Where do you do your main grocery shop?

Faith · 05-12-2022 7:20pm #1

I’m curious about where people are choosing to do their main shops these days, particularly in light of skyrocketing cost. Although I’ve never, ever been a Dunnes shopper, it seems to be like they might currently be the best combination of offers and quality? I’ve tried to include all main stores and some other options but feel free to elaborate on thread.

Mystery Egg · 05-12-2022 7:22pm

Lidl

Lidl the vast majority of the time. But Tesco the odd time too for products you can't get in Lidl, like rinse aid and laundry cleanser.

xhomelezz · 05-12-2022 7:36pm

Tesco

Tesco for me, because it's the only shop in locality offering deliveries. I have very little time off, so can't be bothered to waste it on grocery shopping. Definitely could buy somewhere else cheaper, but when I count in driving, time etc. I'm better off sticking with them for now.

phormium · 05-12-2022 7:56pm

Dunnes Stores

I regularly go to all for various different things but use Dunnes for the vouchers while making sure I only buy stuff that is same price as elsewhere. Usually buy my butter now in Dunnes as it's so expensive and I use a lot, picked up 15 lbs yday with 10 off 50 voucher for signing up to online so that averaged 2.66 per lb, lots of baking done today!

RainInSummer · 06-12-2022 12:07am

Aldi

Aldi, but only by a small margin over Lidl. Super Valu when I'm feeling rich and the odd dip into Tesco for certain cleaning products that the generic stuff won't do for.

awec · 06-12-2022 1:31am

Aldi

I'm just waiting to see who selects Marks & Spencer...

Notmything · 06-12-2022 1:42am

I shop around depending on various factors

Depends on whose vouchers I have

Was shopping in Dunnes, the 5 and 10 off vouchers were making a difference and Aldi for the few bits Dunnes don't do.

Got a bunch of 10 off 50 from Tesco so using them for now.

Tbh if the vouchers were scrapped then it would probably be the main shop in Aldi and Dunnes/Tesco for the rest.

dartboardio · 06-12-2022 2:43am

Aldi

Aldi but Tesco for things/brands I prefer, like Chef Ketchup, certain chocolate and Mi wadi etc

Strumms · 06-12-2022 3:27am

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes for the bulk of the regular stuff.

Nolan’s in Clontarf for drinks and certain treats or stuff that Dunnes don’t have. I used to go to Fallon & Byrne for that stuff when I was a more regular city centre visitor but despite being a nice shopping experience and having a really good deli and butchers in particular which I loved you couldn’t ignore the damage it would do to your wallet.

Gremlinertia · 06-12-2022 3:46am

Lidl

Has been Lidl for a long time, a tesco has opened nearer to home but has yet to make much impact on our lidl trips. We also go to dunnes depending on deals advertised and try to make use of vouchers too.

StevenToast · 06-12-2022 4:40am

Dunnes Stores

Super Valu thinks its M&S ...very pricey i find....

Faith · 06-12-2022 9:55am

Supervalu

Supervalu is the only supermarket local to me that you can buy branded products in, so I have been doing my shops there over the last couple of years. I also like the high quality. But prices have gone astronomical there and I'm raging about the changes to the voucher scheme - one voucher for €5 off €35 per week? F*ck off. We have a Lidl nearby that I try and shop more at these days, but Dunnes have also started offering delivery so I've been going there on occasion. I feel like they often have good deals on booze too, much better than Supervalu tend to. The quality of Tesco products has gone to utter shite so I avoid there, and it's no longer a cheaper option either. We've no Aldi locally, which is a shame as it's probably my preferred store.

Graces7 · 06-12-2022 10:47am

Supervalu

Supervalu as I am house/island bound and they are the only option. NB When I changed to them I was pleasantly surprised as previously they had been much more expensive than the others but that seems to have changed at least on own brand products. Which is what I almost exclusively buy. The difference between own brand and others is very clear. eg cat food.. I email a list in ( they have a detailled and excellent website) and it comes over on the ferry.

the beer revolu · 06-12-2022 10:49am

Don't do a weekly or main shopping trip. We tend to shop daily as necessary. Hence, we never use those money off vouchers as we never spend enough.

I tend to use Lidl more than Tesco and occasionally, Dunne's - rarely Supervalu (Cork City Centre one is rubbish) or Aldi (closest one not particularly near). Also use The English Market a fair bit.

HildaOgdenx · 06-12-2022 10:52am

Aldi

A mix of Aldi and Dunnes mostly. Aldi probably more regularly now, and Dunnes every so often.

