Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping can be a very different experience depending on where you are in the world.
One of the first things you may notice when grocery shopping in Germany is the abundance of fresh produce. German markets and supermarkets often have a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. You'll also find a more extensive selection of organic produce in Germany.
Another difference is the way that food is packaged and sold. In Germany, it is common to find loose produce that you weigh and pay for by the kilogram. This allows you to buy as much or as little as you need.
Regarding meat products, you may notice that the selection in Germany is generally smaller than in the United States. You will also not find mega-sized packs of pre-packaged foods and not as many convenience foods compared to the United States. This is because most products sold in grocery stores are generally much healthier, and most people cook from scratch. However, the available products tend to be of higher quality, with many options for organic and locally sourced products.
Another difference is the way that stores are organized. In the United States, supermarkets are typically organized by food type, with separate aisles for produce, meats, dairy, and so on. In Germany, stores are often organized by product type, with different areas for fresh produce, meats, and other grocery items.
One final difference to note is the availability of international foods. It is common to find a wide variety of international foods in the United States at the grocery store. However, you may have to go to a specialty store or market to find certain global products in Germany.
Helpful Tips
Grocery Stores are closed Sundays. Plan ahead!
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Bagging at checkout will feel like an impromptu hand-eye coordination test.
Sign up for customer loyalty cards. Points = Shopping CREDIT that’s cash in your pocket!
Weigh and tag your fruits and vegetables. Place your item on the scale, enter the PLU code found on the price tag near the item, stick the tag on your item.
Embrace reusable shopping bags; you will be saving the planet and money. But, if you forget, don't worry. You can purchase a one there.
Eggs are sold on shelves rather than in the refrigerated section of stores. You can find dyed eggs, which are hard-boiled, for sale all year.
Always have a 1€ or a 50¢ coin for the shopping cart deposit.
Insert coin here
For coin return,
lock cart to another cart and the coin pops out
Customer Loyalty Cards
Grocery store loyalty cards can be a great way to save money on everyday purchases, and Stuttgart is no exception. Many of the major grocery store chains in Stuttgart offer loyalty cards that can help you save on your groceries, access special deals and discounts, and accrue points that you can use for store credit.
Grocery Stores
Grocery shopping in Germany is a convenient and often enjoyable experience, with a wide variety of stores to choose from.
One type of grocery store that you will find in most German cities and towns is the "Supermarkt," or supermarket. These stores offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, and non-perishable items like cleaning supplies and personal care products.
Another common type of grocery store in Germany is the "Discounter". These stores offer a limited selection of products at meager prices. Discounters are an excellent option for people looking to save money on essential household items.
In addition to supermarkets and discounters, Germany has many "Bio" or organic grocery stores. These stores specialize in selling organic and natural products, including produce, meat, and dairy.
Finally, Germany is home to many open-air markets, or "Wochenmärkte," where you can buy fresh produce, meat, and other products directly from local farmers. These markets are excellent for people who support local agriculture and try unique, seasonal products.
Overall, grocery shopping in Germany is convenient and offers a wide range of options for people with different budgets and preferences. So whether you prefer the convenience of a supermarket or the freshness of a farmer's market, you are sure to find what you need in Germany.
Below, Stuttgart FAQ will navigate you through some of the most popular grocery chains, specialty stores, and farmers' markets, along with some of our favorite products from these stores.
This site contains links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.
Supermarkets
REWE is one of the strongest brands in the food trade. The entire REWE range can be ordered online with the REWE delivery service.
Kräuterbutter
REWE herb-infused butter is delicious on pretzels.
Grab-and-Go Snacks
REWE sells an excellent selection of healthy grab-and-go snacks & lunches.
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The EDEKA association is a cooperative association of independent merchants selling quality local products.
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Edeka Branded Products
Juices, frozen vegetables, trash bags, and many other products are all high-quality at a fraction of the cost of branded items.
Potato Pancakes (Latkes)
Find them in the produce section. These potato pancakes are delicious, but they sell out fast every day.
Hypermarkets
Kaufland is a German hypermarket chain.
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Items from Around the World
Kaufland sells a large selection of products from all over the world at reasonable prices.
The Walmart of Germany formerly known as Real.
Real accepts VAT forms which can be used for food, alcohol, and more if purchased at the same time.
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Spices
Stocks a wide range of spices at fantastic prices.
Cleaning, Household & Sundry Goods
Prices for non-food items are fantastic.
Discounters
Aldi Süd is a leading discounter selling quality basic grocery items.
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Wine
Quality wine for under 5€ a bottle including many award-winning wines.
Ready-made Salads
Aldi carries a great selection of pre-made salads.
