available in select cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.
• Offers a wide range of groceries and household goods.
• Fast delivery, especially for Amazon Prime members.
• Website: amazon.de

Flink

• A quick delivery app (often under 10–30 minutes).
• Great for last-minute essentials, snacks, or beverages.
• Available via mobile app in major urban areas.
• Website: goflink.com

Gorillas

• Another instant grocery delivery service with a focus on convenience.
• Delivers within minutes in large cities.
• Great for busy professionals or those without a car.
• Website: gorillas.io

Picnic

• App-based grocery delivery that offers scheduled deliveries.
• Operates in select cities and suburbs.
• Weekly shopping model with low delivery costs.
• Website: picnic.app

Bringmeister

• High-quality groceries with focus on freshness and premium products.
• Partnered with EDEKA.
• Available mainly in Berlin and Munich.
• Website: bringmeister.de

Alnatura & Basic

• Focused on organic and eco-friendly groceries.
• Ideal for those who prefer sustainable and bio products.
• Website: alnatura.de, basicbio.de

Now that you know where to shop, checkout this blog to know how you can save money on grocery in Germany.

How to save Money in Germany for Expats & Students