Used to be the other way around. Have a good SuperValu nearby too so do a bit there also.

ELM327 · 06-12-2022 10:55am

Aldi

Aldi, but once a month go to Iceland and the odd shop in dunnes too.

Bullocks · 06-12-2022 10:55am

Lidl

I find their meat and fresh food the best of the shops .

I do a bit in Tesco for branded stuff that we like.

On prices I find little difference between shops, if you want to go cheap then buy own brand or stuff that has a special deal going on the day .

Mad_maxx · 06-12-2022 10:57am

Lidl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119962218#Comment_119962218

Super Value is dreadfully expensive for the product - experience on offer, at least with M+S , you are being fleeced with class

Mad_maxx · 06-12-2022 10:58am

Lidl

Lidl for us , best combination of value and quality, Aldi is cheaper but quality and range not as good

Princess Calla · 06-12-2022 11:11am

Dunnes for me mostly.

The 10 of 50 has me hooked tbh. Then when they send out the value club vouchers I buy clothes for myself as a lil treat!

Aldi is actually closer to us but they don't stock the branded cereal the kids like. Plus I prefer avonmore milk. That said I still pop in for their sweets and spuddy crisps and essentials if I need to "kick the shopping can down the road" .

There's a Tesco walking distance too don't go too often as it's like a scene from the walking dead, but if there's clubcard offers on I will take a wander up.

Lucky I suppose that there's so much choice available to me.

Shenshen · 06-12-2022 12:44pm

Lidl

Lidl and Aldi, though Lidl a bit more frequently as they've the better fruit and veg. For things I can't get there, it's either the Polish shop or the Indian shop. Or zooplus, obviously.

I'd go to Tescos maybe every other month for some specific baking ingredients, and I honestly can't remember the last time I was in Supervalue or Dunnes.

06-12-2022 12:48pm

Local/other supermarket

A fairly equal mix for me, veg and fish weekly from the local market, meat weekly from the local butcher and everything else fortnightly from Lidl, plus milk and bread, etc when needed from the local Spar.

messrs · 06-12-2022 1:29pm

Aldi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119960643#Comment_119960643

Check out your local Aldi - they might do click and collect - i know you still have to drive there but you wouldnt have to go in .

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119962122#Comment_119962122

I walked through M&S Grocery in Liffey Valley Sunday as it was the only place I could get parking! Lots of people in there picking up food bits!

L1011 · 06-12-2022 1:44pm

Over the pandemic, due to queues everywhere else, I ended up using Supervalu mostly as it always had the shortest queues. Its bankrupting to do so, and that's becoming more obvious now - 70 quid for a small trolley of stuff!

I also think the quality of supermarket meat has taken a slump recently, presumably to try keep to some price points.

Making specific efforts to go back to my old setup - loca greengrocer, local butcher, Lidl; and one of the big three for branded products that Lidl doesn't sell. All have got dearer, but when somewhere is dear to begin, the same % increase is more actual cash.

mumo3 · 06-12-2022 1:50pm

Lidl

Lidl shopper here, when I first switched from Dunnes to Lidl the price difference was huge, but lately have noticed my shopping has near doubled in price.

I buy my meats separately in a butchers and I go to my local Tesco's nearly daily for fresh bread rolls for lunch's.

I stayed with Lidl due to the app offers, but might try going back to Dunnes again for their voucher scheme.

Lena11 · 06-12-2022 1:51pm

Dunnes Stores

We switched from Tesco to Dunnes at the start of the year and even with food inflation our grocery bill is significantly less this year

sekond · 06-12-2022 1:52pm

Tesco

Tesco mostly. I like the scan as you shop option to keep an eye on the running total and also to check that I am actually getting the deals advertised. I occasionally go to Aldi or Lidl but I find they don't always have what I want, so I end up having to go to Tesco anyway. And then the clubcard tokens go towards the Christmas grocery shop. Plus, I don't have to deal with the person in lidl flinging my shopping at me as fast as they can, my shopping is all packed up the way I want it as I shop.

I went through a phase of doing click and collect at Aldi (Tesco click and collect makes you unpack everything, Aldi has them ready in compostable bags so it's much easier), but as I still needed to go to Tesco anyway I don't do it quite so much anymore.

Icsics · 06-12-2022 2:09pm

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes, mainly for the vouchers

Patsy167 · 06-12-2022 2:11pm

Lidl shopper for the bakery and 1kg tubs of yogurt

theteal · 06-12-2022 2:18pm

Aldi

Aldi here in the town even though it's the worst Aldi store in the whole world (I've verified!).