Lidl is a discount retail chain selling high-quality food items and more at a fair price. We cut our monthly grocery bill in half by shopping at Lidl.
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Beer
Fat Rhino IPA is a solid American-style IPA. Steam Brew Bier, a German craft beer line, is excellent.
Schwarzwald Gin
This 8€ bottle of award-winning gin is made exclusively for Lidl and rivals many top-shelf gins with its quality and taste.
Grill Meister Meats
Pre-seasoned/marinated meats are ready to go on the grill.
A discount subsidiary of Rewe with a focus on more value for the money.
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Ready-Made Pizza Dough
Refrigerated pizza doughs are available in different styles for under 2€.
Larger Size Products
Many products are sold in XXL size, perfect for larger families.
A discount subsidiary of Edeka selling quality products at a lower price.
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German Beer
Netto sells a nice selection of German beers and often cases are on sale for 8€-10€.
Pet Treats
Brand name dog and cat treats at half the price of other stores.
Bio Stores
An all-organic producer and a supermarket committed to sustainability and producing quality products at a fair price.
Vegetarian/Vegan Foods
Alnatura carries a great selection of meat substitutes and organic meats for carnivores.
All-natural Body Care Products
Alnatura's skin care products, from baby products to make-up, are made without chemicals or artificial dyes.
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Tegut is a grocery chain that sells a wide selection with a focus on regionally organic grown products.
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Gluten-Free Items
Tegut sells a large selection of gluten-free products.
Speciality Food Stores
Farmer's Markets are plentiful with the most excellent products. Don't leave without trying a cheesecake from Stefan's Käsekuchen.
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Grocery Shopping
Translations & Explanations
Grocery shopping can be difficult when you are in a new place and trying to navigate unfamiliar products and packaging. It can be incredibly challenging when you don't speak the local language fluently.
One of the most complex parts of grocery shopping is figuring out what different types of sugar and flour are called in the local language and what their equivalents are in English.
If you are shopping for groceries in Stuttgart and are having trouble with translations, don't worry! Stuttgart FAQ will help you navigate the different types of sugar and flour and English to German translations for almost everything you might need in the grocery store.
Whether you are looking for "Hefe" (yeast) to bake bread or "Eier" (eggs) to make a cake, Stuttgart FAQ has the translations you need to make your grocery shopping experience as smooth as possible. So next time you are grocery shopping and need help, remember to bookmark this page for your translation needs.
Wheat Flours
In Europe, all wheat flours are unbleached, meaning that no chemicals are added, and the nutrients in the flour remain intact. Unbleached flours differ from bleached flours, which are treated with chemicals to lighten their color and change their texture.
Flour Type | Flour Number | Use |
|---|---|---|
Whole Wheat Flour | 1700 | A versatile whole-wheat flour. |
Dark Whole Wheat Flour | 1600 | Ideal for baking darker, denser loaves of bread. |
High-Gluten Flour | 1050 | Good for baking sourdough bread, pizza crusts, bagels. |
Bread Flour | 812 | Perfect for baking all types of bread and hard rolls. |
All-Purpose Flour | 550 | Ideal for baking bread, cookies, biscuits, muffins, and croissants. |
Pastry Flour | 405 | Great for baking cakes, pastries, pie crusts, and lighter baked goods. |
German Flour Types
In Germany, there are many different types of flour to choose from, which can be confusing. To help you navigate this selection, here is a simple guide to understanding the numbering system for flours in Germany. The higher the number, the darker the flour is. Additionally, you can find instructions on how to make your own cake flour and self-rising flour if they are not readily available.
