Smart Shopping Secrets

1. Plan around the promotions, not the other way around

Instead of deciding what you want to eat and then hoping it's on special, flip the script. First, check the latest promotions in Price Check Portugal, see which supermarket has the best deals on meat, fruit and basics, and then build your weekly menu around those.

For example, if chicken is on a great promotion at one store and pasta is discounted at another, you already have the base of a few simple meals. You save money without feeling restricted.

2. Compare "real" prices, not just flashy discounts

A big red "-50%" sticker doesn't always mean it's the best deal. Sometimes the "discounted" product is still more expensive than a similar item at another store. Use Price Check Portugal to compare across multiple supermarkets instead of trusting one flyer.

3. Use loyalty cards… but don't let them trick you

Loyalty cards in Portugal (Continente, Pingo Doce, etc.) can save you a lot, but only if you're buying things you actually need. Combine your loyalty discounts with the deals you see on Price Check Portugal, and you'll get the best of both worlds without filling your pantry with random stuff.

4. Buy seasonal fruits and veggies

Seasonal produce is usually cheaper, tastier and more plentiful. Use the app's seasonal deals to spot what's best right now – oranges and citrus in winter, tomatoes and melons in summer, and so on. Your wallet and your tastebuds both win.

5. Set a "deal limit" to avoid impulse buying

Deals are addictive. One trick is to decide in advance: "I'll only buy two items that weren't on my original list." That way you still get to enjoy surprise bargains without leaving with a trolley you didn't plan for.

Bottom line: you don't need to become a full-time coupon hunter. With a quick look at Price Check Portugal before you shop – plus a few simple rules – you can save every week with almost zero extra effort.

Continente – The "all-rounder" with strong promotions

Continente is like the big all-rounder. Great for:

• Weekly promotions across almost every category
• Household items, cleaning products, pantry basics
• Strong loyalty card offers and coupons

Check Price Check Portugal before you go – Continente's promos change often, and some weeks you can stock up on essentials at really good prices.

Lidl – The "surprisingly good quality for the price" option

Lidl is loved for:

• Affordable fresh produce
• Budget-friendly bakery items (fresh bread, pastries)
• Simple, no-nonsense own-brand products

It's a great place when you want to save but still eat well. Use the app to see when your favourites are on special and plan a "Lidl-heavy" week.

Mercadona – For fresh food and convenience

Mercadona is known for:

• Good-quality ready meals and snacks
• Solid fruit, veg and meat selection
• Convenient prepared items when you're busy

If you're having a crazy week and don't feel like cooking from scratch, Mercadona is a lifesaver. Keep an eye on their deals so your "lazy days" don't blow your budget.

Intermarché, Pingo Doce & others – Local gems and neighbourhood habits

Many people in Portugal end up mixing a "main" supermarket with smaller local options. Intermarché or Pingo Doce might be closest to home, with good promotions on specific items like meat, dairy or fresh bread.

The smartest move is to:

• Check Price Check Portugal to see where this week's top deals are
• Do one "big shop" at the cheapest option for your list
• Use your local store just for quick top-ups

There's no "one perfect supermarket" – but with a price comparison tool in your pocket, you can make each of them work for you.

1. Start with your "must-buy" list

Before you look at any deals, write down the basics you need this week: milk, eggs, bread, meat, fruit, cleaning products, etc. Then use Price Check Portugal to see which supermarket gives you the best total for that list.

2. Use favourites or "hearted" items

As you find products you regularly buy, mark them as favourites (or "heart" them if that feature is available). Over time, this becomes your personal smart shopping list – and you can quickly see when your usual items go on promotion.

3. Don't chase every single deal

It's tempting to drive to three different supermarkets in one day "because it's cheaper". Sometimes the time and petrol cost more than you're saving. Instead, choose one or two stores that give you the best overall mix of savings + convenience.

4. Check seasonal sections first

Seasonal sections highlight what's good value right now. Building your meals around those items means you'll naturally spend less without feeling like you're on a strict budget.

5. Remember: prices can change!

We do our best to keep information accurate and up to date, but supermarkets can change prices and promotions at any time. Always double-check in store before buying – and if you spot a difference, feel free to send us a message on the Contact page so we can update it.

With just a few minutes of planning each week, Price Check Portugal turns from "nice tool" into "how did I ever shop without this?".

What Makes Continente Special?

Continente is like that reliable friend who always has what you need. Whether you're doing a massive family shop, stocking up on bulk essentials, or just grabbing pantry basics – they've got you covered. Their stores range from huge hypermarkets to smaller Continente Modelo and Continente Bom Dia locations, so there's usually one nearby.

Where Continente Really Shines ✨

• Weekly promotions across almost every category – seriously, check their flyers!
• Household items and cleaning products – great prices on the boring-but-essential stuff
• Pantry basics – rice, pasta, oils, canned goods at competitive prices
• Strong loyalty card offers – the Cartão Continente can save you loads

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Before heading to Continente, pop into Price Check Portugal and filter by Continente. Their promos change weekly (sometimes even mid-week!), and you'll spot the best deals before you even leave the house. Combine that with your loyalty card discounts, and you're basically a savings superhero. 🦸‍♀️

Best For:

Family shops, bulk buying, household essentials, and anyone who loves a good promotion hunt. If you want variety and don't mind bigger stores, Continente is your happy place!

