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If you’ve recently moved to Portugal—or are planning your relocation—one of the first things you’ll notice is that grocery shopping works a bit differently compared to countries like the US or UK.
Portugal offers affordable food, strong local products, and a mix of international options, but knowing where to shop makes a big difference in your monthly budget and daily routine.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best supermarkets in Portugal, how they compare, and where expats typically shop.
Is Grocery Shopping Expensive in Portugal?
In general, Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for groceries.
- Local products (fruit, vegetables, fish, wine) → very affordable
- Imported goods → more expensive
- Eating local = significant savings
This is one of the key reasons many expats reduce their cost of living after moving.
See full breakdown: Cost of Living in Portugal in 2026
Best Supermarkets in Portugal (Quick Comparison)
Here’s a simple overview of the main supermarket chains:
| Supermarket | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lidl | Low | Budget shopping |
| Aldi | Low | Cheap essentials |
| Continente | Medium | Everyday groceries |
| Pingo Doce | Medium | Fresh food + ready meals |
| Intermarché | Medium | Local convenience |
| Mercadona | Medium | High-quality private label |
| Auchan | Medium–High | Variety + international products |
Most expats use a combination of these depending on needs.
Budget Supermarkets (Best for Saving Money)
Lidl
One of the cheapest options in Portugal.
- Strong private-label products
- Weekly promotions
- Good bakery and fresh items
Ideal for keeping grocery costs low
Aldi
Very similar to Lidl.
- Simple store layout
- Competitive prices
- Limited but efficient selection
Great for basics and essentials
Mid-Range Supermarkets (Most Popular)
Continente
Portugal’s largest supermarket chain.
- Wide product selection
- Strong loyalty program (discounts)
- Online shopping available
Most commonly used by expats
Pingo Doce
Known for fresh food and convenience.
- Good ready-made meals
- Central locations
- Competitive pricing
Ideal for daily shopping
Intermarché
More local and neighborhood-focused.
- Smaller stores
- Good for quick shopping
- Often slightly less variety
Growing Favorite: Mercadona
Spanish chain expanding rapidly in Portugal.
- Excellent quality private-label products
- Very competitive prices
- Clean, modern stores
Many expats consider it best value for quality
Premium & International Supermarkets
Auchan
Best for variety and international products.
- Large hypermarkets
- Organic and specialty items
- Imported goods
Slightly more expensive but more choice
Online Grocery Shopping in Portugal
Online grocery shopping is growing fast and widely used.
Main options:
- Continente Online
- Auchan Online
- Mercadona delivery (select areas)
Flexible delivery slots and promotions available
See full guide: Online Shopping in Portugal
Organic & Health Food Stores
Portugal has a growing organic market.
Popular chains:
- Celeiro
- Go Natural
- Bio stores (local shops)
Best for:
- organic food
- supplements
- eco products
Get In Touch With Us
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Traditional Markets (Best for Fresh Food)
Local markets are a big part of Portuguese culture.
You’ll find:
- fresh fish
- fruits and vegetables
- local cheeses
- lower prices than supermarkets
Popular examples:
- Mercado da Ribeira (Lisbon)
- Mercado do Bolhão (Porto)
- Mercado de Loulé (Algarve)
Best quality + local experience
International Food in Portugal
If you’re an expat, you’ll likely look for familiar products.
You can find:
American stores
- cereals, snacks, sauces
Brazilian supermarkets
- very common across Portugal
Asian supermarkets
- especially in Lisbon and Porto
Important note:
Imported products are significantly more expensive.
Opening Hours in Portugal
Most supermarkets follow:
- 8:00 AM → 9:00 PM (standard)
- Shopping malls → up to 11:00 PM
- Convenience stores → later hours
Sundays: many supermarkets still open (unlike other EU countries)
Grocery Shopping Tips for Expats
To optimize your budget and experience:
- Use Lidl / Aldi for basics
- Use Continente / Pingo Doce for variety
- Buy fresh products at local markets
- Avoid imported goods when possible
- Sign up for loyalty cards (important discounts)
Cost Perspective: What to Expect Monthly
Typical grocery budget:
- Single person → €200–€350/month
- Couple → €350–€600/month
- Family → €600–€900/month
Depends heavily on lifestyle and imported products
How Can We Help
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We recommend what’s truly best for you. Our advice is based on real experience, helping clients save time and money with transparent and fair pricing.
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Seamless Process
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Your Questions Answered
What is the cheapest supermarket in Portugal?
Lidl and Aldi are generally the cheapest options.
What is the best supermarket in Portugal?
Continente and Mercadona are the most popular overall.
Are groceries expensive in Portugal?
No — especially if you buy local products.
Can I buy groceries online in Portugal?
Yes, major supermarkets offer delivery services.
Where can I find international food?
Lisbon and Porto have many international and specialty stores.
Grocery shopping in Portugal is simple, affordable, and high quality once you understand where to shop. Local supermarkets dominate the market, offering excellent and inexpensive fresh food, while imported products can quickly increase your budget. For most expats, adapting to local shopping habits leads to lower living costs and better quality food overall.
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