Europe’s Cheapest Supermarkets in 2025: A Country-by-Country Comparison
As grocery prices continue to rise across Europe, consumers are increasingly seeking affordable shopping options. Discount chains like Aldi and Lidl maintain their stronghold in many countries, while local retailers also offer competitive pricing. Below is an overview of the most cost-effective supermarkets by country, based on recent data and consumer insights.
🛒 Cheapest Supermarkets by Country
| Country | Leading Budget Supermarket(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Aldi, Lidl | Aldi was named the UK’s cheapest supermarket for June 2025, narrowly beating Lidl retail-insight-network.com. |
| Germany | Aldi, Lidl | Both chains dominate the discount sector, offering low prices across a wide range of products. |
| France | Lidl, Carrefour | Lidl offers competitive prices, while Carrefour provides a balance of affordability and variety. |
| Spain | Lidl, Carrefour | Lidl’s efficient operations contribute to its cost-effectiveness. |
| Italy | Lidl, Carrefour | Both retailers offer competitive pricing, with Lidl leading in some regions. |
| Poland | Lidl, Biedronka | Biedronka, a local chain, offers prices comparable to Lidl’s. |
| Hungary | Lidl, Aldi | Lidl’s presence is strong, with Aldi also offering competitive prices. |
| Romania | Lidl, Carrefour | Carrefour’s hypermarkets provide a wide range of affordable products. |
| Bulgaria | Lidl, Kaufland | Lidl and Kaufland lead in affordability, with Kaufland offering a diverse product range. |
| Greece | Lidl, Sklavenitis | Sklavenitis, a local chain, offers competitive pricing alongside Lidl. |
🔍 Observations
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Eastern Europe: Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland offer some of the lowest grocery prices in Europe, with Lidl and local chains like Biedronka leading the way International Supermarket News.
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Western Europe: In nations such as Germany, France, and Spain, Lidl and Aldi maintain their positions as the most affordable supermarkets, often outperforming local competitors in price comparisons Which?.
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Southern Europe: Italy and Greece see strong competition between Lidl and local chains like Carrefour and Sklavenitis, respectively, offering consumers a range of affordable options.
💡 Shopping Tips for Budget-Conscious Consumers
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Embrace Private Labels: Opt for store-brand products, which often match the quality of branded items at a lower price.
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Utilize Loyalty Programs: Many supermarkets offer loyalty cards or apps that provide discounts and special offers.
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Shop Seasonal Produce: Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lead to significant savings.
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Plan Meals Ahead: Creating a shopping list based on planned meals can help avoid impulse purchases and reduce waste.