Cheapest and most expensive supermarkets: Choosing well can reduce cart spending by 20%
A recent analysis by the Organization for Consumers and Users highlights how grocery costs have shifted this year. They note a notable rise in July and a continued trend of higher average bills across households when comparing May of last year to May of 2022. The organization warns that price pressure is unlikely to ease in the near term, pointing to steady increases over the last several months. Calls to government action emphasize reducing the cost of essentials, especially foods, energy, and supermarket staples, including bulk purchase programs that aim to keep essentials affordable after earlier efforts to create a low-cost shopping cart under scrutiny.
Bulk purchasing is a widely used strategy in sectors such as energy and telecom. It involves sealing an agreement with a distributor, in this case a supermarket, to supply products at lower unit costs because large, predictable volumes are involved. The concept has practical application in grocery shopping as well, with organizations like the OCU arranging annual bulk purchases for thousands of consumers. This year, the arrangement with Repsol in energy procurement benefited around 20,000 participants, resulting in estimated yearly savings near 241 euros per household. Such programs illustrate how scale can translate into real savings on essentials.
OCU describes an open offer within its framework, inviting a broad range of distributors that span from small shops to large supermarket chains to join the bulk-purchase effort. In this bilateral arrangement, the consumer group negotiates terms with the distributor, rather than involving a government body. A spokesperson for OCU notes that while government ministers may promote general baskets, the actual recommendations come from the consumer organization itself, with clear guidance on what items should be prioritized for inclusion. The exchange underscores a practical approach to shopping that centers on value and transparency in price.
Cheapest and most expensive supermarkets: Choosing well can reduce cart spending by 20%
The organization prefers to keep certain product specifics under wraps for now, citing that lists may evolve. However, they indicate the core categories they plan to include: vegetables, fruits, potatoes, bread, pasta and rice, legumes, nuts, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products, cheese of all kinds, fermented dairy, meat, olive oil, and water. This focus mirrors what government programs aim to promote, emphasizing fresh produce as a priority. The list also contrasts with the 30-euro, 30-item basket publicized by a major retailer, highlighting a pragmatic approach to household budgeting rather than a fixed shopping scheme. The spokesperson adds that the chosen basket is designed to reflect real family grocery needs, not merely a theoretical display of products.
The bulk-purchase framework aligns with the government’s emphasis on fresh produce while aiming to avoid overpaying for essentials. The commentary notes that the basket under consideration is not a fixed catalogue but a living plan that adapts to consumer realities and monthly price fluctuations. This perspective reinforces the idea that shoppers benefit when they understand which items most impact their weekly or monthly spending and how to prioritize healthier, essential options.
choose the supermarket
Beyond government policy and supplier negotiations, the OCU emphasizes the power of smart choice at the point of sale. Correct supermarket selection can translate into meaningful savings, potentially trimming the average family food budget by roughly 17.5 percent, which translates to roughly 5,568 euros over a year for a typical household.
In regional terms, the most affordable chains include Tifer in Castilla y León and Dani, a local retailer operating primarily in Granada. On a national level, Family Cash, Alcampo, and Supeco stand out as economical options. Conversely, the most expensive chains identified include Sánchez Romero, Ulabox, Novavenda, and Amazon. Among the nationwide comparisons, Alcampo offers the lowest costs in 27 locations, while Mercadona and Sudeco lead as budget-friendly options in several other locations. The year shows a shift with Mercadona and Dia increasing prices the most, driven largely by the price movements of their own-branded lines. The findings underscore how pricing strategies vary across chains and regions, affecting household budgets in meaningful ways.