Supermarket Comparison: UK vs. Spain – A Food Shopping Experience for Expats

For many British expats moving to Spain, grocery shopping is one of the first adjustments to make. While Spain offers an excellent quality of life, the cost, variety, and experience of food shopping can be quite different from the UK.

At 247 Expat Insurance, we help expats in Spain navigate everyday life, from securing comprehensive health insurance to ensuring home and car coverage. Today, we’re breaking down the differences between UK and Spanish supermarkets so you know what to expect before heading to the checkout!

Supermarket Chains: UK vs. Spain

In the UK, familiar supermarket chains include:

• Tesco – Dominates the UK market with Clubcard discounts.
• Sainsbury’s – Mid-range pricing with Nectar Card benefits.
• Asda – Budget-friendly with a large product selection.
• Waitrose & Marks & Spencer – Premium quality, higher-end prices.
• Aldi & Lidl – Popular for budget-friendly and European-style shopping.

In Spain, the major supermarket chains are:

• Mercadona – Spain’s most popular supermarket, known for good quality and low prices.
• Carrefour – French chain offering international brands and large hypermarkets.
• Lidl & Aldi – German discount stores offering budget-friendly groceries.
• Eroski & Hipercor – Mid-to-premium supermarkets with a wide product range.
• Dia – Budget supermarket with basic, no-frills options.

Key takeaway: Spain does not have major UK supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, or Sainsbury’s. However, many British expats find Carrefour and Lidl the best alternatives for familiar products.

Food Prices: Is Spain Cheaper than the UK?

Common Grocery Price Comparison (2025) – UK vs. Spain

Overall, Spain tends to be cheaper than the UK for fresh produce, meat, and local products, while imported goods can be more expensive.

British Products in Spanish Supermarkets

One of the biggest concerns for expats is finding UK food brands in Spain. While British supermarkets are not common, you can still find many UK brands in:

• Carrefour & El Corte Inglés – Best for international products.
• Overseas Supermarkets (Iceland & Waitrose) – Specializes in British imports.
• Lidl & Aldi – Sometimes stock British foods in special promotions.
• Local British Shops – Many expat areas have independent British grocery stores.

Common UK products found in Spain:

• PG Tips, Tetley, Yorkshire Tea
• Heinz Baked Beans & HP Sauce
• Cheddar Cheese & Crumpets
• Marmite & Branston Pickle
• Walker’s Crisps & McVitie’s Biscuits

💡 Key takeaway: British products are available in Spain, but expect to pay higher prices for imports.

Shopping Experience: Differences Between UK & Spanish Supermarkets

• Opening Hours – Many supermarkets in Spain close on Sundays, unlike the UK, where major chains are open 7 days a week.
• Fresh Produce – Spanish supermarkets focus more on fresh, seasonal produce, often selling loose fruits & vegetables instead of pre-packaged items.
• Deli & Fish Counters – Spanish stores have extensive fresh meat, fish, and charcuterie sections, unlike the more packaged options in the UK.
• Alcohol Prices – Wine, beer, and spirits are significantly cheaper in Spain, with excellent local options.
• Plastic Bags – Supermarkets in Spain charge for bags, and many people bring their own reusable shopping bags.
• Checkout Process – In Spain, customers bag their own groceries, whereas UK supermarkets often have cashiers or assistants for this.

Spanish supermarkets focus more on fresh, local, and seasonal products compared to UK stores, which offer more pre-packaged convenience items.

Supermarket Loyalty Programs: UK vs. Spain

UK supermarkets are known for loyalty card savings like:

• Tesco Clubcard – Exclusive discounts and points.
• Sainsbury’s Nectar Card – Points for future shopping.
• Morrisons More Card – Personalised rewards.

In Spain, major supermarkets offer discount programs, but they work differently:

• Mercadona – No loyalty card, but offers competitive pricing year-round.
• Carrefour Club – Discounts & cashback rewards.
• El Corte Inglés Card – Discounts on food & department store products.

Spain’s loyalty programs are less generous than the UK’s, but everyday prices are lower.

Online Grocery Shopping: Spain vs. UK

• UK: Online food shopping is common, with home delivery from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Ocado.
• Spain: While online grocery shopping is available, it is less common outside of big cities. Carrefour, Mercadona, and El Corte Inglés offer online shopping, but delivery slots can be limited.

Online grocery shopping is easier and more widespread in the UK than in Spain.

Which Country Is Better for Food Shopping?

Spain is better for fresh, seasonal food and cheaper alcohol, while the UK offers more variety, loyalty discounts, and online shopping convenience.

How 247 Expat Insurance Can Help

Living in Spain as an expat involves adjusting to new shopping habits, healthcare, and lifestyle changes. 247 Expat Insurance provides:

• Health Insurance – Private medical cover for expats in Spain.
• Home Insurance – Protection for your property in Spain.
• Car Insurance – Spanish car insurance for expats.
• Travel Insurance – Cover for frequent trips between the UK, Spain, Europe and the world.

Get a free quote today!

Disclaimer

Prices and product availability vary by location. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.