How to Save Money on Groceries in Germany: Payback, Loyalty Apps & Couponing

Food prices and general living costs have made grocery budgeting a priority for expats and locals in Germany. While Germany already boasts some of Europe’s most competitive discount supermarket chains (Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Netto), taking advantage of digital reward programs and cashback apps can save you hundreds of Euros every year!

Here is a guide to saving money on groceries in Germany using Payback, store apps, cashback platforms, and food waste prevention apps.

Payback & DeutschlandCard: The Big Loyalty Schemes

1. Payback Card (The Biggest Loyalty Program in Germany)

Payback is Germany’s largest multi-partner rewards program. You earn points every time you scan your physical card or mobile app at checkout.

  • Partner Merchants: REWE, DM Drogerie, Alnatura, Penny, Aral gas stations, eBay, Amazon, and C&A.
  • Earning Rate: 1 Point per €2 spent (1 Point = €0.01 value).
  • Coupon Multipliers (Coupons): Activate digital 5x, 10x, or 20x points coupons in the Payback app before shopping to turn a €50 grocery bill into hundreds of bonus points!
  • Payout: Convert accumulated points directly into cash payouts to your bank account, store voucher credits, or airline miles (Miles & More).

2. DeutschlandCard

  • Partner Merchants: Edeka, Netto Marken-Discount, Esso gas stations, and Hammer. Functions similarly to Payback with point multiplier coupons.

Supermarket Apps & Digital Coupons

Download the official smartphone apps of your primary local supermarkets:

  • Lidl Plus: Offers exclusive digital coupon discounts, free item scratchcards after purchases, and digital receipt storage.
  • REWE App: Combines Payback integration with weekly digital app-only discounts and e-paper promotional flyers (Prospekte).
  • Edeka App: Offers direct mobile payment capability, personalized digital coupons, and DeutschlandCard points sync.

Saving Money with Food Waste Apps

1. Too Good To Go

  • How it Works: Bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels sell surprise bags (Magic Bags) of unsold fresh food at 1/3 of the retail price at the end of the day.
  • What You Get: A €15 retail value bag of artisan bread, pastries, sushi, or fresh produce for just €3.99 to €4.99!

2. Sirplus

  • How it Works: An online “rescued food” outlet that sells surplus, mislabeled, or near-expiry packaged grocery goods at deep discounts.

Smart Shopping Rules of Thumb

  1. Buy Store Brands (Eigenmarken): Look for supermarket private-label brands like Ja! (REWE), GUT&GÜNSTIG (Edeka), K-Classic (Kaufland), or Balea (DM). They are produced by major brand manufacturers at up to 50% lower prices!
  2. Shop the Weekly Flyers (Prospekte): German supermarkets release new weekly discount flyers every Sunday (effective Monday through Saturday). Use aggregator apps like Kaufda or Marktguru to browse deals in your neighborhood.
  3. Return Your Bottles: Always return your Pfand bottles and cans for cash vouchers before checking out!

Want to learn more about supermarket etiquette and store types? Read our guide on German Supermarkets & Grocery Shopping!