Rye Flours
Rye flour is made from ground rye grains and is commonly used in baking bread and other baked goods. It has a slightly sour and earthy flavor and is often used in combination with wheat flour to make rye bread. Rye flour is lower in gluten than wheat flour, so it is unsuitable for making light and fluffy baked goods like cakes and pastries. However, it can be used to create dense and hearty loaves of bread and crackers, pancakes, and other baked goods. In addition, rye flour is a good fiber source and has many potential health benefits, including improving digestion and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Flour Type | Flour Number | Use |
|---|---|---|
Dark Rye Flour | 1370 | Milled from cleaned rye kernels and is primarily used for dark bread made from a mix of wheat and rye flours with a stronger taste. |
Pure Dark Rye Flour | 1740 | Ideal for baking pumpernickel bread or darker wholemeal bread. |
Medium-Dark Rye Flour | 1150 | Perfect to mix with wheat flour for a mixed flour bread. Ideal for baking sourdough bread, mixed bread, and rolls |
Light Rye Flour | 960 | Good for gingerbread, hearty bread, pastries and spicy dishes |
Medium Rye Flour | 997 | Great for baking rye bread, ciabatta, farmhouse bread, or sourdough wholemeal bread |
Very Light Rye Flour | 815 | Ideal for baking light pastries, light rye bread, flatbreads, or biscuits. |
Spelt Flours
Spelt flour is made from spelt, a type of wheat that is thought to be more easily digestible than modern wheat. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in baking bread, pasta, and other baked goods. Spelt flour is higher in protein and nutrients than white flour and is a good source of fiber. It can be used in many recipes as a substitute for wheat flour, although it may require adjustments to the amount of liquid and leavening agents used due to its different properties. Some people sensitive to wheat may find they can tolerate spelt flour better. However, it is not gluten-free and unsuitable for people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Flour Type | Flour Number | Use |
|---|---|---|
Wholegrain Spelt | A light flour good for baking cakes, bread, rolls, and biscuits | |
Dark Spelt | 1050 | Ideal for bread making. |
Medium Spelt Flour | 812 | Ideal for pizza dough, yeast breads and yeast pastries. |
Light Spelt Flour | 630 | A light flour ideal for baking cakes, bread, rolls, and biscuits. |
Flour Recipes
Cake Flour
Ingredients:
500 grams-- 405 Flour
60 grams-- Cornstarch (Speistaerke/Maisstaerke)
Directions:
Whisk ingredients together and store in an air-tight container.
Self-Rising Flour
Ingredients:
120 grams-- 405 or 550 Flour
1½ teaspoons-- Baking Powder (Backpulver)
¼ teaspoon-- Salt (Salz)
Directions:
Whisk ingredients together and store in an air-tight container.
Translations
English
German*
Common Types of Flour
Flour
Cornmeal
Rye Flour
Wheat
Wholegrain
Other Types of Flour
Almond Flour
Barley Flour
Buckwheat Flour
Chickpea Flour
Coconut Flour
Chestnut Flour
Oatmeal Flour
Rice Flour
Semolina
Soy Flour
Spelt
übliche Mehlsorten
Mehl
Maismehl/Maisgrieß
Roggenmehl
Weizen
Vollkornmehl
andere Mehlsorten
Mandelmehl
Gerstenmehl
Buchweizenmehl
Kichererbsenmehl
Kokosmehl
Kastanienmehl
Hafermehl
Reismehl
Grieß
Sojamehl
Dinkel
*Text coloring indicates the article gender
der/die/das/die
German Sugar Types
If you're new to Germany, you might be surprised by the variety of sugars available at your local store. From refined white sugar to dark, molasses-like brown sugar, there are many different types of sugars to choose from. Below is a quick rundown of some of the most common types of German sugars you'll find in the stores.
German brown sugar is a little different than American brown sugar but can be used the same in recipes calling for light brown sugar. Unfortunately, corn syrup may not be readily available in German grocery stores, but you will find suitable substitutions below.
Sugar Types
German | English | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Vanillin Zucker | Vanilla Sugar | This is a type of sugar with flavoring added to it. It is for a substitute for flavor extracts. |
Rohrzucker | Raw Cane Sugar | This type of sugar is made from unrefined sugarcane juice, and it has a slightly darker, more caramel-like flavor than white sugar. It's often used in baking and as a topping for oatmeal and other breakfast cereals. |
Raffinade Zucker | Granulated White Sugar | This is the most common type of sugar in Germany, and it's similar to the white granulated sugar you'll find in other countries. It's made by refining raw sugarcane or beet juice, and it's typically used for baking and sweetening drinks. |
Puderzucker | Confectioners Sugar | This type of sugar is made by grinding white sugar into a fine, powdery consistency. It's often used for making icing and other sweet toppings, as well as for dusting cakes and pastries. |
Hagelzucker | A coarse decorating sugar | This is made by roughly crushing pressed blocks of sugar. It is mainly used to decorate pastries. |
Gelierzucker | Jelly/Jam Sugar | This type of sugar is a preserving sugar for the production of jams and jelly. It contains sugar and gelling agents such as pectin. In addition, jam sugar contains a small amount of vegetable oil. This reduces the foaming that often occurs when preserving cherries and strawberries. |
Feinster Zucker | Superfine Sugar | This type of sugar contains particularly fine and therefore it quickly mixes in and is easily soluble. This sugar is perfect for making delicate pastries. |
Feinzucker | Fine Refined White Sugar | This type of sugar contains smaller, finer granulated sugar crystals making it perfect for all types of baking. |
Krümelkandis | Finely crushed rock candy | This type of sugar is made by slowly crystallizing white sugar in large kettles. It's typically used for sweetening tea and coffee, and it has a hard, crystalline texture. Fine candy sugar is also used in baking. |
Brauner Zucker | Brown Sugar | This type of sugar is made by mixing white sugar with molasses, which gives it a dark, caramel-like color and flavor. It's often used in baking and as a topping for things like cookies and cakes. |
