Where do the locals buy food?
Valencia has a wide variety of supermarkets, each with unique characteristics and offers. Below, I’ll tell you a little about the most popular ones.
Mercadona
Mercadona is undoubtedly the largest and most popular supermarket in Valencia and throughout Spain. This Valencian chain stands out for its excellent value for money, with a wide range of fresh products and own brands such as Hacendado, Bosque Verde, and Deliplus. Its fresh products, such as fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, are particularly appreciated by the locals.
Consum
Consum is another highly valued Valencian chain, especially for its focus on local and organic products. They offer a wide range of fresh products and have improved their selection of sustainable products. Consum focuses on good customer service and has a membership cooperative, which reinforces its commitment to the community.
Carrefour Hypermarket
Carrefour hypermarkets are known for their huge variety of products. They offer not only food, but also clothing, electronics, household goods and more. Valencians value Carrefour for its wide range of options in a single shop, making it a convenient place to shop big.
Carrefour Express
Carrefour Express is the smaller version of the Carrefour hypermarkets, but still offers a good selection of products. They are ideal for quick and convenience shopping, as they are often located in central or residential areas. Locals value Carrefour Express for its variety of international brands and fresh produce.
Alcampo
Alcampo is one of the largest hypermarkets in Valencia and offers one of the most varied selections of products. From food and beverages to clothing and technology, locals choose it for big purchases. In addition, Alcampo is known for its fresh produce and its focus on competitive prices.
El Corte Inglés Supermarket
El Corte Inglés Supermercado is located in the El Corte Inglés department store, and is known for its wide selection of gourmet products and premium brands. Although it is slightly more expensive than other chains, many locals prefer it when looking for high quality or hard-to-find products.
Lidl
Lidl is famous for its low prices and imported products, especially from Germany. Although it is known for its focus on affordable quality, it also has an excellent selection of fresh and organic products. Valencians enjoy the weekly offers, which include everything from food to household and gardening items.
Aldi
Similar to Lidl, Aldi is another German chain that has become very popular in Valencia. It offers competitive prices and good quality products, especially in its organic product line. Many Valencians choose Aldi for its excellent selection of staple foods and fresh produce at affordable prices.
Dia
Dia is known for being one of the most economical supermarkets. Although its selection of products is more limited than in other chains, it stands out for its constant offers and discounts. It is a popular choice for quick shopping or low-cost staples.
Hipercor
Hipercor is part of El Corte Inglés and is a larger hypermarket than its supermarket version. Here you can find a much wider range of products, from groceries to household appliances. Locals choose it for large purchases or when they need specific high quality products.
Supercor
Supercor is the smaller version of Hipercor and El Corte Inglés, focusing more on food and convenience products. It is a proximity shop where customers value the quality of the products, although prices tend to be a little higher than in other chains.
Suma
Suma is a smaller supermarket chain, but offers a good variety of basic and fresh products. It is especially popular in Valencia’s smaller neighbourhoods and towns, where locals appreciate the proximity and personalised service.
Eroski
Although not as common in Valencia city as other chains, Eroski has a presence in the region. It is known for its focus on local and sustainable products, with a good selection of fresh produce and a range of both national and international brands.
Eco-Bio Supermarkets in Valencia: Healthy and Sustainable Options
Valencia is a city that is increasingly committed to a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. For those looking for organic and natural products, two of the best known supermarkets are Herbolario Navarro and Veritas.
Herbolario Navarro
Herbolario Navarro is a leading supermarket in Valencia for organic and ecological products, with a history dating back to the 19th century. Although it began as a traditional herbalist’s shop, today it is a complete supermarket with a wide variety of fresh and organic products. Valencians trust Herbolario Navarro for its organic fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, and a wide range of natural products, from foods for special diets (gluten-free, vegan) to nutritional supplements. In addition, its trained staff advises customers on nutrition and wellness, making this shop a must-stop for those who prioritise a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Veritas
Veritas is an organic supermarket chain that has become very popular in recent years. All their products are certified organic, which guarantees that they are free of pesticides and harmful chemicals. At Veritas, you can find a wide range of fresh produce such as organic fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. They also have a section of natural cosmetics and sustainable cleaning products. Their commitment to health and the environment makes them an outstanding choice for those looking for high quality organic products.
My experience and where I buy food
First of all, I would point out that most Spaniards respect and love the Mercadona chain and shop there, especially as you can easily find them nearby. Among tourists this chain is also popular, being a kind of must-see attraction. Overall, it is a chain that is constantly evolving and tries to keep the quality high for its customers. However, there are a few disadvantages that I highlight for myself: 1) there is no customer loyalty programme; 2) low variety of brands. This means there is no Mercadona Club card or anything like that could you provide you discounts and personal offers for being a loyal Mercadona client.
Personally, I shop at Consum most often, as this supermarket is closest to my home. I am satisfied with both the quality and the variety of goods available in this chain. I am particularly attracted by their loyalty programme: it allows me to choose my favourite products and buy them at a discount. Moreover, Consum accrues bonuses depending on the amount of the cheque, which makes it possible to accumulate and deduct a certain amount for the next purchase.
Each supermarket has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the choice of where to shop depends on personal preferences. For me, I have not yet found the perfect supermarket that would fulfil all my needs. For example, conventional supermarkets often lack vegetarian and vegan options, and in such cases I go to eco-bio shops where I can find the range I need. If I want more variety, I opt for Carrefour, although the prices there are quite high and the shop locations are not always convenient.
Lidl often pleases me with themed weeks dedicated to the cuisines of different countries, where you can find products from Italy, Germany, Japan, USA and other regions. And if I need something special or of premium quality, I prefer El Corte Inglés. I would even call this supermarket one of the sights to visit if you find yourself in the city.
In conclusion, there are plenty of options for grocery shopping in Valencia, from large supermarkets to small local shops and markets. The choice depends on exactly what you’re looking for: everyday items at affordable prices can be found at Mercadona and Consum, while for something special or premium quality products, head to El Corte Inglés or Hipercor. For those looking for organic products and a healthy lifestyle, Herbolario Navarro and Veritas are ideal options. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shops to find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences. Either way, you’ll always find fresh and quality products in Valencia, no matter where you choose to shop.
