Grocery Stores in Poland: An Honest Price Guide from a Local Migrant [2025]

In October 2024, grocery stores in Poland pleased customers with a significant price drop. The average cost of a grocery basket fell by 6.56%, amounting to 288.99 PLN — 20.28 PLN less than in September. Interestingly, prices decreased in 8 out of 13 major retail chains surveyed, while in the remaining five, prices actually rose.

However, compared to October last year, the picture changes. On an annual basis, the cost of the grocery basket increased by 2.02% — from 283.27 to 288.99 PLN. The difference between the cheapest and the most expensive chain is striking at 157.18 PLN. Notably, Kaufland saw a price increase of 43.16 PLN (16%), although there is good news — Makro Cash & Carry recorded a decrease of 5.15%.

Want to know where you can buy food the cheapest? In this guide, we’ll cover which grocery stores in Poland offer the best prices, what has gone up or down in 2025, and how to actually save money on groceries while living in Poland.

How Much Does the Consumer Basket Cost in Poland in 2025?

In March 2025, the Polish retail market showed price stabilization for basic food products. The average cost of a standard consumer basket remained at February’s level, totaling 314.83 PLN. This reflects a slowdown in inflationary processes after several years of significant volatility.

Average Basket Cost Nationwide

According to the ASM SFA Koszyk Zakupowy report, in Poland’s 13 largest retail chains, pricing dynamics are uneven. In eight of them, prices dropped compared to the previous month, while in five, prices rose. Notably, only two chains offered shopping baskets under 300 PLN.

The best prices were found in hybrid chains (combining online and offline sales), where the average basket cost was 299.15 PLN. In contrast, in virtual stores with fast delivery, the same basket would cost significantly more — 360.90 PLN.

How the Basket is Composed: 40 Key Products

The standard consumer basket used for price monitoring includes 40 most frequently purchased items from these categories: – Dairy products and eggs – Meat, sausage products, and fish – Oils and fats – Fruits and vegetables – Beverages and confectionery – Household chemicals and cosmetics

The ASM SFA study compares the same items — identical brands and weights — across all surveyed chains, ensuring objectivity.

Comparison with 2024 and 2023

By July 2025, the consumer price index reached 103.1% year over year — signaling a 3.1% price increase from July 2024. This marks a notable improvement compared to previous years: in 2024, consumer goods rose 3.6%, and in 2023, a steep 11.4%.

From September 2023 to September 2024, the basket cost grew by 25.07 PLN, reaching 309.27 PLN. However, not all product categories moved equally. The steepest price rises in 2024 were drinks (+19%), confectioneries (+11%), and frozen products (+10%).

Supermarket Ranking: Where is it Cheapest to Shop?

The Polish grocery store market shows significant price variation, allowing savvy shoppers to substantially reduce expenses by choosing stores wisely.

1. Auchan — The Leader in Low Prices

The French chain Auchan consistently holds the position of Poland’s most affordable supermarket. As of August 2025, the average consumer basket there cost 286.56 PLN. In April of the same year, the same basket was priced at 282.37 PLN. The chain operates about 130 stores of various formats nationwide. Auchan is actively developing new formats: discount stores, Easy Auchan at train stations and gas stations, and Auchan GO — automated stores without personnel.

2. Lidl and Biedronka: The Battle for Second Place

A real price war is ongoing between the German Lidl and Polish Biedronka. In February 2025, Lidl offered a standard basket of 50 items for 410 PLN, while Biedronka’s was 427 PLN. However, in October 2024, Lidl took the lead with a basket costing only 230.09 PLN, followed by Biedronka at 231.28 PLN. Despite aggressive pricing campaigns, about 39% of Polish consumers view this competition negatively, fearing a drop in product quality or assortment reduction.

3. The Most Expensive Chains: Żabka, Carrefour, Netto

Shopping at small convenience stores is significantly pricier. Żabka, which has outlets nearly in every neighborhood, offers a consumer basket at a hefty 624 PLN. Even more expensive is Carrefour Express, where a similar basket cost 675 PLN in May 2025. Among major chains, the highest prices were recorded at Netto (340.95 PLN in August 2025) and POLOmarket (342.74 PLN in April).

