Everybody has to eat. So, whether you’ve just moved to Portugal or are planning your long-term stay, getting familiar with the local supermarket scene is key to feeling at home. From big-box chains to open-air markets, Portugal offers a wide variety of options for buying groceries and household goods—many of which may differ from what you’re used to.
A word on what expats have a hard time finding. First off, over the past 20 years - non-Portuguese foods are a lot more common in Portugal. You may still need to be creative and make your own half-and-half or sour cream, but for the most part, you should be ok.
Here’s what every expat should know about shopping and supermarkets in Portugal.
Major Supermarket Chains
Portugal has several national and international supermarket brands. Here are the most common:
Continente – One of the largest supermarket chains. Think of it as Portugal’s version of a big-box grocery store. Good for weekly shopping, with competitive prices, loyalty cards, and home delivery options. Good prices, sells almost everything, and there is one in very good sized town.
Pingo Doce – Popular with locals for fresh produce and frequent promotions. Many locations are walkable in urban areas. They also offer ready-made meals and in-store cafes. A little more pricey and often smaller than the Continente.
Lidl – A German discount chain that’s popular in Portugal. Great for budget-friendly prices, especially on pantry items and household goods. But store logic is a bit off, and items often feel scattered.
Aldi – Similar to Lidl, with a growing presence. Smaller selection but known for quality and seasonal specials. This is the same company as Trader Joes - but not the same feel.
Intermarché – Found mostly in smaller towns and more rural areas. Offers a mix of Portuguese and international products.
Auchan (formerly Jumbo) – Large hypermarkets often attached to shopping malls. They stock everything from groceries to electronics. But, prices are higher, and you need to weigh and tag your own produce.
El Corte Inglés – A high-end department store in Lisbon and Gaia (Porto), with an upscale Spanish supermarket offering international brands and specialty items.
Specialty Shops & Local Markets
Mercados Municipais (Municipal Markets): These covered farmers' markets are where many locals go for fresh produce, meat, and fish. Prices are fair, quality is high, and shopping here supports small vendors. Most towns and neighborhoods have one, especially in the mornings. Check for open times in advance.
Talhos (Butcher Shops): For quality meat cuts and personalized service, many Portuguese still visit their local butcher. It’s common to ask for custom cuts or specific types of preparation.
Peixarias (Fishmongers): Coastal Portugal means access to fresh fish year-round. Local fishmongers often beat supermarkets on freshness and variety.
Padarias & Pastelarias: Bakeries are everywhere. Fresh bread is usually bought daily, and you’ll find regional pastries, sandwiches, and coffee on offer too.
Bio & Gourmet Shops: Organic, health-conscious, and international food items are becoming more widely available. Look for shops like Celeiro, Go Natural, and Miosótis in major cities.
What’s Different?
Opening Hours: Supermarkets are typically open 9am–9pm or later, seven days a week. Some small shops still close for lunch, especially in rural areas.
Bring Your Own Bags: Portugal has banned out free plastic bags. Bring reusable bags or expect to pay a few cents per bag.
Weigh Your Own Produce: In some stores, you’ll need to weigh fruits and vegetables yourself in the produce section using a digital scale that prints a barcode sticker. (Some chains like Lidl do this at checkout.)
Less Processed Food: You’ll notice fewer packaged or convenience meals compared to the US or UK. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Alcohol is Readily Available: Wine, beer, and spirits are sold in all major supermarkets at very reasonable prices—often with a great local selection and great prices.
Online Shopping & Delivery
Continente Online and Auchan.pt offer full online shopping with home delivery, especially in urban centers. Minimum purchase thresholds and delivery fees apply.
Uber Eats & Glovo are popular for restaurant meals—but also increasingly deliver from local markets, small grocers, and even florists.
For rural residents, delivery options may be limited, but click-and-collect (levantar em loja) is increasingly available.
Pro Tips
Get a loyalty card (cartão cliente) to earn points and access discounts.
Check weekly flyers for deals—most supermarkets have apps or printed brochures at the entrance.
Learn basic food words in Portuguese, especially for ingredients and cuts of meat.
Don’t expect everything year-round. Portugal’s markets are seasonal—just like it was at home years ago. This great for freshness, but you may not find avocados or berries in winter. Nor should you...
Watch for holiday closures. Supermarkets often close on Christmas, Easter, and big national holidays—stock up in advance.