8 Cheapest Supermarkets in Italy: The Ultimate Grocery Guide

Navigating the grocery aisles in Italy isn’t just about finding the best pesto; it’s about protecting your budget. As of late 2025, inflation has reshaped the cost of living, with staples like bread reaching historic highs of €5.50 per kilo. But here is the good news: according to the latest Altroconsumo data, a family of four can save up to €3,700 annually just by choosing the right supermarket.

Whether you are an expat settling in Milan or a long-term traveler in Rome, knowing the difference between a Discount and an Ipermercato is your first lesson in Italian economics. We have curated the definitive list of the cheapest and best grocery stores in Italy to help you shop like a local.

The Reality of Grocery Shopping in Italy (2025 Edition)

Before we rank the stores, you need to understand the “Street Smarts” of Italian shopping. It is different here, and knowing these quirks will save you embarrassment at the checkout.

• The Egg Rule: You won’t find eggs in the fridge. In Italy, eggs are stored at room temperature in supermarkets to prevent “sweating” (condensation) which can lead to bacterial growth. Tip: Check the baking aisle or near the bread.
• Milk Differences: Only “Latte Fresco” (pasteurized) is in the fridge. UHT milk, which is hugely popular and cheaper, is on the shelves.
• Weigh Your Own Veggies: In most supermarkets, you must weigh your fruit and veg before getting to the checkout. Put on a plastic glove, bag it, weigh it, and stick the printed label on. If you forget, the cashier will not be happy.
• Bags Cost Money: Bring your own reusable bags (“busta”). You will be charged anywhere from €0.10 to €0.15 for plastic bags at the counter.

Supermarket Prices in Italy: What to Expect

Forget the prices of a few years ago. As of December 2025, here is the realistic baseline for your shopping list. Keep in mind that prices vary significantly between the industrial North and the agrarian South.

• Bread (Pane): €4.50 €5.50 per kg (Luxury bakeries can hit €8.00+)
• Fresh Milk: €2.10 €2.30 per liter
• Pasta (Semola): €1.70 per kg (Premium brands like Rummo or Garofalo will cost €2.50+)
• Rice (Carnaroli/Arborio): €2.50 €3.50 per kg
• Coffee (250g brick): €3.00 €4.00

The Top 8 Cheapest Supermarkets in Italy

According to the September 2025 Altroconsumo investigation, the “Discount” category remains the absolute best way to save money. Here is the breakdown.

1. Eurospin (The Undisputed King)

Verdict: The #1 Cheapest Chain in Italy (2025).

Eurospin is the Italian answer to Aldi, but with a deeper focus on Italian culinary traditions. It consistently ranks as the most economical option. You won’t find big brands like Coca Cola or Barilla here; instead, you’ll find Eurospin’s private labels which are often produced in the same factories as the big brands. Their cheese and cold cut counters are surprisingly high quality for the price.

2. Aldi Italia

Verdict: The Rapidly Expanding Challenger.

Since entering the market in 2018, Aldi has aggressively expanded, reaching nearly 200 stores by early 2025, primarily in Northern Italy. They are fierce competitors on price, ranking just behind Eurospin. Their weekly “special buys” (from tools to pajamas) are legendary. While you are browsing for budget goods, you might also want to compare fashion deals with online giants like Zalando for branded clothing that supermarkets might lack.

3. Lidl Italia

Verdict: Best for Non Food Bargains.

Lidl remains a powerhouse in the Italian market. While slightly more expensive than Eurospin for a pure grocery basket, their bakery section (Pane Fresco) is unmatched in the discount sector. Their middle aisle offers everything from ski gear to gardening tools, often at unbeatable prices.

4. Conad

Verdict: The Most Accessible.

With over 4,000 stores and a massive 15% market share, you are never far from a Conad. It operates on a cooperative model, meaning individual store owners have some say in their local products. While not a “hard discount” store, their “Bassi e Fissi” (Low and Fixed) campaign on essential private label products makes them very competitive for daily staples.

5. Esselunga

Verdict: Best Quality to-Price Ratio.

If you are in Northern Italy, Esselunga is an institution. It is not a discount store, but their “Smart” yellow label product line offers the cheapest entry level prices for staples like pasta and rice, effectively competing with discounters. The shopping experience here is superior, with organized aisles and high-tech checkout systems. They employ over 29,000 people and are known for efficient logistics.

6. Famila & Famila Superstore

Verdict: Best for Mixed Shopping.

Part of the Selex group, Famila has hit the milestone of 300 stores. In 2025, they were rated highly for “Mixed Shopping”—meaning if you want to buy both cheap private labels and famous brands (like Nutella or Lavazza) in one trip, this is your spot. They strike a balance between a hypermarket and a neighborhood store.

7. Carrefour Italia

Verdict: The Convenience King.

Carrefour has undergone massive changes, having been acquired by the NewPrinces Group in July 2025. While the brand will remain visible until 2028, expect a shift toward more local Italian sourcing. They are particularly strong in the “Express” formatsmall city center shops that are open late/24-7. Warning: You pay for that convenience. Prices in Carrefour Express are significantly higher than their hypermarkets. For toiletries and health items, compare their prices with an Italy online pharmacy to ensure you aren’t overpaying.

8. Bennet

Verdict: The Hypermarket Experience.

With around 54 to 65 hypermarkets mostly in the North, Bennet is where you go for a big weekly haul. They often anchor large shopping malls (“Gallerie Commerciali”). If you need to buy a toaster, a winter jacket, and a week’s worth of groceries, Bennet is the place. Their loyalty program, Bennet Club, offers substantial discounts on non food items.

Quick Italian Grocery Dictionary

Don’t get lost in translation. Here are the essential words you need to spot on labels to know what you are buying.

• Senza Glutine: Gluten-Free
• Biologico (Bio): Organic
• Surgelati: Frozen Foods
• Offerta: Sale / Special Offer
• Manzo / Vitello: Beef / Veal
• Pollo / Tacchino: Chicken / Turkey
• Pesce Fresco: Fresh Fish (Usually sold at a counter, closed on Mondays in some smaller towns)

Final Tips for 2026

If you are serious about saving money, avoid the “Express” or “City” versions of supermarkets (like Carrefour Express or Conad City). The markup can be 20-30% higher than the larger suburban stores. Also, don’t overlook the local street markets (“mercati rionali”). While supermarkets are convenient, buying seasonal vegetables directly from a farmer’s stall is often cheaper and tastier.