After living in Valencia for nearly three years, I’ve figured out quite a bit about daily grocery shopping. When I first arrived, I made plenty of mistakes, often buying from small supermarkets in the city center only to discover their prices were ridiculously high. Today I want to share some of the best value supermarkets I regularly visit, hoping to help newcomers to Valencia or anyone looking to save money.
Recommended Chain Supermarkets
Mercadona - The Value Champion
When it comes to budget supermarkets, Mercadona is absolutely the top choice. This Spanish local chain has branches all over Valencia, and their store brand Hacendado offers good quality products at affordable prices. I frequently buy their olive oil, canned goods, and cleaning supplies, which are at least 20-30% cheaper than other supermarkets. Plus, they have weekly promotions, so I recommend downloading their app to check for deals.
Consum and Lidl
Consum is a local chain in the Valencia region with fresh fruits and vegetables, and their membership points system is quite worthwhile. Although Lidl is a German brand, they’ve opened many stores in Valencia, and their bread, dairy products, and frozen foods are very competitively priced. I especially recommend Lidl’s Thursday special deals, where you can often find great bargains.
Here’s a price comparison I’ve compiled for several supermarkets, using common items as examples:
| Product Type | Mercadona | Consum | Lidl | Carrefour |
|---|
| Milk 1L | 0.75€ | 0.85€ | 0.69€ | 0.95€ |
| Eggs 12 pack | 1.85€ | 2.10€ | 1.75€ | 2.30€ |
| Olive Oil 1L | 4.50€ | 5.20€ | 4.80€ | 6.00€ |
| Tomatoes 1kg | 1.20€ | 1.15€ | 1.40€ | 1.50€ |
Other Money-Saving Tips
Besides choosing the right supermarket, shopping timing matters too. Many supermarkets discount near-expiry products after 8 PM, with discounts reaching 30-50%. If you don’t mind consuming them the same day or the next, shopping during this time slot is particularly cost-effective. Additionally, the central market in the Ruzafa district on Saturday mornings is worth visiting for local produce at fair prices and even fresher quality.
One final reminder: don’t be fooled by those beautifully decorated small supermarkets in the city center, as their prices are usually over 40% higher than chain supermarkets. If you live in the city center and want to save money, it’s worth walking a bit further to Mercadona or Lidl. Valencia has convenient public transportation, so with a bit of route planning for your shopping trips, you can save a substantial amount each month.
Do you have any other money-saving shopping tips? Feel free to share in the comments below!
