In all the of planning and research you did before moving to Dublin, you may have forgotten one tiny detail – groceries! Now the cupboards are bare, the fridge empty, and your stomach is rumbling. It’s time to head out shopping! But where do you go…
It can be difficult when you move to a new country to know which supermarkets have the best deals and offers. That’s why we’ve crafted this handy guide for all your grocery needs! Let’s get started.
Quick tips to nail your grocery shopping:
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag)
Since a levy on single-use plastic bags 20 years ago, you won’t often see shoppers in Ireland without their own reusable bag. If you don’t bring a bag to the shops, you will be charged at the cashier for a paper or plastic one. This might only be a few cents, but it will add up in the long run! You can buy reusable shopping bags from almost anywhere, including supermarkets and convenience stores.
Make a Meal Plan
Plan how often you will be eating at home in a week, when you will share meals with housemates, and when you will eat elsewhere. This plan helps you work out how much food you need and reduces the amount that expires or is wasted. A shopping list alongside your meal plan ensures you only get the food you need for each meal. This makes it easier to prepare and cook each night too.
Make Reduced Labels Your Friend
In Ireland, items that are approaching their best before date are often labelled in supermarkets at marked-down prices. This ensures supermarkets clear out old stock, and gives shoppers the chance to save big (between 25%-75%) on items still fresh and usable! Keep an eye out in your local shop for these deals – they may be scattered around the store, but an orange or yellow label means savings!
Forget Loyalty – Remember Loyalty Programmes
Most of the supermarkets operate a loyalty scheme through an app or a scannable card, including:
- Dunnes Stores’ ValueClub allows you to earn points for money spent and receive vouchers.
- Tesco’s Clubcard lets you build points and receive vouchers, as well as unlock discounts.
- SuperValu’s Real Rewards issues money-off app vouchers every week along with flash deals.
- Lidl Plus gives access to discounts only available to loyalty scheme members.
Convenience or Cost
Alongside the major supermarkets, there are also numerous convenience stores across Dublin. These include Centra, Spar, Londis, Mace, Gala, Costcutter, and Applegreen. They may be more convenient, and some even stock a similar range of fresh goods, snacks, and non-perishables, but they are always more expensive than the supermarket brands. Keep these trips to a minimum!
The main supermarkets in Dublin city and around
Aldi – Easy on the Wallet, Missing Brands
Aldi has a wide selection of own-brand groceries, and practically everything needed can be found here. The ‘Super 6 Selection’deals are one of the best weekly offers, with six different fruits and vegetables going for as low as 49c!
The only downside is that Aldi doesn’t stock a full range of branded goods you may be used to. Otherwise, Aldi shops can be found throughout Dublin, and it is a great option for your weekly shop.
Lidl – Affordable and with a Fresh Bakery
Similar to Aldi, Lidl is a great option for affordable groceries. Along with regular great deals on fresh food, Lidl has an extensive bakery section where you can pick up anything from fresh baguettes to hot, sweet cookies every morning.
The shop’s loyalty app is also great for giving access to exclusive in-store discounts and freebies. Again, Lidl lacks the range of branded goods that other supermarkets have, but it’s one of the best options for the thrifty shoppers!
Tesco – Easy to find and a Great Selection
Tesco is probably the most popular supermarket in Dublin, with ‘Express’ stores more convenient (but generally a little more expensive) and ‘Metro’ shops larger. Tesco offers a range of groceries that vary in price. If you’re on a budget, look for their own-brand products.
If you have special dietary requirements, the chain typically has a good range of options. And, of course, Tesco is the home of the ever-popular Tesco Meal Deal; a sandwich, drink, and a treat for only €3.50!
Dunnes Stores – A Focus on Irish Quality
Dunnes Stores may be slightly more expensive than some other shops here, but savvy buyers will find good value for fresh, Irish-grown and produced food. Dunnes Stores’ ValueClub allows you to earn points for money spent and receive vouchers, which can bring your weekly bill down significantly. There are also loads of Dunnes Stores in the city centre, so they can be very convenient.
Supervalu– Pricier, But Deals To Be Had
It’s also another good place for local Irish produce and ready-made meals. SuperValu’s loyalty programme gives members money-off app vouchers each week too.
Fresh – Convenience Comes with a Cost
One of the lesser-known supermarket brands in Dublin, Fresh is primarily located around the Docks area of the city centre and the suburb of Smithfield. This is convenient for students living in Trinity’s Binary Hub accommodation or in Kavanagh Court, Dublin 1. Fresh stores offer the usual range of branded goods, and you can pick up a free Fresh Rewards Card loyalty card in any Fresh store.
Marks & Spencer – Luxury Items, for Treats Only
If you’re in a ‘treat yourself’ mood, this store is a great option for some luxury items. Their fresh baked goods in particular are to die for! In general, however, M&S is not somewhere students do their weekly grocery shop (although deals can be found in the evening when products get marked down). Watch out for the yellow labels and you can save, save, save on the finer things in life!
Need more tips for surviving as a student in Dublin? The Trinity Experience blog offers insights into the whats, wheres, whens, hows, whichs, and whys of being a Trinity student.
