Expat life hacks: 11 ways to save money at the Czech grocery store

It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising in Czechia. Although changes in value-added tax may bring the price of groceries down a little, knowing where, when, and how to shop for food in Czechia could save you hundreds of crowns every month.

To help you, we’ve put together a guide on smarter ways to go grocery shopping that are easier on the wallet.

Prices change constantly, and knowing whether Lidl, Albert, or Tesco stocks the cheapest pasta can be a headache. Thankfully, multiple price-comparison tools available online – and for free – can show you which stores offer the most affordable versions of the products you want. Such sites include Pricemania.cz or Zboží.cz.

Each major supermarket chain in Czechia has different loyalty programs that offer discount coupons or better prices for their users. The Tesco Clubcard, for example, can often slash prices by around half. The Můj Albert (My Albert) application also offers more favorable prices. The Billa Bonus Club gives you 1 point for every CZK 50 spent. The more points you earn, the more you can buy for free in return. 

If you see a tempting “buy one, get one free” offer in a supermarket, it may be well worth claiming it. Some apps, however, do the hard work for you and seek out special promotional deals from supermarkets in Czechia.

Not only is delivery highly convenient, but grocery shopping online via platforms such as Rohlik.cz and Košík.cz forces you to be more mindful of what you're putting in the cart and helps you cut down on impulse buys. Remember: delivery prices depend on the time of day you choose; try to select off-peak times to get the best deals.

Consider opting for private-label groceries over branded items. Unbranded products like Albert Quality and Tesco Everyday Value food items, or even batteries labeled by IKEA, can provide better value than premium brands. This is because manufacturers invest less in marketing, enabling them to offer these goods at more economical prices than well-known brands.

When shopping on a budget, make a habit of comparing grocery prices based on weight. A practical tip is to focus on the cost per 100 g rather than the displayed retail price. Beyond the retail price, most products also indicate their cost per 100 g, providing a more accurate basis for comparing similar items. This will help you get the best value for your money.

Stay informed on which grocery store items are most impacted by inflation. In January 2024, the cost of fruits and vegetables increased, specifically potato prices, by 5.7 percent. The Czech Statistical Office consumer price index offers a good overview.

Choosing fruits and vegetables based on seasonality can help slash your grocery budget. Beets, cabbage, and leek are in season in the Czech Republic (February), but you’ll have to wait until May to see seasonal strawberries and cherries hit the shelves, for instance.

In Czech shops, the so-called Baťa prices, have historically been used to create a false perception of affordability, leading to unnecessary purchases. These prices, named after the famous Czech shoemaker, traditionally ended in 9 (9 CZK, 49 CZK, 499 CZK), though today are more likely end in 90 (190 CZK, 490 CZK). 

Did you know that Billa and Lidl have policies about wait times that give customers discounts for waiting in line for too long? Or that Kaufland will reward you if you discover an expired product? In a country where customer service and food quality are constantly called into check, learning and applying these policies can add up!

Those living near Czechia’s border regions may have already traveled to a different country to stock up on certain items. Various research has found that groceries in Poland have been markedly cheaper than in Czechia for almost two years, and some products are less expensive even in neighboring Germany and Austria. 

If you have the time, hop over the border and see what deals you can find. You can even use the Prometheus application to get a double deal by hunting out promotions in other countries’ stores.