The kids need dairy free yoghurts and a few other bits which we find Sainsburys the best for. Also I've noted in last few weeks they also stock Clonakilty white pudding (and sausages but quite frankly our butchers sausages are exponentially nicer) so I must have a root around to find some other potential gems.

They're opening a Morrisons next year in the town, which I suppose is like a Superquinn and we're looking forward to it. Never going to be a full shop kind of place but nice to have for some quality items.

GoogleBot · 06-12-2022 5:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058274680/where-do-you-do-your-main-grocery-shop

You forgot about just eat

victor8600 · 06-12-2022 5:51pm

Lidl

Lidl (as it is the closest grocery shop to my house), and Dunnes Stores from time to time.

Quitelife · 06-12-2022 5:53pm

Dunnes Stores

Dunne’s - 10 off 50 etc has many people hooked and shop their weekly only getting a few daily items in super value like milk . Might get some other bits in Tesco that I can’t get in Dunnes or different products but that’s only small amount of goods .

if Dunnes ever got rid of vouchers I would completely reacess my options but for now vouchers have me converted!

sporina · 12-12-2022 11:31pm

Tesco

I'm a Tesco gal - just the two of us to shop for - Tesco for most non perishable stuff..

The English Market for all fresh produce (meat, fish, fruit and veg and some treats from various bakeries there.. (Heavenly Cakes hmm)...

Fresh sourdough from Pana/Grumpy Bakers..

I really dislike Dunnes - but I can understand the appeal for those who avail of the vouchers..

M&S for some condiments..

Some Asian stores for coriander, ginger etc..

There are some lovely SV stores here in Cork County but €€ imo..

ALDI for their wholegrain Rice Cakes (nicest rice cakes around imo)

neris · 13-12-2022 9:25am

Tesco

Mostly Tesco even though theres a Lidl right across the road. I just find it handier as Im passing the Tesco store every day and they have everything I need, the lidl can be hit and miss on some things

French Toast · 13-12-2022 9:33am

Aldi

Almost everything from Aldi. A few specific bits and pieces from Supervalu.

the beer revolu · 13-12-2022 12:17pm

@sporina do you find that the quality of Pana's bread has dropped dramatically of the last year?

I used to really like it but now find Lidl bread is fresher tasting.

Must try Grumpy Baker

patmahe · 13-12-2022 12:28pm

Tesco

I online shop at Tesco, I used to shop at Lidl but found that the range of products, hassle of going and coming home again (I live in the sticks) and those bloody middle aisle deals meant I wasn't saving much if anything.

With the online shopping, you type in a product and it shows you all your options and you just pick the best value option for you, its great because you would never bother going to the same level if you were in the shop itself. The fact that it comes to you and in a 2 hour delivery slot is ideal, all you need to do is make sure someone is home at that time and they've only ever been late once. Delivery is somewhere between 5 and 7 euros I think but by the time you weigh up the fuel you'd burn coming and going and the time you could have been at home instead I consider it worth it.

Sleepy · 13-12-2022 12:39pm

Lidl

Lidl for us. I find the store layouts in Aldi far too hap-hazard and usually need to top up more elsewhere if we do the "big shop" there as their range is either more limited or I simply can't find it if they do have it. For the odd bits that Lidl don't carry (more exotic spices etc), we'd usually pick those up in Supervalu or Tesco.

I've never really gone in for branded goods tbh. There's little to no appreciable difference in quality between the vast majority of the German discounters own brand products and the household names - the price premium for the branded stuff is just covering the cost of marketing ime. I find a shopping trolley costs far more in Dunnes/Tesco/Supervalu though as they tend to have less own-brand stuff and a lot of the own-brand stuff they do have is of the "cheap and nasty" white label variety that pushes you back towards the brand names.

When I'm happy to pay more for higher quality goods, I'll go closer to the source and get produce from farmers markets, craft butchers, the fishmongers in the harbour etc.

sporina · 13-12-2022 1:44pm

Tesco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119990668#Comment_119990668

i'm not sure if I would say that the quality of Pana's bread has dropped but love the bread we got from The Grumpy Baker's last weekend - texture so much better

Gloomtastic! · 14-12-2022 11:56pm

Aldi

I’m always amazed how Lidl and Aldi shoppers are so loyal to one over the other.

Shop everyday. Usually Aldi, then Lidl for bits like their French stick and Pork Frankedellen (sp?), Nolan’s in Clontarf for herbs/hard to find stuff (and their cream cakes). I’ve been to Tesco a handful of times this year. Always found Dunnes shops so badly laid out, why can’t they have some sort of order between them.

