Supermarkets and grocery stores in Spain

Make shopping for food and essentials a little easier with our expert guide to supermarkets and grocery stores in Spain.

One of the best things about moving abroad is exploring a new country with your taste buds.However, once you arrive in Spain, you’ll soon realize that the local food and drink culture is more than just something to explore at your leisure.On the contrary, it quickly becomes an integral part of your life under the dazzling Spanish sun.

Supermarkets and grocery stores in Spain – Next Expat (1)

Aside from visiting the country’s many cafes and terraces, one of the best ways to get to know Spanish cuisine is to visit the aisles of your local supermarket.However, if you are visiting for the first time, it can be difficult to know which supermarkets you should visit and how the local process works.So, to ensure you don’t go hungry, our guide to supermarkets and grocery stores in Spain includes the following information:

Shopping for products in Spain

It doesn’t matter if you come to Seville, Salamanca or Santander, the local supermarket is probably one of the first places you visit in Spain.But before you start piling up your shopping cart, you should know that grocery shopping in Spain will probably be a little different from what you’re used to.But don’t let that discourage you, because once you understand how it all works, you’ll soon find plenty to tempt your taste buds as you peruse the grocery store shelves.

Also, if supermarkets aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options in Spain.For example, many cities have markets where you can buy fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables and meat from local producers.If that all sounds like a lot of work, you can also sign up for a meal kit delivery service and get fresh ingredients and recipes delivered straight to your door.And if you don’t feel like cooking at all, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, tapas bars and cafes in Spain.

Supermarkets of Spain

Spanish supermarkets come in all shapes and sizes.Visitors from North America will recognize the bulky American-style country hypermarkets in many large Spanish cities.Meanwhile, smaller grocery stores are much more common in city centers.These are usually scaled-down versions of larger stores, but many are independently run.Wherever you go shopping, Spanish supermarkets offer a wide range of products from Spain and other countries.

If you live in the center of a big city like Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia, you will usually find many smaller supermarkets in the central areas.It sells everything you need in terms of food and drink, but not much else.Further away from the city center you will find larger supermarkets with more variety and a wider range of non-food products.On the outskirts of cities, there are often stores of the hypermarket type, which are easily accessible by car and sometimes by public transport.Everything can be sold here: from bread and fruit to home electronics and clothes.

Spanish supermarket chains

In short, there are many supermarket chains operating in Spain.Although many operate across the country, there is a strong tradition of regional supermarkets across the country.So don’t be surprised when you travel around a supermarket you’ve never heard of.Some of the largest Spanish supermarket chains include:

Mercadona: Spain’s largest supermarket chain with over 1,500 stores across Spain (and neighboring Portugal).Items are available at a price, but the assortment may vary depending on the size and location of the store.
Carrefour: The French retail giant has the second largest market share in Spain with more than 1,000 stores.They range from hypermarket-style outlets to smaller neighborhood shops.

Alcampo: The Alcampo hypermarket chain, owned by French group Auchan, sells everything fromJamon Ibericoto portable electronics.Shops, as a rule, can be found outside the city.
Eroski: The Eroski cooperative, which originated in the Basque Country, has around 1,000 outlets across Spain, ranging from hypermarkets to convenience stores.

Although you’ll usually find these chains in the cities of Spain, regional grocers tend to offer more local produce alongside their regular range.Regional supermarkets in Spain includeGadis(Galicia and Castilla y León),Caprabo(Catalonia) andMAS(Andalusia), but there are many more, so keep your eyes open.

Networks of discounters in Spain

As in most European countries, you will find a number of discount supermarkets in Spain.They usually offer a simple shopping experience with cheaper products and less selection.Leading discount supermarkets in Spain include:

Lidl: The German discounter is the third largest supermarket chain in Spain, with more than 600 stores across the country.They offer a narrow range, regular sales and discounts on non-food items.
Dia: the largest Spanish discounter offers a wide range of own and national brands.Stores vary in size, but generally offer a larger selection of products than their German competitors.
Aldi: Another German discount supermarket, Aldi has hundreds of stores across the country selling a decent range of products at affordable prices.

Spanish specialized and organic supermarkets

Spanish supermarkets are becoming more accommodating to consumers with special dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan options.However, if you are looking for something that is not available in the regular supermarkets;such as the latest superfood, the best localorganic produceor something a little more indulgent, you have several options in Spain including:

El Corte Inglés: The high-end Spanish department store also has a supermarket chain, usually located in the basem*nt of larger stores.However, Hipercor and Supercor are also separate El Corte Inglés supermarkets.
Veritas: This chain of organic supermarkets is mainly located in Catalonia, Madrid and the Basque Country.You can expect to pay a bit more, but the quality is good and of course organic.

Working hours of supermarkets in Spain

Generally speaking, the Spanish strictly follow their own rules when it comes to working hours.However, while many clothing and other stores across the country close at midday to observe the local siesta, supermarkets usually do not.Most open around 08:00 or 09:00 in the morning and close between 21:00 and 23:00 depending on the location.In rural areas, however, opening hours are usually more limited and some close for siesta, so you should plan ahead.