Natural Sweeteners
German | English | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Zuckerrübensirup
| Cane Syrup | Cane syrup is a sweet, amber-colored syrup that is made from the juice of sugar cane. It is commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods, and is also used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. Cane syrup is made by boiling down the juice of sugar cane until it reaches the desired consistency and sweetness. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor and is often considered a healthier alternative to regular sugar, as it contains some nutrients such as iron, calcium, and potassium. |
Stevia | Stevia | Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, which is native to South America. It is a white, crystalline substance that is about 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and is often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. Stevia has a low calorie content and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes and those following a low-carb diet. It is also less likely to cause tooth decay than sugar and is approved for use as a food additive by regulatory agencies around the world. |
Reissirup | Rice Syrup | Rice syrup is a sweetener that is made from cooked, fermented rice. It is a thick, amber-colored liquid that has a mild, sweet taste and is similar in consistency to honey. Rice syrup is commonly used as a sweetener in food and beverages, and is also used in cooking and baking. It is a good alternative for people with allergies to wheat or corn, as it is made from rice. |
Kokosblütenzucker | Coconut sugar | Coconut sugar is a type of sweetener that is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree. It is a brown, granulated sugar that has a caramel-like flavor and is similar in texture to brown sugar. Coconut sugar is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar and is often considered a healthier alternative, as it contains some nutrients such as iron, zinc, and calcium. |
Honig | Honey | Honey is a sweet, amber-colored liquid that is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is commonly used as a sweetener in food and beverages, and is also used in cooking and baking. Honey is rich in antioxidants and has a number of potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. |
Ahornsirup | Maple Syrup | Maple syrup is a sweet, amber-colored syrup that is made from the sap of maple trees. It is commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods, and is also used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. Maple syrup is produced by boiling down the sap of maple trees until it reaches the desired consistency and sweetness. |
Agave | Agave | Agave is a sweetener that is derived from the agave plant, which is native to Mexico and Central and South America. It is a syrup that is similar in consistency to honey and has a mild, sweet taste. Agave is about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, and it is often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. |
Sugar Substitutes
German | English | Explanation | Equivalent American Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
Xylit | Xylitol | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used as a sweetener in food and beverages. It is a white, crystalline substance that is about as sweet as sugar and has a cooling effect when tasted. | Lite and Sweet |
Sucralose | Sucralose | Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. | Splenda |
Stevia | Stevia | Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, which is native to South America. It is a white, crystalline substance that is about 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. | Truvia (Stevia+Erythritol) |
Saccharin | Saccharin | Saccharin is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. It is about 300-500 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. | Sweet 'N Low, Sweet Twin, & Necta Sweet |
Corn Syrup Substitutes
Sugar beet syrup (Zuckerrübensirup) is a sweetener made from the juice of sugar beets, a type of root vegetable. It is similar in appearance and consistency to corn syrup and can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in many recipes.
There are a few reasons why sugar beet syrup may be considered a good substitute for corn syrup. One reason is that it is a natural sweetener, whereas corn syrup is typically made from genetically modified corn and is often highly processed. Sugar beet syrup is made by boiling down the juice of sugar beets until it reaches the desired consistency and sweetness, and it is not heavily processed like corn syrup.
Another reason why sugar beet syrup may be considered a good substitute for corn syrup is that it has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it easy to use in recipes that call for corn syrup. It also has a flavor similar to corn syrup, which can be desirable in certain recipes.
Cuts of Meat
Regarding meat, Germany has a wide variety of cuts to choose from. So whether you're in the mood for a juicy steak or a hearty pork roast, you'll find plenty of options at the butcher shop or grocery store. Here are some of the most common cuts of meat you'll find in Germany:
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Rindfleisch: This refers to beef cuts, which can be cooked in various ways. Some popular cuts include Rump steak (rump steak), Hüftsteak (sirloin), and Entrecôte (rib eye). These cuts are well suited for grilling or frying and tend to be flavorful.
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Schweinefleisch: This refers to pork cuts, which are also prepared and cooked in various ways. Some popular cuts include Kassler (smoked pork loin), Schweinekotelett (pork chop), and Schweinshaxe (ham hock). Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in several different ways, from roasting to braising to grilling.
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Geflügelfleisch: This refers to poultry cuts, such as chicken and turkey. Typical cuts include Hähnchenbrust (chicken breast) and Putenbrust (turkey breast). