If you’re new to Poland, one of the most important things to figure out is where to shop for groceries. Fortunately, Poland has a wide variety of supermarkets, from discount stores to premium chains, each offering a unique shopping experience. Below is a guide to 10 supermarkets in Poland that will help you feel like a local in no time.
1. Biedronka
Biedronka is Poland’s largest supermarket chain, and you’ll likely see its cheerful ladybug logo on almost every street corner. It’s known for affordable prices and a wide selection of everyday items, from fresh produce to household goods.
What to look out for:
- Promocja – Look for this word, which means “promotion,” to snag some good deals.
- Świeże owoce – You’ll find this in the fruit section, meaning “fresh fruits.”
2. Lidl
Lidl is a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers, offering good-quality products at reasonable prices. The supermarket frequently runs themed weeks, offering specialties from different cuisines around the world.
What to look out for:
- Okazja – This means “deal” or “bargain,” and it’s often used for promotions.
- Tydzień tematyczny – Keep an eye out for these “thematic weeks” if you’re craving international flavors.
3. Auchan
Auchan is a large hypermarket where you can buy almost anything. It’s an excellent option if you’re planning a big grocery haul or need non-food items like clothing, electronics, or home supplies.
What to look out for:
- Dział – This word means “department” and is used to navigate the store.
- Bio – A lot of Auchan’s products are labeled as “bio,” meaning organic.
4. Carrefour
Carrefour offers a great mix of affordable and premium products, often catering to a slightly higher-end clientele. It’s also one of the few chains that offers a broad selection of international foods, which is great for foreigners missing a taste of home.
What to look out for:
- Produkty premium – These are “premium products” and are often of higher quality.
- Kasa samoobsługowa – This means “self-checkout,” which can make your shopping experience faster.
5. Żabka
Żabka isn’t a supermarket in the traditional sense—it’s a small convenience store chain, but it’s everywhere. You can pop in to grab a quick snack, coffee, or even basic groceries.
What to look out for:
- Małe zakupy – Means “small purchases,” which is perfect for a quick stop.
- Kawa na wynos – If you need coffee to go, this phrase will help.
6. Kaufland
Kaufland offers a massive range of products, from groceries to home appliances, at reasonable prices. It’s known for its wide aisles and often spacious store layout.
What to look out for:
- Przecena – Meaning “discount,” this is a word every savvy shopper should know.
- Pieczywo – Refers to “baked goods,” and Kaufland has a particularly good bakery section.
7. Netto
Netto is a discount supermarket that offers great prices on everyday items. Its minimalistic design and focus on low-cost products make it an ideal spot for budget shopping.
What to look out for:
- Niska cena – Means “low price,” which you’ll see often in Netto.
- Mięso i wędliny – This means “meat and cold cuts,” and they usually offer a good selection.
8. Intermarché
Intermarché is a French chain that has established itself well in Poland. It’s slightly more upscale than some of the discount stores but still offers good deals and a broad selection of imported goods.
What to look out for:
- Specjały z Francji – Look out for this phrase meaning “specialties from France.”
- Świeże ryby – Intermarché is known for having good “fresh fish” selections.
9. Aldi
Aldi is a German discount chain with stores throughout Poland. Known for its no-frills approach, Aldi focuses on low prices and efficiency.
What to look out for:
- Produkty ekologiczne – Aldi has a good range of “eco-friendly products.”
- Własna marka – This means “own brand,” and Aldi has many great in-house products.
10. L.Eclerc
L.Eclerc is a French hypermarket that offers a wide selection of both local and imported goods. It’s a great place to shop if you’re looking for variety, as the store stocks a lot of foreign brands alongside Polish staples.
What to look out for:
- Delikatesy – This word refers to “delicacies” and can be found in the premium food section.
- Ser – You’ll want to visit the cheese section for a variety of “cheeses” from around Europe.
Whether you’re looking for cheap groceries, international foods, or a quick snack, these supermarkets have you covered. Each offers something unique, and by learning a few useful Polish words, you’ll navigate the aisles with ease! Happy shopping!
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