4. The Price Gap Between Cheapest and Most Expensive

The gap between the lowest and highest basket cost is shocking. In April 2025, it was 154.49 PLN; in October 2024, 93.63 PLN. Comparing large supermarkets with small convenience stores, the difference can reach nearly 400 PLN. Such a significant price spread makes choosing the right store a key factor in saving for residents in Poland.

What Has Become More Expensive and What Has Become Cheaper in 2025?

Analysis of consumer prices in 2025 revealed significant fluctuations in costs across various categories in Polish stores. After a period of instability, March brought some price stabilization, keeping the average basket cost under 315 PLN.

• Price Increases: Coffee, Drinks, and Sweets

Ground coffee rose sharply by 25.1% compared to the previous year, while instant coffee grew by 20.3%. Experts link this to adverse weather in Brazil and Vietnam, as well as rising coffee consumption in Asia. Among the 40 products surveyed, coffee prices increased by 8.36%. Soft drinks also rose significantly by 10.7% annually due to seasonal factors and increased production costs. Sweets and desserts slowed growth but still rose by 2.5%.

• Price Decreases: Pasta, Tomatoes, and Fats

Tomatoes fell the most, down 5.4%, with pasta prices down 4.43%. The price of a liter of sunflower oil dropped from 7.99 to 6.49 PLN across the three largest chains. However, fats showed mixed trends; for example, butter increased by 16.2%.

• Stable Categories: Household Chemicals and Cosmetics

Household chemicals saw minimal annual growth (0.2%), explained by a high comparison base from 2022–2023, stable component costs, and a stronger Polish zloty, making imports cheaper. Personal hygiene products grew moderately by 6.2%, much less than inflation in food and housing segments (5.3% and 8.3%, respectively).

Comparison with Other Countries and Purchasing Power

A comparison of prices between Polish and European stores reveals interesting insights that influence residents’ real purchasing power.

Prices in Poland vs. Germany: Who Wins?

Poland is traditionally known for lower prices, but recent research reveals surprising outcomes. Deutsche Welle journalists buying the same 22-item basket in Lidl stores in Warsaw and Bonn found only a 1 PLN difference. Some Polish goods were even more expensive: a lawn mower (799 PLN vs. 424 PLN in Germany), coffee (12.99 vs. 10.68 PLN), Nivea cream (15.99 vs. 10 PLN). Out of 49 items compared, 22 were cheaper in German Lidl, 24 in Polish Lidl, and 3 priced the same.

How Many Baskets Can a Pole and a German Afford?

Purchasing power differences are significant. The average annual income of a Pole is 12,561 EUR (54,637 PLN), 33% less than the EU average. With an 8,905 PLN average salary, a Pole can afford about 22 grocery baskets annually, compared to a German with a 4,500 EUR salary who can afford about 48 baskets. This explains why life in Poland feels more expensive despite similar prices.

Prices on Food in Poland and the EU: Trends and Differences

Poland ranks third among EU countries for affordability, after Bulgaria (60%) and Romania (64%). Food costs 85.6% of the EU average here. Meat (38% cheaper than Germany), ready meals (27.2% cheaper), and canned goods (23.8% cheaper) are especially affordable. Experts predict that by 2030, Polish prices will reach the levels of Germany and France.

Conclusion

The Polish grocery market in 2025 presents a mixed picture. On one hand, there is some stabilization after a high inflation period, which is good news for consumers. On the other hand, the cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive chains reaches a whopping 154.49 PLN, making store choice a critical budget factor.

Auchan reliably remains the cheapest supermarket, offering baskets around 286 PLN. Lidl and Biedronka are also worthy options, especially considering regular promotions. However, small convenience stores like Żabka can cost nearly 400 PLN more for the same set of groceries.

In product categories, coffee, soft drinks, and sweets have seen the biggest price increases, while pasta, tomatoes, and vegetable fats have become more affordable. Household chemicals and cosmetics remain relatively stable.

Comparing with other European countries, while absolute prices in Poland are below the EU average (about 85.6%), purchasing power differences remain notable. Despite similar absolute prices with Germany, Poles afford about half as many grocery baskets on average.

Still, Poland remains one of the most affordable EU countries, behind only Bulgaria and Romania. Meat, ready foods, and canned goods offer especially good value. Experts forecast the price gap between Poland and Western Europe to shrink significantly by 2030.

Knowing these trends will help you shop wisely and save considerable amounts by choosing the right stores for different product categories. Smart shopping in Poland requires a strategic approach but can significantly optimize your household budget.