One of the harsh truths I learned about moving to university was how expensive groceries are. While groceries in Germany are on the cheaper side compared to other countries such as France or the United States, it can be costly if you don’t know where or how to shop. Knowing German grocery shopping customs is especially helpful as it can save you money and time. For example, back in my home country, we didn’t have the strongest recycling system, so returning plastic bottles for cash (Pfand) was a foreign concept to me. If I hadn’t been aware of this custom before coming to Germany, I probably would’ve been throwing away bottles. To help you avoid making similar mistakes, here’s a budget-friendly student grocery guide for shopping in Bremen.
Grocery Stores
First, knowing which grocery stores exist in Bremen and at what price points is important.
- Edeka (€€€): This is the most expensive store on the list, so I wouldn’t recommend shopping here for students. Although they have deals and sales, their prices remain relatively high compared to other grocery stores.
- Rewe (€€€): Rewe is slightly less expensive than Edeka, but it’s still expensive enough that I wouldn’t recommend it to students on a budget. Like Edeka, Rewe also has weekly discounts. But again, when compared to other grocery stores, it’s more expensive. However, their sushi is surprisingly good, so if you’re looking for a self-care treat, it’s worth trying!
- Kaufland (€€): This is the most popular option among Constructor University students due to its proximity to campus and the variety of stores within Kaufland, such as Müller and Action. It’s on the more affordable side and also has weekly discounts and sales. Personally, it’s not my favorite because I feel you can get better deals at Lidl and Aldi.
- Aldi (€€): I would categorize Aldi as slightly cheaper than Kaufland and somewhat more expensive than Lidl. They offer great weekly deals and are likely the second-best option for saving money. It’s also closer to campus than Kaufland, as it’s only two bus stops away. Aldi is also a great option if you want to eat healthier, as their organic(bio) items are affordable for the average student.
- Lidl (€€): Lidl is an excellent affordable option because of their weekly deals and is what I’d call the best option for saving money. I’d recommend using the Lidl app to get a preview of the discounts and sales for the upcoming week. Like Aldi, they also have great bio-options. Unfortunately, the nearest Lidl is quite far from campus compared to Aldi or Kaufland, but if you live off-campus and there’s a Lidl near you, you’re in luck!
- Netto (€): The cheapest and most affordable grocery shop near campus. Similar to Aldi, it’s also two bus stops away or 15 minutes by walking if you feel up to it. Like all the grocery stores mentioned, they offer weekly discounts and sales. The only downside to Netto is that they don’t have a great variety of products compared to the other grocery shops mentioned, so they’re great if you need an item or two.
Where to Find Fresh and Organic Products
If you’re looking for fresh, affordable, home-grown vegetables or produce, then your best bet is the Vegesack farmer’s market. It happens weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm. Another great option if you want bio-products is the Bio-Ecke store, one bus stop from campus or 10 minutes by walking. The great thing about Bio-Ecke is that they provide a 30% discount for Constructor University students.
Finding Discounts & Deals
A great method for keeping up with the numerous discount days and deals is to get the app for the grocery stores mentioned above. They all give a preview of the deals and discounts for the coming week. You’ll also find that a lot of groceries go on sale during the holiday season, such as Easter, Christmas, or simply the months Germans typically go on vacation. This is probably the only time I’d recommend shopping at the more expensive stores like Rewe.
Grocery Customs in Bremen
One grocery custom that may come as culture shock is that you must bring your own bag when grocery shopping. I know that in some countries, bags are provided for you when you get to the cashier or that you have the choice between getting a bag or bringing your own. So, remember to get a big bag, or two-you can usually buy one at the cash register of your local grocery store- before you go grocery shopping. Another tip I’d give is to be prepared to pack your items as quickly as possible, especially when other people are behind you. Here in Bremen, we don’t have the luxury of having others bag our items as we may have in our home countries. A great tip I learned about budget grocery shopping is that just because it’s a bioproduct doesn’t mean it’s expensive. I’ve noticed that organic milk is actually cheaper than regular milk, so make sure to compare the prices before making a choice.
The Pfand System
The Pfand system is definitely my favorite part of grocery shopping. Unfortunately, not all bottles are eligible for Pfand. I learned this the hard way when I put in a bottle, and it got a red light. To save yourself the hassle, always look for the Pfand sign on the bottle or can. The Pfand sign is a bottle and a can with an arrow, usually located at the bottom of the bottle or can. Every grocery shop has a machine for returning bottles either outside or inside the grocery store. To get your money, you cash in your receipt at the checkout.
I hope this student grocery guide was helpful and that you learned something new. Of course, there are more grocery stores than I mentioned, such as Asian, African, or Arab grocery stores. I’d highly recommend them when you miss home and want to make a dish from your country. They’re also quite affordable. All in all, make sure to properly explore all your options and learn what is best for you.
