The Vegetarian & Vegan’s Guide to Supermarkets in Spain

If you are planning a trip to Spain and staying in self catering accommodation such as an Airbnb or holiday apartment, a trip to the supermarket is likely to among the first things on your to-do list! As a vegetarian or vegan, supermarkets will be a useful place to shop as they will have a better selection of vegetarian and vegan food than some smaller shops – particularly when you head out of the bigger cities.

Supermarkets in Spain are pretty much in line with what you find throughout Europe, with a mix of national chains, regional players, and discount options.

Vegetarian and vegan food and ingredients to make your own meals is getting easier to find. Here’s a rundown to help vegetarian and vegan visitors navigate their grocery shopping:

National Supermarket Chains in Spain

Mercadona: Spain’s largest supermarket chain, known for its strong focus on fresh produce, quality own-brand products (Hacendado for food, Deliplus for personal care), and competitive pricing. A great all-rounder with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based milk, tofu, and ready meals.
Carrefour: A French multinational with a significant presence in Spain. Carrefour offers a wide range of products, including international brands and a dedicated organic section. Their own-brand products are generally good quality. Carrefour also has smaller “Carrefour Express” stores in cities for quick top-ups.
El Corte Inglés: This is a department store with a supermarket section called “Supercor.” It tends to be more upmarket with a wider selection of gourmet and international products, including vegetarian and vegan options. However, it is generally more expensive than other supermarkets.
Alcampo (Auchan): Another French multinational with a strong presence in Spain. Alcampo hypermarkets are large and offer a wide variety of products, including a good selection of fresh produce, household goods, and clothing. Their own-brand products are generally good value.
Eroski: A Spanish cooperative with a strong presence in the Basque Country and Catalonia (where it operates as Caprabo). Eroski has a good selection of fresh produce and own-brand products, including a dedicated organic range (Eroski Bio).

Discount Supermarkets

Lidl: A German discount supermarket chain that has become increasingly popular in Spain. Lidl offers a limited but well-chosen range of products, with a focus on value for money. They have a growing selection of vegetarian and vegan products, including their own-brand “Vemondo” range.
Aldi: Another German discount supermarket chain with a similar offering to Lidl. Aldi also has a growing selection of vegetarian and vegan products, with a focus on value for money.
Dia: A Spanish discount supermarket chain that offers a wide range of products at competitive prices. Dia has a good selection of own-brand products, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Regional Supermarkets

Consum: A Spanish cooperative with a strong presence in eastern Spain. Consum has a good selection of fresh produce and own-brand products, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Ahorramás: A Spanish supermarket chain with a strong presence in the Madrid region. Ahorramás has a good selection of fresh produce and own-brand products, with a focus on value for money.
Gadis: A Spanish supermarket chain with a strong presence in Galicia and Castile and León. Gadis has a good selection of fresh produce and own-brand products, with a focus on local and regional products.
Bon Preu: A Catalan supermarket chain with a strong presence in Catalonia. Bon Preu has a good selection of fresh produce and own-brand products, with a focus on quality and local products.

Tips for Vegetarian and Vegan Shoppers

Look for the “Vegetariano” or “Vegano” label: Many supermarkets in Spain now label their products clearly, making it easy to identify vegetarian and vegan options.
Check the ingredients list: Always double-check the ingredients list to make sure the product is suitable for your dietary needs. Read more about labels HERE.
Explore the fresh produce section: Spain has a fantastic selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, so you’ll have plenty of options for cooking delicious vegetarian and vegan meals.
Look for plant-based alternatives: Most supermarkets now carry a range of plant-based milk, meat substitutes, and other vegan-friendly products.
Don’t be afraid to ask: If you’re unsure about a product, don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff for help.

Other Useful Information

Opening hours: Supermarkets in Spain are typically open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday. Some smaller stores may close for lunch.
Sunday shopping: Many supermarkets are closed on Sundays, although some smaller stores may be open.
Payment: Most supermarkets accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash.

What has your experience been of shopping in Spanish supermarkets – of if this is your first visit, what questions do you have? 🙂