German Grocery Stores Explained

18 April 2025

German Grocery Stores Guide

German Grocery Stores Explained: What to Expect & Where to Shop

Stepping into a German supermarket for the first time can feel a little confusing — no baggers, lots of private labels, and entire aisles of yogurt.  But don’t worry — this guide will help you shop like a local in no time.

Here’s everything you need to know about grocery shopping in Germany.

Popular Grocery Store Chains in Germany

• REWE – Mid-range, clean stores, good for fresh produce
• EDEKA – Often higher-end, nice bakery section
• Lidl – Budget-friendly, fast checkout, weekly specials
• Aldi – Minimalist layout, low prices, great for basics
• Penny – Discount store, small but decent selection
• Kaufland – Huge selection, combines groceries + household goods
• Bio Company / Alnatura – Organic-only supermarkets

Things That Might Surprise You

• Bring your own bags – Plastic bags cost extra, so bring a tote
• You bag your own groceries – Quickly! 
• No late-night shopping – Most stores close by 8 PM
• Closed on Sundays – Plan ahead (especially for new arrivals!)
• Deposit on bottles (Pfand) – Bottled drinks have a deposit (usually €0.25). Return them to get your money back

What to Buy Where

• Bakery Items – REWE, EDEKA, and local bakeries inside or near stores
• Fresh Produce – Lidl has great prices, REWE has variety
• Meat & Cheese – EDEKA’s deli counters are top tier
• Toiletries & Cleaning – Try DM or Rossmann (drugstores)
• Budget Musts – Aldi and Penny are unbeatable for pasta, rice, eggs, milk

How to Use the Bottle Return (Pfand) Machines

• Find the machine near the entrance/exit
• Insert bottles one by one (labels must be readable)
• Collect your Pfandbon (receipt)
• Use it as a discount at the cashier or ask for cash back

Tips for First-Time Grocery Shopping in Germany

• Bring coins for the shopping cart (€0.50 or €1)
• Don't block the aisles with your cart — people move fast!
• Learn basic words: Milch (milk), Eier (eggs), Brot (bread), Käse (cheese)
• Be prepared for regional differences (some stores are only in certain areas)

Coming Soon:

Top 10 German Food Items Every Newcomer Should Try

Tags: grocery shopping in Germany, German supermarkets guide, REWE vs Aldi, Pfand machine, what to expect German store, Germany expat grocery tips