Dave_The_Sheep · 15-12-2022 3:56am

Lidl

I get my veg delivered by greenearthorganics.

Meat usually from Lidl and bits and pieces. Super Valu for the bits that I can't get there (I don't like them, but they are the only convenient one). Throw in an Aldi trip every once in a while to change thing up.

Tesco for wine.

Faith · 15-12-2022 11:56am

Supervalu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119998118#Comment_119998118

Yes, Dunnes are a mess. There's a mega one in Cork that I want to love, but I actually despise. The first third of the store (fruit, veg, fresh prepared meals, some meat and fish etc) has slanted "aisles" so it's incredibly hard to navigate. Then you get into straight aisles, but they make no sense - you abruptly go from bread to herbal supplements. Then the rest of the aisles are really narrow so it's a constant battle to get through without getting held up by people leaving their trolleys in the middle of the aisle or stopping for a chat with friends. I'm at risk of a stroke from the high blood pressure any time I go there!

Thankfully, they've started to deliver, so I can get the benefit of vouchers without having to go there.

Fionne · 15-12-2022 12:17pm

Lidl

Lidl for me. I was an Aldi shopper but then a new Lidl opened in the nearest town to me and it's more convenient as well as good value. They gave €10 off vouchers for the first 4 weeks of being open and I got a free tub of Cadbury Heroes last weekend.

I find Dunnes Stores to be very expensive, did a shop there a few weeks back as I needed to buy some things in the clothes section and I remain of the view that they well hike up the prices to make up for the money off vouchers. Maybe just my local one or maybe it's a general thing but I've always found they don't give you the special offers advertised on the shelves either e.g. buy one get one free or 2 for €5 kind of thing.

I occasionally go to Tesco for things that I can't get in Aldi or Lidl and find them expensive too although it has to be said that even Lidl or Aldi prices have gone up quite a bit recently.

shesty · 15-12-2022 12:44pm

Supervalu

Supervalu. I online shop, started with them back in 2016 when child no 2 came and I couldn't face the weekly trek to the shops with 2 under 2. They and Tesco were the only ones offering delivery at the time, and I found Tesco to be incredibly expensive (at the time). I've stuck with SV, they offer me plenty of vouchers. I was only observing the other day that my total shopping bill has actually remained quite constant in the last year or two, despite the price rises. Online is handy because I make my list at home, only order what I need and that means I have far better control over what gets bought, less impulse buying! Their own brand stuff is good quality and there is a good range of prices for most things. The only thing I go in to buy is meat to roast each Sunday.

There's now a large Lidl near me, and there is also a big Dunnes. I've tried Dunnes a couple of times, find their meat to be really expensive compared to my local butcher (in a local SV), cannot get my head around the shop layout at all. It's been hugely renovated lately, but the aisles make zero sense and the space for navigating around it is incredibly tight. There is a large SV in the same shopping centre, and my delivery driver was only telling me recently that they are losing out badly to Dunnes, consistently. It's good that there is decent competition tbh.

I've also tried Lidl and Aldi. By the time I add up what it costs to get there and what I spend there, plus the time then spent trekking to another shop to find the bits that I need that they don't have - it's not worth the hassle. I work, have 3 kids, and time is at a premium here. While I watch the grocery budget very carefully, I don't have the time to go around multiple shops on a weekly basis.

Faith · 15-12-2022 1:30pm

Supervalu

I'm actually just doing my online shop. I had started in Dunnes before realising I can't get a delivery before Christmas, so now I'm copying the items over to Supervalu instead. I can do an item by item price comparison, and so far, SV are either the same price as Dunnes or roughly 10c dearer per product - and that's before Dunnes apply the vouchers. So I don't think they've jacked the prices up, to be fair to them. The Dunnes shop is offering me €30 off in vouchers, SV is offering €10 off and free delivery (worth €7). So Dunnes is definitely cheaper this time.

The Black Oil · 15-12-2022 3:49pm

Supervalu

Super Valu. I mostly walk as it's such a short drive. It is small, though, and that limits your options somewhat. They've no real space to expand, either. I go to Tesco in Rush or at Airside on the drive home from parkrun at the weekend, typically. There is a Dunnes near work, again fairly small. Tesco at Stillorgan shopping centre is another, there's a Lidl close by, I've barely been in it. There is Lidl in Lusk too, generally go there with the car. Super Valu in the Pavilions in Swords just had a big revamp, probably to catch up on Dunnes a little bit. I use the €5 off €35 vouchers. Try and get to the local farm too.

Where do you do your main grocery shop?

Where do you do your main grocery shop? 169 votes

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