Italy is a foodie's paradise, but enjoying its delicious dishes without spending a fortune is possible! With a little planning and a few tips, you can enjoy the Italian culinary without harming your budget.
Buy seasonal products
Cooking and eating seasonal foods is a popular practice in Italy, and is part of the Mediterranean diet. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only tastier (and probably healthier), they can also be up to 30% cheaper than out-of-season produce.
Although it is increasingly common to find out-of-season products on supermarket shelves, seasonal food guides, such as those provided by OtherConsumption, can be of great help.
- Lowest price: seasonal produce is generally cheaper and tastier.
- Variety: explore the different products available in each season and try out new recipes.
Supermarkets vs. local markets
There is a general assumption that local markets are cheaper than supermarkets, but it depends on what you are buying.
According to the gastronomic magazine bitter-sweet, meats and dairy products are usually cheaper in the supermarket, while fish, fruits and vegetables are more economical when purchased at fishmongers and local markets.
- Freshness and variety: Street markets and fairs are the secret to finding fresh, seasonal products at more affordable prices.
- Local products: discover typical ingredients from the region, such as cheeses, cold cuts and fresh fruits and vegetables, directly from local producers.
- Trade: In some markets, it is possible to negotiate prices, especially if you buy a larger quantity.
Compare supermarket prices
Unlike local markets, supermarkets have an advantage that can allow for significant savings: the ease of comparing prices.
Discount stores such as iN's Mercato and Aldi have been ranked as Italy's cheapest supermarkets in 2024 by personal finance website Money.it.
For those who don't want to give up quality, Eurospin, fourth in the low price ranking, was ranked as the best among discount stores in terms of quality.
- Economic options: supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi and Eurospin offer a wide range of products at lower prices.
- Own brands: These supermarkets' own brands generally have good quality and attractive prices.
- Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions and special offers, which can help you save even more.
Use discount apps
Downloading apps is another way to find good deals. The app PromoHere allows users to compare product prices in supermarkets across the country and offers regularly updated promotional leaflets, saving the hassle of searching on each supermarket's website.
already the application Too Good To Go connects consumers to restaurants and stores with unsold food, allowing them to purchase it at a discount.
If you are a tourist, it is worth getting a loyalty card and/or app, otherwise you may miss out on discounts. offers.
Take advantage of Wednesday discounts
Wednesdays are usually discount days for people of a certain age. Check with your local grocery store to see when these sales are available. It’s common to save your purchases of more expensive items, like coffee or cleaning products, for Wednesdays.
Use meal vouchers
If you work in Italy, you can have access to food stamps, which are meal vouchers distributed by employers.
In addition to being redeemable at restaurants or bars during lunch hours, they can also be used in supermarkets to save on your weekly food shopping.
Explore the discounts section
Almost every supermarket in Italy has a discount section with products that usually go on sale the day before their expiration date.
This is especially convenient for meats, which can be purchased, frozen, and thawed when needed.
Buying “imperfect” fruits and vegetables is also a way to save money. These items usually have nothing wrong with them, except for their appearance, which is why they are sold at a discount.
- Shopping list: Make a shopping list in advance to avoid impulse purchases and ensure you have all the ingredients you need.
- Meals at home: Prepare your own meals at home with fresh, affordable ingredients. Italy offers simple, delicious cuisine that is perfect for home cooking.
- Remains: Use leftover food to create new meals the next day, avoiding waste.
Extra Tips
Lunch out:
- Menu of the day: Many restaurants offer a more affordable menu of the day, usually including a starter, main course and drink.
- Pizzas and pastas: opt for pizzas and pastas, which are typical Italian dishes and generally cheaper than other options.
- Appetizers: Take advantage of the aperitif hour to try different snacks and drinks at lower prices.
Avoid tourist areas:
- Highest prices: restaurants and markets located in tourist areas tend to have higher prices and lower quality.
- Search for alternatives: explore residential neighborhoods to find more authentic and more reasonably priced restaurants. (Main photo: Depositphotos)
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