Groceries
504 newsIt connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.
Dani keeps Spain’s cheapest supermarket crown in 2026
Dani leads Spain’s cheapest supermarkets again. Families could save €1,310 a year by choosing carefully, while Madrid has the widest gap between stores.
Canary Islands shoppers face a €2,167 supermarket gap
A supermarket choice in Las Palmas can change a household's annual bill by up to €2,167. OCU ranks Carrefour as the cheapest option in several Canary Islands cities, while grocery prices remain far above their level five years ago.
Spain's Growth Runs Into a Sharper Grocery Bill
Spain's economy grew by 0.7% in the second quarter and by 2.6% from a year earlier. Household spending and investment drove the rise, while fresh food prices climbed much faster than the average basket.
Where Spain's Supermarket Bill Can Fall by €1,310
A household can save an average of €1,310 a year by choosing the cheapest supermarket nearby. Madrid has the widest gap, while fresh food prices continue to rise.
Donostia's supermarket gap reaches €1,676
The OCU found a €1,676 yearly difference between the cheapest and most expensive supermarket options in San Sebastián. Irun's average grocery bill is higher still, at €6,880.
Supermarkets drop extra virgin olive oil prices below 4.5 euros
Spain’s biggest supermarkets have cut extra virgin olive oil prices, with some now selling one-litre bottles for less than 4.5 euros. The move follows weeks of steady price drops and growing pressure from shoppers worried about food costs.
Mercadona Loses Ground as Shoppers Seek Cheaper Alternatives
Mercadona's grip on Spain's supermarket sector is slipping as inflation and fuel prices climb. With government relief measures ending, more shoppers are turning to Dia and Lidl for lower prices.
Mercadona's market share stalls as inflation and fuel costs reshape Spanish supermarkets
Mercadona's market share has stopped growing as inflation and rising fuel prices push shoppers toward discount chains. With government subsidies set to expire, Spanish households face more uncertainty.
Spain recalls five barbecue and chimichurri sauces over hidden gluten risk
Spanish health officials have recalled five types of barbecue and chimichurri sauces sold under Dumt’s and Vulpi brands after undeclared gluten was found in multiple batches. The alert now affects eight autonomous communities, and consumers with gluten intolerance are urged to check batch numbers before using these products.
Sardinillas Face Strict New Rules in Spain from 2026
From January 2026, Spanish canned fish labels will be overhauled. The term 'sardinilla' will be reserved for sardines that meet exact length, weight, and origin standards. Producers must adapt packaging and terminology or risk losing the iconic name.
No 10-Cent Charge Yet: Spain Delays Deposit on Bottles and Cans
Spanish bars and supermarkets are not required to charge a 10-cent deposit on bottles or cans yet. The EU’s new packaging regulation takes effect in August 2026, but Spain’s deposit system will only launch after further national steps. Here’s what actually changes—and when.
Why Some People Put Toilet Paper in the Fridge
Placing a roll of toilet paper in the fridge is a trending tip for tackling humidity and smells, but scientific support is limited. Experts say cleaning and temperature control remain far more effective for food safety and freshness.
Mercadona Launches 'Tienda 9' Supermarkets in Madrid and Bilbao
Mercadona has opened its first 'Tienda 9' supermarkets in Madrid and Bilbao. The company invested €11 million in these locations. The new model promises greater efficiency and a focus on fresh products.
Mercadona Holds Off on 10-Cent Deposit Scheme in Spain
Mercadona has confirmed it will not introduce the 10-cent deposit for beverage containers in Spain until further notice. Despite new EU rules, the supermarket giant says no official start date or system details have been set for Spanish stores.
Japan’s Unmanned Farm Stalls Survive on Trust—And New Technology
Across Japan, small unmanned farm stalls known as mujin hanbai offer fresh fruit and vegetables with no staff, relying on visible prices and honesty boxes. As thefts rise, some stalls now use lockers and vending machines, blending tradition with modern solutions.
EU Bans PFAS Chemicals in Food Packaging from August 12
From August 12, the EU enforces strict limits on PFAS in food packaging, marking a major shift for manufacturers and importers. The regulation also sets the stage for unified recycling standards and clearer labeling across Europe by 2030.
Why Weevils Invade Spanish Pantries Every Summer
Small beetles like weevils can hide for weeks inside rice and cereals, contaminating food without being noticed. Rising summer temperatures in Spain create ideal conditions for these pests to thrive. Here’s how to spot, eliminate, and prevent infestations before they spread.
Why Empty Tofu Containers Are Becoming Kitchen Organizing Hacks
Empty tofu containers from Mercadona and other supermarkets are being repurposed as clever organizers for kitchen cabinets. But before using them for food or heating, it's essential to check the label for safety. Here’s how to make the most of these everyday items.
Spain Overhauls Olive Labeling: New Rules Hit Supermarkets
From March 2026, Spanish supermarkets must update labels on table olives and vinegars. The new law demands clearer ingredient lists and presentation details, but older stock can be sold for up to a year. Shoppers will see both old and new labels during this transition.
