What to buy where, understanding the brands, and how to do your weekly shop efficiently.
For a newcomer from India, German supermarkets can be both fascinating and confusing. They are hyper-efficient, but the brand landscape is entirely different. Broadly, they fall into two categories: Discounters (Aldi, Lidl) and full-range Supermarkets (Rewe, Edeka). Understanding their roles is key to efficient shopping.
Aldi and Lidl are the kings of budget shopping. They offer a limited range of own-brand products at unbeatable prices. Their business model is built on efficiency: products are often displayed in their shipping cartons, and the checkout process is famously fast. For your weekly basics like milk, bread, eggs, cheese, and standard vegetables, discounters are the best place to start. They also have weekly rotating offers ('Aktionen') on non-food items, from electronics to gardening tools, which are often great value.
Rewe and Edeka are full-range supermarkets. They offer a much wider selection, including multiple brands for each product, fresh meat and cheese counters, and often a larger organic ('Bio') and international food section. While generally more expensive than discounters, they are the place to go for specific brands, higher quality produce, and items you can't find at Aldi or Lidl. Many Edeka stores are independently owned, so the selection can vary greatly from one store to another. Rewe often has a better online delivery service.
While mainstream supermarkets are expanding their international sections, you won't find everything you need for authentic Indian cooking. Large Rewe or Edeka stores might have a small selection of lentils, basmati rice, and basic spices. However, for fresh curry leaves, specific dals, atta, and a wide range of spices, you will need to visit a dedicated Indian or Asian grocery store. Use our Desi Grocery Finder tool to locate one near you.
Germany has a deposit system ('Pfand') on most plastic and glass bottles and cans. You pay a deposit of €0.08 to €0.25 when you buy the item. You get this money back by returning the empty containers to a reverse vending machine ('Pfandautomat') found in every supermarket. It's an essential part of the recycling culture and can add up to a few euros each week.
Bring your own bags: Supermarkets charge for plastic bags. Cash is still useful: While card payment is now widespread, some smaller shops or bakeries might still prefer cash. Shop on Saturday: Almost all stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan your weekly shop accordingly.
