Go to local markets
If you do not want to spend a lot of money on your weekly groceries, going to local markets might be a great idea.
If you live in Vienna, you can visit markets such as Hannovermarkt or Brunnenmarkt, where you will find fresh products such as meat, vegetables, and dairy products at competitive prices - especially towards the end of the day when vendors want to get rid of their last items.
At some stalls, you might also be able to bargain, especially if you plan to buy a lot of things or if you are a frequent customer.
Also, seasonal and locally produced goods tend to be cheaper than imported items, so it can be a good idea to adapt your groceries to the time of year.
READ MORE: What you should know about supermarkets in Austria
Sign up for clubs and use discount apps
Many supermarkets and stores in Austria offer loyalty programs and apps where you can access discounts, promotions, and rewards.
For example, REWE's jö Bonus Club or Spar's loyalty programs allow you to earn points on your purchases and use them for future discounts.
Some supermarkets, Billa, for example, also use promotional leaflets (Flugblatt) where you can find 25 percent discount stickers on different products for a certain period of time. Some households, especially those close to Billa, get them in their postbox, but you can also pick them up at the stores.
Another good app worth downloading is Too Good To Go, which offers heavily discounted food items that would otherwise be wasted. Through the app, you can find many treats from bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Look for special offers
Austrian supermarkets regularly have weekly promotions, marked-down products, and special offers on certain items.
Checking supermarket flyers or websites (such as Hofer, Lidl, or Billa) before shopping can be a good idea to catch the best bargains in the stores.
Most supermarkets also reduce prices at the end of the day on dairy and meat products or certain fruits if they are about to expire.
READ ALSO: Grocery shopping in Austria: How much could you save by switching chains?
Buy the supermarket's own brands
Austrian supermarkets offer their products, which are usually much cheaper than well-known brands.
The products are made by the supermarkets themselves, making it possible for them to keep prices low while maintaining good quality.
For example, Billa has a low-cost range called Clever, while Spar offers affordable options through its S-Budget line. Hofer and Lidl are also famous for their products, such as Milfina for dairy items and Sonata for household items.
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Combine stores
Penny and Lidl are considered some of Austria's cheapest supermarkets, and buying most things there can help you save money.
However, it can sometimes be challenging to find specific items in these stores, and you might need to visit the more expensive Spar or Billa.
While it may take a little extra effort, you are likely to save money by shopping at both places—just buy what you cannot find at the cheaper stores in the pricier ones.
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