With food prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, many families across the Costa Blanca are paying closer attention to where they do their weekly supermarket shopping.
As a result, more consumers are comparing supermarket prices in an effort to reduce their grocery bills.
According to studies carried out by Spain’s Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), choosing the right supermarket can make a significant difference over the course of a year. In some cases, annual savings can reach hundreds of euros, depending on shopping habits and household size.
While no single supermarket offers the best value for every shopper, several chains consistently perform well in consumer surveys.
Alcampo remains among the cheapest options
Alcampo regularly appears among the most competitively priced supermarket chains in national consumer studies.
In particular, its larger hypermarkets tend to perform strongly thanks to their extensive product range and competitive pricing.
Consequently, many households carrying out a full weekly or monthly shop continue to view Alcampo as one of the best-value options available.
Family Cash continues to expand
Meanwhile, Valencian retailer Family Cash has built a strong reputation in recent years.
The company combines traditional supermarket shopping with a warehouse-style approach, allowing customers to access a wide range of products at competitive prices.
As a result, the chain has attracted growing numbers of shoppers across the Costa Blanca, including many families looking to reduce their spending without limiting choice.
Consum balances value and quality
Consum remains one of the most popular supermarket chains in Alicante Province.
Although it does not always top national price rankings, many shoppers choose the retailer because it combines competitive prices with quality fresh produce and customer loyalty programmes.
Furthermore, consumer studies have identified several Consum stores among the most competitive in Alicante when comparing everyday shopping baskets.
Lidl and Aldi remain strong contenders
Similarly, German discount retailers Lidl and Aldi continue to attract budget-conscious consumers.
Lidl has built a loyal customer base through its own-brand ranges and frequent promotions. Aldi, on the other hand, has expanded steadily while focusing on affordable everyday essentials.
For that reason, many shoppers combine purchases from these stores with visits to larger supermarkets in order to maximise savings.
What about Mercadona?
Mercadona remains one of the most widely used supermarket chains in Alicante thanks to its extensive network of stores and strong reputation for own-brand products.
However, recent price comparisons suggest it is not always the cheapest option when cost alone is considered.
Even so, many consumers continue to favour Mercadona because of its convenience, consistency and broad product range.
Can switching supermarkets really save money?
According to consumer experts, the answer is yes.
The OCU has repeatedly identified significant price differences between supermarket chains. Consequently, larger households that consistently shop at lower-priced retailers could potentially save more than €1,000 per year.
Of course, the cheapest option will vary from one family to another. Ultimately, spending depends on factors such as product preferences, the balance between branded and own-label goods, and the promotions available at any given time.
Therefore, comparing prices and shopping strategically can still make a noticeable difference to household budgets over the course of a year.
