When you’re moving abroad, shopping for groceries can feel like an overwhelming task. That’s why it’s a great idea to know a few words in Spanish so that you can shop as smoothly as possible!
Fortunately, Spain has an extensive network of supermarkets and grocery store in spanish. These range from large national chains to smaller neighborhood shops.
Supermarkets
If you’re visiting Spain, chances are you’ll be in need of some groceries. In fact, supermarkets are one of the most popular places to shop in Spanish cities and towns. Besides being a place to grab some food, shopping at a Spanish grocery store in spanish can be a great way to learn about local culture and customs.
Whether you’re planning to visit a major city or small town, there’s likely to be at least one supermarket within easy walking distance of your hotel or vacation rental. This store will provide you with all your basic necessities, as well as a selection of food from Spain and other countries.
There are many different types of supermarkets in Spain, from hypermarket-style stores to smaller, independently run grocery shops. The latter are more common in larger towns and cities, where they offer a range of goods that isn’t found at the bulky, US-style out-of-town hypermarkets.
For example, Mercadona is the largest chain of supermarkets in Spain, operating more than 1,500 locations across the country. The company has a wide range of products, including dairy, meats and vegetables. In addition, Mercadona has a wide variety of gluten free, lactose-free and vegan options.
Alternatively, you can also find a large number of smaller independent grocery shops that sell fresh and dry goods from local producers. These can be a good option if you’re looking for organic foods or gourmet cuisine.
Supermarkets in Spain are a competitive industry, and there is fierce price competition among them. This is because consumers in Spain are very sensitive to cost and are always on the lookout for the best deals.
The top retail chains in Spain are Mercadona, El Corte Ingles and Carrefour. Mercadona has 79,800 employees and operates more than 1,633 stores throughout the country.
El Corte Ingles has over 7,000 employees and operates over 200 stores in the country. The company offers a large range of private-label products and also has many speciality stores that focus on certain items, such as organic products or gourmet cuisine.
There are a few other popular options for purchasing groceries in Spanish, such as meal-kit recipe boxes and food delivery services.
These allow you to purchase a selection of fresh, seasonally-fresh fruit and vegetables from local producers, and then have it delivered right to your doorstep. In addition, you can buy local meats and fish at the weekend farmer’s markets in Spanish cities and towns.
Convenience stores
Convenience stores are a type of grocery store in Spanish that sells everyday items. They typically open late and offer a wide variety of goods, including snacks and drinks.
They are a great alternative to larger supermarkets and may be found near railway stations, bus stops, or along busy roads.
Some convenience stores are operated by major brand names, while others are owned by local franchisees. Most of them are open from 9 am to 9:30 pm, but some will stay open until midnight or later.
Most of the large chain stores in Spain are based in Valencia, but smaller stores can also be found throughout the country. These include Mercadona, Carrefour, Dia, Lidl, El Corte Ingles, Eroski, and Alcampo.
Unlike in some other countries, many Spanish groceries are sourced from local farmers. This is to keep prices low, and it is also a way for consumers to support local business.
In addition, a growing number of health food stores have opened in Spain, offering a range of healthy options to shoppers. These stores often stock organic or vegan products and offer a wider selection of foods than traditional supermarkets.
These shops are a great option for tourists who are looking to eat healthier while in Spain. They tend to be more expensive than other groceries, but they are worth the extra cost if you are looking for a quality product.
Many Spanish grocery stores will carry a small range of foreign goods, including bottled wine and beer. These will vary from region to region, but you should be able to find some products from the UK or the US.
Another popular supermarket is Lidl, a German discount store that has hundreds of locations in Spain. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is often located in areas that are not well-served by other supermarkets.
There are also a few specialty stores that specialize in specific foods, such as panaderias (bread stores), pastelerias (pastry shops), and pescaderias (fishmongers). These are popular places to buy roasted nuts or dried fruit.
The Spanish market is an important part of local culture, and is an essential source of fresh and local ingredients. In fact, every neighborhood has its own indoor market, and many locals are on a first-name basis with the vendors.
Health food stores
A health food store is a special type of grocery store that offers a wide range of products and services. These include health products, vitamins, alternative remedies and much more. They also offer a variety of healthy foods, including gluten-free and vegan options.
These stores are often located in the larger cities, and they have become increasingly popular with consumers who are looking for a healthier way of living. They are not only a good place to purchase healthy foods, but they can be a great resource for information on local health services and a chance to meet other members of the community.
The best thing about health food stores is that they often carry a selection of organic produce, as well as a variety of vegan and vegetarian items. They can also offer a wider range of products than you might find at a traditional supermarket, and their specialty departments often carry a more diverse selection of health foods.
Many health food stores carry premixed preparations of calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for people who need to increase their intake of these minerals. This is especially true for people who are pregnant, nursing or taking medications, or for those with low blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
They can be purchased in both powder and tablet form. Both forms are easily available in pharmacies and health food stores, and the powder is particularly convenient for adding to fruit smoothies.
Sarsaparilla root is a common ingredient in health food stores, and it’s considered one of the most effective natural pain relievers. The undiluted dried root is a popular choice, but you can also buy it in capsule form.
Foreign goods
Whether you’re missing the good old American-style bread or can’t get your hands on that special chocolate brand from back home, there are ways to get your favorite foods in Spain. You can either import them into the country yourself, or you can visit a grocery store that stocks international goods from around Europe and beyond.
Mercadona, Carrefour and Hipermercados are among the most popular supermarket chains in Spain. They offer a variety of products, including everything from household cleaning products to clothing and cosmetics. They also sell their own brand of alcohol and small gift items.
They often have a good selection of foreign food, and their prices are typically lower than those of the large hypermarkets. You can find them in large cities and resort areas where expat communities are prevalent, such as on the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol.
Most Spanish supermarkets have a decent selection of imported products, although the variety can vary by region. Some are stocked with a variety of foreign brands, while others focus on the more local and authentic Spanish products.
There are also a few specialty stores that specialize in specific products, such as the bakery or butcher. They are a good option for finding products that you can’t find in the larger stores and can help support small business in your community.
You can also visit local markets in Spain to purchase your fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. These are a great place to learn about the local culture and get to know your neighbors.
The best part is that the quality of the produce you’ll find in these markets is often better than what you’d find in a supermarket. Plus, you can usually save money by buying the produce in bulk.
Some of these stores are owned by foreigners, and they carry a range of products from groceries to liquor, gift items and even small children’s toys. They tend to be open on Sundays and during siesta, and are a convenient alternative to the larger grocery store in Spanish when you don’t have time to shop in a traditional store.