Spanish supermarkets are usually closed on Sundays.However, if you need groceries at the last minute, you will be able to find a few smaller stores that remain open.This often includes shops at gas stations and public transport hubs.You can also find your local store by doing a quick search online.Just be aware that you’ll usually pay more for any products you buy from one of these stores.With that in mind, you can always do as the locals do and visit the tapas bars instead.

What you need to know about Spanish supermarkets

If you’re new to Spain, here are a few things you should know before you head out:

Keep an eye on business hours: Don’t plan to do major shopping on Sunday, as stores are closed.However, the local siesta doesn’t have to derail your shopping plans.
BYOB: As in many other European countries, locals bring their own reusable, durable shopping bags.If you forget, you can pick some up at the store, but you’ll have to pay for them.

Switch to own brands: Spanish supermarkets are not very expensive, but you can still save money on your bill by switching to their own brands.
Don’t wait for medicine: unlike in some other countries, there are no painkillers or other similar medicines in Spanish supermarkets.You will need to visit your nearest pharmacy ( farmacia) to get these products.You can read more about this in our guide to the healthcare system in Spain.

Food delivery in Spain

If you can’t visit a local supermarket or simply prefer the convenience of grocery delivery, you’re in luck as there are many different food delivery options in Spain.For starters, most major national and regional supermarkets offer home delivery services.This allows you to shop online and choose your delivery location.Some stores may even offer a collection service where you can pick up your products yourself from a special collection point in the store.

Online-only grocery stores are also on the rise in Spain.These online stores can be a great choice for people with special dietary needs, as they usually carry a more specialized range of products.Some online supermarkets operating in Spain include:

There are other options for delivery to Spain.These include the increasingly popular food boxes, which offer seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and more from local producers.There are also meal kit recipe boxes that contain fresh ingredients selected for recipes you choose in advance.Another option is to have your products delivered by an assistant from an online marketplace likeTaskRabbit.And of course, you can always order takeout online if you don’t feel like cooking.

International grocery stores in Spain

Spain is quite a multicultural country and this diversity means that it is easier than ever to find international and ethnic food while living there.In big cities, for example, you will be able to find shops that sell goods from a large number of international cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Moroccan and many others.These stores offer a much better selection of international products at lower prices than the main supermarket chains and can be a great place to buy spices, herbs and other niche products.

If you are looking for products from the UK or USA, you may be able to find a small selection in some of the larger supermarkets across Spain.However, this choice will largely depend on where you are, as you’ll find more choice in larger cities and resort areas that are popular with expats.These include the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, where you’ll findOverseas Supermarkets, a chain of grocery stores selling British products.

Buying food in Spanish markets

Want to take your weekly grocery shopping to the next level?Then why not explore your local Spanish grocery market?Markets are extremely popular across the country and a quick internet search will reveal your nearest location.These markets are often located in large indoor halls (protected from the heat) and can be great places to see your neighborhood come to life.You will also be able to buy a variety of things from fresh vegetables to seafood and more at the stalls.

In recent decades, some of these food markets have become major attractions for foodies from all over Europe.As well as selling fresh food, many of the stalls offer high-quality tapas, light snacks and meals, which helps attract crowds.If you’re looking for unforgettable dining options, be sure to visit Madrid’sMercado San AntonandMercado de San Miguel.In Barcelona, visitLa Boqueria, and in Valencia, you’ll want to head toMercat Central.For more local options, it’s best to check the websites and forums where you live and see what you can find.

Specialized stores of Spain

When it comes to shopping for food in Spain, one of the best things to do is undoubtedly to visit the country’s many specialty shops.They sell a variety of delicious treats, from freshly baked bread to freshly caught octopus.Fortunately, there are many great shops here where you can buy the best local produce.To help you, here are some of the key Spanish terms to look out for when shopping in Spain:

Bakery:Panaderia
Butcher:carnicería
Fishmonger:pescadería

Shopping for healthy food in Spain

Historically, the Spanish are not as health conscious as other Europeans.Instead, they rely on the health benefits of the traditional Mediterranean diet.However, the healthy food revolution is very relevant today in the Iberian Peninsula.As a result, you’ll find a wide range of healthier options, from organic to vegan, in most major supermarkets.However, if you’re looking for something more niche, then you should probably check out your local health food store.

As you’d expect, you’ll find a larger selection of health food stores in Spain’s larger cities.Here you will find health products, vitamins, alternative remedies and much more.They can also be a great place to pick up natural and organic products for babies and children.Most of these stores are independent, but there are a few chains, such asHolland & Barrett.

Shops in Spain

Want a quick bite to eat?Forgot to take one of the most important ingredients for tonight’s dinner?Well, don’t worry because Spain has got you covered with its network of shops and kiosks.Street stalls are a great place to buy a newspaper, magazine, light snacks or drinks.Shops also sell a wider range of goods and are often open late.You will find that some stores, such as Opencor, are operated by larger brands.

Liquor stores in Spain

While many people in Spain buy alcohol from their local supermarket, you’ll usually find a better selection and more knowledgeable staff at your local liquor or wine shop, which is usually independent.You can find one near you with a quick online search.In addition, the number of online stores that sell alcohol is growing, in particular: