Grocery Shopping in Barcelona: Where to Shop and How to Save

03/10/2024 12:50:59

Barcelona life

Moving to or visiting Barcelona means you get to enjoy the city's amazing Spanish food: new flavours, markets, and local specialities. But to avoid the tourist traps and save a few euros, here's your ultimate guide to grocery shopping in Barcelona: where to shop and how to make the most of your budget!

1. Supermarkets in Barcelona: Your Go-To Stores

Barcelona has a great selection of supermarkets to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are the most popular ones:

• Mercadona is one of Spain's largest supermarket chains, known for its wide range of products. You'll find everything from fresh produce and frozen meals to toothpaste and cleaning products.
• BonArea/BonPreu: These are Catalan-owned supermarket chains offering high-quality products with a focus on local, fresh produce. Prices can be a bit higher, but the quality is excellent.
• Lidl and Aldi are two German supermarket chains that are well-known for offering budget-friendly prices. While they may have a smaller selection than other stores, they are great for basics and general groceries.
• Carrefour: Known for its large hypermarkets, Carrefour is a great choice for variety. They stock local products, international brands and organic produce. They also have lots of promotions and discounts, so keep an eye out!

2. Local Markets: Fresh, Local, and Flavorful

Barcelona is famous for its vibrant local markets, which are ideal if you want fresh produce, meat, fish, and local delicacies. Some of the most popular markets include:

• La Boqueria: Located just off Las Ramblas, this market is famous among tourists but also a great place for high-quality fresh produce, seafood, and cured meats. It can be a bit pricey, but it’s a must-visit for unique local products.
• Mercat de Sant Antoni: A favorite among locals, this market has a wide variety of affordable fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, and fish. You’ll also find a section for clothing, shoes, and books.
• Mercat de Ninot: Another local gem, Mercat de Ninot is ideal for high-quality meats, cheeses, and fresh seafood. Prices are generally fair, and you’ll experience an authentic Catalan shopping experience.
• Mercat del Clot: A tiny local market, located near our apartments in El Clot and Glóries. It is good for vegetables and fruit groceries. Fresh food with good quality!

3. Saving Money While Grocery Shopping

Barcelona offers plenty of ways to keep your grocery bill in check, even in a bustling city. Here are some tips to help you save:

• Buy Seasonal Produce: Spain is known for its amazing fruits and vegetables, but you’ll get the best prices by sticking to what’s in season. Check out the local markets for the freshest (and cheapest) options.
• Shop at Discount Supermarkets: Lidl and Aldi are fantastic options for keeping your grocery bill low, especially for everyday essentials. Mercadona’s own-brand products also offer great value without compromising quality.
• Look for Deals and Promotions: Supermarkets in Barcelona frequently run promotions. Carrefour, in particular, is known for its discounts and deals, especially if you have their loyalty card. Downloading supermarket apps can help you track discounts easily.
• Buy in Bulk: If you’ve got storage space, buying staples like pasta, rice, and canned goods in bulk can save you money in the long run. Stores like Carrefour and Mercadona offer bulk options for non-perishable goods.
• Go for Private-Label Brands: Most supermarkets have their own private labels, such as Mercadona’s “Hacendado” or Carrefour’s “Carrefour Discount,” which are usually significantly cheaper than name brands.
• Use Reusable Bags: Supermarkets in Barcelona charge for plastic bags, so it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable shopping bags. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce plastic waste!
• Use Eco-friendly Apps: You can use apps as ToGoodToGo, in these you probably find the shops from the market, supermarkets or even restaurants offering discounts of their products in a really good price and big quantity!

4. Where to Find International Products

As an expat or traveler, you might occasionally crave foods from home. While the larger supermarkets carry some international brands, there are a few specialty stores worth visiting:

• A Taste of Home: Located in Eixample, this store specializes in British, USA and Holland products, including tea, biscuits, and sauces.
• Dong Fang Supermarket: For Asian groceries, this Chinese supermarket offers a wide range of products, from noodles and sauces to snacks and spices.ç
• Yang Kuang Supermarket: Located in Eixample, it is also a good option to buy all type of Asian groceries, specially Chinese and Korean.
• Veritas: If organic and eco-friendly products are important to you, Veritas is a supermarket chain specializing in organic produce, healthy snacks, and sustainable goods.

5. Shopping at Specialty Stores: Bakeries, Butchers, and Fishmongers

While supermarkets are convenient, Barcelona has many specialty stores where you can buy top-notch products:

• Bakeries (Panaderías): Bread is a big deal in Spain. Head to your local bakery for fresh-baked bread daily. Try Baluard or Turris for some of the best artisanal loaves.
• Butchers (Carnicerías): If you’re looking for high-quality meat, skip the supermarket and visit a local butcher. Many specialize in local, organic meats, and you can often get better cuts at a lower price.
• Fishmongers (Pescaderías): Spain’s love for seafood is reflected in its many fishmongers. Even in landlocked neighborhoods, you'll find pescaderías offering fresh catch from the Mediterranean at competitive prices.

6. Cultural Considerations When Shopping

Barcelona has its own rhythms when it comes to shopping. Many smaller shops and markets still follow the traditional siesta schedule, meaning they may close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically from 2 pm to 5 pm. However, large supermarkets tend to stay open throughout the day.

On Sundays, most shops and supermarkets are closed, except for some smaller convenience stores and the markets at touristy spots like La Boqueria. Plan ahead to avoid scrambling for groceries on the weekend!

Final Thoughts

Grocery shopping in Barcelona can be a fun and affordable experience once you know where to go and how to shop smart. From the bustling local markets to discount supermarket chains, the city offers a wide range of options for every budget and taste.

Whether you’re hunting for fresh produce, specialty items, or international brands, Barcelona’s shopping scene has you covered. And with a few savvy shopping tips, you can eat well without breaking the bank!

Happy shopping! 🛒