Coop, Conad, Esselunga, Lidl — which chains have the best prices, what to buy, and the hidden gems in every store.
Plan your Italy trip →Conad: Italy's largest chain. Good quality, reasonable prices. Strong fresh produce and deli counter. Their "Sapori & Dintorni" premium line is excellent for regional specialties.
Coop: Cooperative-owned. Similar to Conad. Their own-brand products are reliable and cheap. The "Fior Fiore Coop" premium line rivals specialty shops at half the price.
Esselunga: Northern Italy (Lombardy, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna). Higher quality, slightly higher prices. Excellent bakery and prepared food counter.
Lidl/Eurospin: Discount chains. 30-40% cheaper than Coop/Conad. The "Italiamo" line at Lidl is surprisingly good Italian food at discount prices.
Carrefour Express/Punto Simply: Small urban convenience stores. Convenient but 10-20% more expensive than larger stores. Fine for water, snacks, and breakfast supplies.
Breakfast: Croissants (cornetti, €0.80-1.50 for 4-pack), yogurt, fruit, coffee for your moka pot. Total: €2-3/person vs €5-7 at a bar.
Picnic supplies: Fresh bread from the bakery section (€0.80-1.50), prosciutto cotto or crudo (€2-4/100g), mozzarella (€1-2), tomatoes (€1-2/kg), a bottle of wine (€3-6 for very drinkable options). Feast for two: €8-12.
Water: €0.20-0.40 for 1.5L. Restaurants charge €2-3 for the same thing. Stock up.