Supermarkets in Switzerland: The Ultimate Grocery Guide for 2026

If you have recently moved to Switzerland, your first trip to the grocery store probably came with two shocks: the closing times and the receipt. Swiss supermarkets are clean, well stocked, and notoriously expensive. But they also operate with a unique set of cultural rules that can confuse newcomers.

Navigating the aisles here isn’t just about buying milk; it is about choosing a side in the national “Migros vs. Coop” debate, figuring out why you can’t buy wine at the country’s largest retailer, and learning the hard way that almost nothing is open on Sundays.

As we head into 2026, the retail landscape is shifting with more discount options and delivery services than ever before. Here is your practitioner’s guide to survivingand saving money inSwiss supermarkets.

The “Big Two”: Migros vs. Coop

In Switzerland, you are essentially born into a “Migros family” or a “Coop family.” These two giants control the vast majority of the market, and while they look similar on the surface, they operate very differently.

Migros: The Orange Giant

Migros is Switzerland’s largest retailer, operating over 760 locations as of late 2025. It is a cooperative with over 2.2 million members, and it prides itself on being the “people’s supermarket.”

The Practitioner’s Insight: The most critical thing to know about Migros is that it does not sell alcohol or tobacco. This policy has been in place since 1928 and was reaffirmed by a vote in 2022. If you are planning a dinner party and need wine, you will have to make a separate stop (often at Denner, which is owned by Migros but operates independently).

Migros relies heavily on its own private labels. You won’t find many big international brands (like Coca Cola or Nutella) in smaller stores; instead, you’ll find Migros’ own versions, which locals often swear are superior.

Coop: The Brand Home

With nearly 1,000 supermarkets across the country, Coop is the main rival. Generally perceived as slightly more expensive than Migros, Coop focuses on branded products and gourmet “Fine Food” lines.

Unlike Migros, Coop sells wine, beer, and spirits directly on the shelves. It is often the preferred choice for expats looking for specific international brands they recognize from home.

The Discounters: How to Save 25%

For years, Swiss shoppers looked down on discount chains. That has changed. Inflation has driven even wealthy shoppers to the German discounters, Aldi and Lidl, which have aggressively expanded their Swiss presence.

Lidl and Aldi Suisse

If you want to cut your grocery bill, this is where you go. Recent price comparisons in 2025 show that a standard basket at Lidl or Aldi is roughly 20-25% cheaper than at Migros or Coop. For specific items like produce (e. g., lemons or cucumbers), the price gap can be as high as 40%.

Lidl is particularly aggressive on price and fresh bakery items. Aldi Suisse celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 and now operates 247 branches. While their selection is smaller than the big two, the quality of Swiss meat and chocolate in these stores is surprisingly high.

Denner

Denner is the third largest player and is technically owned by Migros. It acts as a discounter but carries the brand name alcohol and cigarettes that Migros refuses to stock. It is the go-to spot for affordable wine and bulk deals on beverages.

Convenience and Rural Shopping

Volg

If you live in a village or the countryside, Volg is likely your lifeline. With over 900 points of sale, they are everywhere. They specialize in local, village level service. They are generally more expensive, but they save you the drive into the city.

Spar

Spar operates as a neighborhood franchise store. They often have slightly better opening hours than the main supermarkets, but prices reflect that convenience.

Luxury and Department Stores

When budget is no issue and you need truffle oil or high-end gifts, you head to the department store food halls.

• Manor Food: Known for having excellent fresh fish counters and locally sourced produce. Their “Click + Collect” service allows pickup in 60 minutes.
• Globus Delicatessa: The absolute premium tier. Think champagne, caviar, and artisan panettone (which can run you CHF 38.00). It’s an experience, not just a grocery trip.

Opening Hours: The “Sunday Shock”

This is where most expats get caught out. Unlike in many other countries, Swiss commerce sleeps on Sundays.

The Reality Check:

• Closing Times: Standard supermarkets in cities like Zurich close between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. In smaller towns, they may close as early as 6:30 PM.
• Sundays: Almost everything is strictly closed.
• The Loophole: If you are desperate for food on a Sunday, go to a Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof), an airport, or a large gas station shop (like Coop Pronto or Migrolino). These are exempt from the Sunday ban and stay open late (often until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM), though you will pay a premium for the convenience.

5 Rules for Swiss Grocery Shopping

To avoid awkward stares from the locals, follow these unwritten rules:

• The Coin Deposit: Most shopping carts require a 1 or 2 Swiss Franc coin to unlock. Keep one in your car or wallet at all times.
• Weigh Your Veggies: In many stores (especially older Coop/Migros layouts), you must weigh your produce and print a sticker before you get to the checkout. If you forget, the cashier will send you back, and the line behind you will not be pleased.
• Bring Bags: Free bags are a thing of the past. Bring sturdy reusable bags, or be prepared to pay 20-30 Rappen for paper ones.
• Medicine is Separate: You generally cannot buy painkillers (like ibuprofen) or cold medicine in a supermarket. You must go to a specialized pharmacy (Apotheke). For cross border options, many Swiss residents look to neighbors; check our guide on France online pharmacy options to compare.
• Cross Border Shopping: Because prices are high, “Shopping Tourism” is common. Many residents drive to Germany or France for bulk buying. If you are looking for clothes rather than food, you might check top cheap clothes shopping sites in Germany or giants like Zalando.

Delivery Services: When You Can’t Leave the House

The delivery landscape has matured significantly by 2025. If you cannot make it to the store, these are your best bets:

• Just Eat: The market leader. Originally for restaurant takeout, they now deliver groceries and pharmacy items in under 45 minutes in major cities.
• Smood: The runner up, heavily integrated with Migros for grocery delivery (often within one hour).
• Farmy: The choice for local, organic farm products. They carry exclusive items you won’t find in the big chains.
• Meal Kits: HelloFresh remains the dominant player for recipe boxes. Note that smaller regional players like Beyond Food often take seasonal breaks (e. g., during the holidays), so check their schedules.

Healthy and Organic Options

Switzerland is extremely health conscious. While regular supermarkets have great organic (Bio) sections, specialized health stores are available. Note: The traditional “Müller Reformhaus” chain went bankrupt and closed all branches in 2023. For health food specifics today, look for independent “Reformhaus” shops or the chain Egli.

A Note on Electronics and Non Food

While hypermarkets sell some electronics, they are rarely the best deal. For high ticket items like gaming consoles, you are often better off comparing prices online. For example, checking Playstation prices in Germany can sometimes highlight the “Swiss Tax” you pay locally.

Shopping in Switzerland requires a bit of planning, but once you master the Migros vs. Coop divide and remember to shop before Sunday, you will eat very well.