Publix Reports Drop in Comparable Sales as Food Prices Rise
Publix saw only slight sales growth in the second quarter, with comparable-store sales falling. Rising food prices and economic pressure are changing how customers shop. The company’s net earnings increased, but internal stock value dropped.
Police Trace Family After Ashes Found in Benidorm Supermarket Locker
A funeral urn with ashes was discovered in a Benidorm supermarket locker. Police identified and returned it to the family. The urn was left there for safekeeping during home renovations.
Why Some Chickens Have Yellow Skin and Others White
The color of a chicken’s skin is shaped by its diet, not by quality or freshness. Both yellow and white-skinned chickens can be equally nutritious, so the real differences come down to feed, genetics, and how the bird was raised. Here’s what matters when choosing chicken at the market.
Processed Meat Intake Linked to Higher Digestive Cancer Risk in Spain
A major Spanish study finds that eating more processed meat daily raises the risk of digestive cancers. Even small increases in consumption can have a measurable impact. The findings highlight the need for dietary caution.
Mercadona Launches Affordable Creatine Supplement for Fitness Enthusiasts
Mercadona has introduced a 200g creatine powder, produced by Ynsadiet, now available in select stores and online. Priced at €8, the supplement offers around 47 servings and is designed for adults engaged in high-intensity exercise. Its composition and pricing are already sparking debate among consumers.
Mercadona Builds One of Andalusia’s Largest Supermarkets in Dos Hermanas
Mercadona is nearing completion of a massive new supermarket in Dos Hermanas, set to become the municipality’s second largest retail space. The two-level building will offer a covered parking area and a spacious sales floor, reflecting the chain’s latest design standards.
Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Gains Fame After Tania Llasera Endorsement
A pistachio-filled chocolate from Dubai has become a sensation in Spain. Presenter Tania Llasera’s praise has fueled demand. Local bakeries and supermarkets now race to offer similar treats.
The Natural Powder That Removes Stubborn Bathroom Limescale in One Go
Limescale and mineral stains can quickly build up in Spanish bathrooms, especially in areas with hard water. Citric acid powder, when used correctly, dissolves even the most persistent deposits—without the risks of vinegar or baking soda. Here’s how to use it safely and effectively.
Mercadona Stores in Coastal Valencia Open With Reduced Sunday Hours
Mercadona opens select supermarkets this Sunday in coastal towns across Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón. Stores will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. The measure targets high-traffic tourist zones during the summer season.
Alcampo Unveils Four-Wheeled Shopping Trolley for Easier Heavy Loads
Alcampo introduces the Muuvi Van, a four-wheeled shopping trolley designed to carry up to 25 kg with minimal effort. Its lightweight aluminum frame and spacious, washable bag aim to make weekly grocery trips more manageable, especially for those seeking comfort and practicality.
Why Fresh Spanish Fish Rarely Reaches Markets Before Wednesday
Despite a long-standing belief that Monday is a bad day to buy fresh fish in Spain, imported seafood from Norway, Denmark, Scotland, and Chile is widely available at the start of the week. For truly fresh Spanish-caught fish, most markets in Madrid only receive new arrivals late Tuesday night, making Wednesday the best day for local seafood.
From Madrid Stress to Rural Galicia: How One Woman Lives on €50 a Month
Lucía, 27, left Madrid behind to restore a century-old house in rural Galicia. Her monthly food bill rarely exceeds €50, thanks to her own garden and livestock. Her story highlights a growing trend among young Spaniards seeking affordable, sustainable lives outside the city.
The Tuna Dilemma: Oil or Water for the Perfect Salad or Pasta?
Choosing between tuna in oil or water can make or break your next salad, pasta, or toast. The difference goes beyond taste—texture and juiciness matter too. Here’s how to pick the best option for every dish and why it’s not as simple as grabbing any can off the shelf.
Pablo Ojeda Warns: Cut Watermelons in Supermarkets Pose Hidden Summer Risk
Nutritionist Pablo Ojeda has raised concerns about buying pre-cut watermelons and melons left unrefrigerated in supermarkets. Health authorities stress that sliced fruit must be kept cold to prevent bacterial contamination, especially during Spain’s peak summer season.
Nutritionist Warns Against Buying Pre-Cut Watermelon in Spanish Supermarkets
Nutritionist Pablo Ojeda has highlighted the health risks of buying pre-cut watermelon and melon in supermarkets. Improper refrigeration and frequent handling increase the danger. The warning comes as summer fruit sales surge across Spain.
Lidl Launches Solar-Powered Motion Sensor Light for Under €6
Lidl is introducing a solar-powered LED spotlight with a motion sensor for just €5.99. Designed for patios, gardens, and entrances, this compact device promises simple installation and energy savings for Spanish households seeking practical outdoor lighting.
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