The German Supermarket Showdown: Aldi vs. Lidl vs. Rewe

In Germany, both Aldi and Lidl are major discount supermarkets, but Lidl offers a broader mix of its own brands and national brands, while Aldi focuses almost exclusively on private-label products. Aldi may have a slight edge on overall price, but Lidl is known for its in-store bakeries.

This guide will break down the key differences to help you decide where to head for your next grocery run.

Overview

Aldi and Lidl: The Discount Kings

At their core, Aldi and Lidl are hard discounters. Their business model revolves around offering a limited selection of everyday essentials at the lowest possible prices. This is achieved through a high percentage of private label products, streamlined store layouts, and no-frills presentation. While often spoken of in the same breath, these two chains have distinct personalities.

Rewe: The Full-Service Supermarket

Rewe, on the other hand, is a traditional full-range supermarket. It boasts a much larger selection of products, including numerous well-known brands alongside its own tiered private label offerings. With a more spacious and aesthetically pleasing store layout, Rewe aims to provide a more comprehensive and comfortable shopping experience, often at a slightly higher price point.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Aldi	Lidl	Rewe
Price	Very Low	Very Low	Moderate to High
Product Selection	Limited, ~90% private label	Limited, ~80% private label	Extensive, brand names & tiered private labels
Store Experience	Basic, no-frills, fast checkout	Slightly more modern than Aldi	Pleasant, spacious, well-lit
Fresh Produce	Good value, quality can vary	Often praised for freshness and variety	Wide selection, including extensive organic options
Bakery	Pre-packaged baked goods	In-store bakery with fresh bread & pastries	Often has an in-store bakery or partners with local bakeries
Specialty Items	Weekly “Aldi Finds” on non-food items	Weekly themed promotions on food & non-food	Wide range of organic, vegan, and specialty products
Online Shopping	Not widely available in Germany	Not widely available in Germany	Pioneer in online grocery delivery and pickup

The Deep Dive

For the Budget-Conscious Shopper: Aldi and Lidl

If your primary concern is keeping your grocery bill to a minimum, Aldi and Lidl are your go-to destinations. Both are locked in a fierce price war, often leading to rock-bottom prices on staple items.

Aldi: The original hard discounter, Aldi has perfected the art of efficiency. Expect a no-nonsense shopping experience where you’ll need a coin for your shopping cart (which you get back upon return) and be ready for a lightning-fast checkout. The product selection is heavily skewed towards their high-quality private labels. Their weekly “Aldi Finds” offer a treasure trove of non-food items, from electronics to gardening tools, at unbeatable prices.
Lidl: While also a discounter, Lidl often presents a slightly more modern and spacious shopping environment than Aldi. A key differentiator is its in-store bakery, which fills the air with the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries—a significant draw for many shoppers. Lidl also tends to offer a slightly wider selection of products, including more international and specialty items during their themed promotional weeks.

For the Quality and Variety Seeker: Rewe

If you value a broader selection, well-known brands, and a more relaxed shopping atmosphere, Rewe is the clear winner.

Rewe: As the second-largest food retailer in Germany, Rewe offers a vast array of products to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly options under their “ja!” brand to premium products with their “REWE Feine Welt” line, and an extensive selection of organic items under “REWE Bio.” The stores are generally larger, brighter, and more organized, making for a more pleasant shopping trip. Furthermore, Rewe has been a trailblazer in the German online grocery market, offering both delivery and convenient pickup services.

Where Should You Shop?

Shop at Aldi if: You are on a tight budget, appreciate a fast and efficient shopping experience, and are a fan of high-quality private label products and surprising non-food deals.
Shop at Lidl if: You want the low prices of a discounter but also crave the simple pleasure of a fresh in-store bakery and a slightly wider product variety.
Shop at Rewe if: You prefer a one-stop-shop with a vast selection of brands and private labels, value a pleasant shopping environment, and are interested in the convenience of online grocery shopping.

The great German supermarket showdown has no single victor, only the best choice for you.

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