The Neighbourhood Champion

Pingo Doce is the supermarket you probably pass every day. They're everywhere in Portugal – and that's exactly why they're so popular. Perfect for those "just popping in for a few things" trips (that somehow always end up costing more than expected 😅).

Where Pingo Doce Really Shines ✨

• Fresh bread – their in-store bakeries are genuinely good!
• Everyday fruit and veg – reliable quality for daily cooking
• Regular promotions on meat, dairy and frozen goods
• Convenience – there's probably one within walking distance

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Here's the thing – those quick top-up shops can add up fast! Before you head out, check Price Check Portugal to see Pingo Doce's current promotions. That way, your "just a few things" trip doesn't turn into a surprise bill at the till. Knowledge is power (and savings)! 💪

Best For:

Quick top-up shops, fresh bread runs, people who value convenience, and anyone who likes having a reliable supermarket close to home.

The Busy Person's Best Friend

Mercadona arrived in Portugal from Spain and quickly won hearts. Why? Because they understand that sometimes you just don't have time (or energy) to cook from scratch – and that's perfectly okay! Their ready meals, salads, and prepared options are genuinely tasty.

Where Mercadona Really Shines ✨

• Ready meals and salads – for those "I can't be bothered to cook" days
• Quality snacks – their Hacendado brand is surprisingly good
• Fresh fruit, veg and meat – solid selection at fair prices
• Convenience items – prepared ingredients that save you time

PCP Pro Tip 💡

If you have favourite Mercadona products you buy regularly, use Price Check Portugal to spot when they're on promotion. Stock up when prices drop, and your "lazy days" won't blow your budget. Win-win! 🎉

Best For:

Busy professionals, anyone who appreciates good ready meals, fans of quality own-brand products, and people who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

The True Hypermarket Experience

Auchan is proper old-school hypermarket vibes. We're talking huge stores where you can buy groceries, clothes, electronics, homeware, garden stuff... basically everything. Perfect for those "let's do one big shop and be done for the month" missions.

Where Auchan Really Shines ✨

• Bulk packs – family-sized everything at good prices
• Non-food items – homeware, clothes, electronics all in one place
• Monthly shop friendly – wide aisles, big trolleys, lots of choice
• Category-specific promotions – sometimes incredible deals on certain sections

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Before doing a big Auchan run, check Price Check Portugal to see which categories are offering the best promotions this week. Plan your list around those deals, and you'll avoid overspending on full-price items. Your wallet will thank you! 💰

Best For:

Big monthly shops, families who buy in bulk, anyone who wants groceries AND household items in one trip, and people who enjoy the hypermarket experience.

The Budget Champion That Doesn't Feel "Budget"

Lidl has completely changed the game in Portugal. Yes, prices are low – but the quality? Surprisingly high! Their fresh produce is often better than more expensive competitors, and those in-store bakeries... 🤤 The fresh bread and pastries are dangerously good.

Where Lidl Really Shines ✨

• Fresh produce – fruits and veggies that are actually fresh and tasty
• In-store bakery – freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes daily
• Own-brand basics – simple, quality products without fancy packaging
• Weekly theme promotions – Italian week, Greek week, Portuguese week...

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Lidl's promotions are seriously good, but they change quickly! Use Price Check Portugal to see what's on offer right now, and decide if it's a "Lidl week" for your main shop or just a quick run for specific deals. Their themed weeks are especially worth watching! 🇮🇹🇬🇷🇵🇹

Best For:

Budget-conscious shoppers, fresh bread lovers, anyone who wants quality without paying premium prices, and people who enjoy discovering new products in themed weeks.

The No-Nonsense Choice

Aldi is refreshingly simple. Smaller stores, focused range, own-brand products that do exactly what they promise. No overwhelming choice, no fancy packaging – just good products at low prices. Perfect when you want to get in, get what you need, and get out without a two-hour expedition!

Where Aldi Really Shines ✨

• Essential groceries – milk, cheese, bread, eggs at great prices
• Own-brand products – simple, honest quality without the marketing fluff
• Quick shopping – smaller stores mean faster trips
• Frozen goods and snacks – solid selection for everyday needs

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Check Aldi's offers on Price Check Portugal to see when your staple items are at their best prices. Plan a fast, efficient shop around those deals – you'll be in and out in no time with everything you need! ⚡

Best For:

Budget shoppers, people who hate crowded supermarkets, anyone who wants a quick and simple shopping experience, and fans of no-frills quality.

The Town Centre Champion

Intermarché has carved out a special place in many Portuguese towns. They're not trying to be the biggest – they're focused on being the best local option. Fresh products, good promotions, and often a fuel station too? Combine your grocery run with filling up the car – efficiency at its finest! ⛽

Where Intermarché Really Shines ✨

• Fresh products – good quality meat, fruit and vegetables
• Pantry items – solid range of everyday essentials
• Regular promotions – especially on meat and fresh produce
• Fuel stations – many locations let you shop and fill up in one stop

PCP Pro Tip 💡

Use Price Check Portugal to check Intermarché's current deals and decide if it's the best place for your meat, fruit and veg this week – or whether it's better as a quick local top-up store. Sometimes they have incredible promotions that beat the bigger chains! 🏆

Best For:

People in smaller towns, anyone who likes supporting local-ish options, shoppers who want to combine groceries with filling up the car, and those who prefer medium-sized stores over huge hypermarkets.