Affordable Supermarkets in the Canary Islands: OCU Report Highlights Surprising Findings

The cost of groceries is a crucial factor for consumers in the Canary Islands. A recent report from the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) reveals notable price disparities among supermarkets across the archipelago. Contrary to expectations, neither Mercadona nor Carrefour ranks as the most economical choice. In 2025, Alcampo is identified as the most affordable supermarket in Tenerife, while Lidl leads in Gran Canaria, emphasizing the significance of informed shopping decisions to maximize savings.

Grocery Costs in Tenerife

According to the OCU report, Alcampo hypermarkets located in Las Chumberas in La Laguna and on the TF-5 at exit 36 in La Villa shopping centre are the most cost-effective options in Tenerife. An average household’s monthly grocery expenditure at Alcampo is approximately €194.66, establishing it as a benchmark for comparison with other retailers. In contrast, shopping at Hiperdino results in a monthly cost of €197.10, reflecting an annual increase of €29.28, while Carrefour’s monthly expense reaches €197.84, marking an annual rise of €38.16.

Mercadona’s Higher Prices

Mercadona stands out as the more expensive alternative, with a monthly grocery bill of €200.14, leading to an additional annual cost of €65.76 compared to Alcampo. Aldi, while slightly less costly, still incurs an annual difference of €61.80, positioning it as a pricier option than the reference supermarket in Tenerife. Although the monthly price variations may appear minimal, the OCU highlights that households could potentially save between €40 and €65 each year by opting for different supermarkets.

Gran Canaria’s Supermarket Landscape

Lidl emerges as the most affordable supermarket in Gran Canaria, with a monthly expenditure of €199.14. Following closely is Alcampo Telde, which shows an annual difference of €52.44. In stark contrast, prices at Hiperdino range from €206.38 to €209.38 monthly, resulting in an excess of €87 to €123 per year compared to Lidl.

Comparative Analysis of the Islands

The report indicates that grocery shopping is generally less expensive in Tenerife compared to Gran Canaria. An average household in Tenerife spends €194.66 at the most economical supermarket, while the minimum expenditure in Gran Canaria is €199.14. However, the price differences among various chains are more significant in Gran Canaria, suggesting that selecting the right supermarket could lead to annual savings of up to €122.88, which is double the potential savings in Tenerife.

Factors Affecting Price Variations

Several elements contribute to the price differences observed between the islands:

• Competition: The presence of two Alcampo hypermarkets in Tenerife fosters competitive pricing, whereas Gran Canaria has only one Alcampo outlet, limiting competition.
• Logistics: Variations in transportation and distribution networks impact pricing based on proximity to ports and warehouses.
• Commercial Strategy: Supermarkets may adjust their prices according to local market competition and consumer purchasing power.
• Fresh Produce: The OCU basket includes various fresh items, the prices of which fluctuate based on local production and supplier agreements.
• Consumer Habits: The demand for specific products may vary between the islands, influencing the weighting of items in the pricing index.

National Context of Grocery Pricing

The OCU’s analysis encompasses 241 food, cleaning, and hygiene products sourced from both physical and online supermarkets across Spain. Alcampo is recognized as the most affordable supermarket in 42 cities nationwide, while the Dani chain, which is not present in the Canary Islands, serves as a national reference. Overall, prices in the OCU basket have risen by 3% in 2025, with fresh products experiencing a notable increase of 8%. In contrast, packaged goods have seen only a slight change of 0.8%, but the significant weight of fresh items contributes to the overall price increase felt by consumers.

Potential for Savings

The OCU estimates that selecting the right supermarket can lead to an average annual saving of €1,132 per household. In larger cities like Madrid, the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive supermarkets can exceed €4,000. In the Canary Islands, while the figures are less extreme, the study indicates that switching supermarkets can result in savings of up to €65 in Tenerife and more than €120 in Gran Canaria.

Key points

• Alcampo is the most economical supermarket in Tenerife, with an average monthly cost of €194.66.
• Lidl is the cheapest option in Gran Canaria, costing approximately €199.14 monthly.
• Mercadona’s monthly grocery bill is €200.14, making it the most expensive in Tenerife.
• Households could save between €40 and €65 annually by choosing different supermarkets.
• Price differences between supermarkets are more pronounced in Gran Canaria than in Tenerife.
• OCU’s analysis includes 241 products from supermarkets across Spain.
• Overall prices in the OCU basket increased by 3% in 2025, with fresh products rising by 8%.