Groceries and cooking

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know which shop to use for what, how to buy at counters and markets, how to keep the food budget down, and how to cook and drink well at home.

Start with "Choosing a Spanish supermarket, Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Dia and others". It helps you pick where to do the weekly shop, and the other pages build on that choice.

Key rules

• Counter queue: At a busy counter, ask "¿Quién es el último?" when you arrive, then answer "Yo" when staff ask who is next.
• Default choice: Mercadona is the biggest chain and is nearly everywhere, so it is the easiest first choice for low prices and steady quality.
• Second shop: Add a second shop for what Mercadona lacks, such as Carrefour or Alcampo for range and bulk, or Lidl for bakery and German goods.
• Own brands: Supermarket own-brand products are usually the biggest single saving on your shop.
• Basic foods: Bread, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables carry the lowest 4% IVA rate.
• Market: Buy fish, quality meat and seasonal produce at the market, where freshness and advice are usually better.

Groceries and cooking: questions that cross several articles

How much does a weekly food shop cost in Spain?

A couple typically spends a few hundred euros a month on food, and the amount rises with household size, city and brand choice. Valencia, Alicante and Murcia are often among the cheaper cities. Read "What groceries cost in Spain and how to save" for budgeting, and "Choosing a Spanish supermarket, Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Dia and others" to compare chains.

Why do some foods carry lower VAT in Spain?

Staples such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables carry the 4% super-reduced VAT (IVA) rate. Most other foods, including pasta, are at 10%, while sugary soft drinks and alcohol are at 21%. Temporary cuts have come and gone, so see "What groceries cost in Spain and how to save" before you build a budget.

How do I know if an online supermarket delivers to my address?

Enter your postcode (código postal) on the chain's website or app, and it will say whether it delivers and which slots apply. If your area is not covered, it may offer click-and-collect. Read "Online grocery delivery in Spain and when it is worth the fee" for fees and minimum orders, and "Choosing a Spanish supermarket, Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Dia and others" to pick a chain.

Is it safe to cook with butane or gas in an older Spanish home?

Yes, it is safe if you ventilate, use a hose within its date and check connections for leaks with soapy water, never a flame. If you smell gas, avoid switches and flames, open windows, close the valve and call 112. Read "Cooking in a Spanish kitchen, ovens, hobs and equipment" for how to adapt to your kitchen.

Can I use tap water for cooking as well as drinking?

Yes, public tap water is officially drinkable, so it is fit for cooking too, though taste and hardness vary by area. Private wells and some rural supplies may not be covered in the same way. Read "Can you drink the tap water in Spain?" and "Cooking in a Spanish kitchen, ovens, hobs and equipment" next.