Groceries are getting more and more expensive in Germany. Consumers groan under the increased prices. They therefore turn to the well-known no-name brands of discounters and supermarkets. But that’s not a good idea. FOCUS Online says how you can get the highest savings potential.
For years, the private labels of the large supermarket and discounter chains in Germany were considered the cheapest alternative when shopping. On average, consumers could save up to 60 percent if they used the cheaper no-name brand.
The savings were high back then, as was the quality. Behind well-known low-cost brands such as “Milfina”, “Milbona”, “Ja” or “Good and cheap” there are often large retail brands such as “Zott”, “Müller”, “Homann” or “Bauer”.
However, rising energy, transport and labor costs are radically changing this rule. In many cases, branded products are cheaper than their cheap alternatives. Especially when the branded product is reduced, it is worth reaching for the premium product.
Discounters and supermarkets, for example, charge 2.29 euros for 250 grams of butter in the best case. The branded product is usually 80 cents more expensive, costs from 3.09 euros and upwards. But again and again there are “Landliebe”, “Kerrygold”, “Weihenstephan”, “Meggle” and other popular butter brands for less than 2.29 euros in the campaign.
For example, Lidl recently sold the “Meggle” butter for 2.19 euros. Anyone who buys the branded product saves 10 cents compared to the cheaper alternative from the Lidl brand “Milbona”.
You can also save on milk if you take a closer look. Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl and Penny set a price of 1.09 euros for a liter of whole milk. Hit and Rewe currently sell branded products for 99 cents. Here, too, the saving would be ten cents compared to the cheaper no-name alternative.
If you want to save, you should browse through brochures and apps. If a brand is reduced, you should look for the no-name product and compare the price. The basic price, which is given in small letters, can also help. This always indicates the full kilo or liter price.
Basically, if you don’t want to bother, it’s definitely worth reaching for the no-name shelf. The cheaper branded alternatives can often be found on the bottom shelf.
In this case, the one-stop shopping principle applies to you. If you buy no-name from Aldi Süd, you can expect prices to be similar to those from Penny or Lidl. The price differences are low and are sometimes in the single-digit cent amount.
There have only been a few special offers on no-name products in the past few months. Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl and Penny have so far focused on discounted branded products or they have compared expensive branded products with cheaper no-name products. In fact, prices have risen sharply in recent months, especially in the private label segment.
If you want to save, use a mix of branded products that are discounted, organic products and no-name brands. With a weekly purchase of 40 euros you save at least 2 to 5 euros. Calculated per month, this is ideally up to 20 euros.
Why organic? Because the groceries usually have to cover shorter distances and storage times. That affects the price.
It is also important to check the app of the respective supermarket or discounter. There are often daily vouchers that only apply to app users. You will then either receive a special discount if you show the app at checkout or you can add a second product to the shopping cart free of charge.
You should also keep an eye out for cashback products. You can find these either directly online, with instructions on the packaging, or on printed vouchers that are distributed directly on the shelves. You buy the product, ask for the receipt and then take a picture of both with your smartphone. You upload the questionnaire and the photos via an online form and then receive the money back within 30 days by bank transfer.
Current promotions are currently available from these manufacturers for certain products. Find out which products are affected on the packaging, online or from information on the shelf.
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Supermarket prices are skyrocketing, but furniture, clothing, shoes and other consumer goods are also becoming more expensive. As a retail expert, I know the tricks of the trade and tell you how you can save money for you and your family every month when shopping. Would you like to talk to me about your savings tips and tricks? Did you notice anything while shopping? Then send an e-mail to Konstantinos.mitsis@burda-forward.de with your name and phone number
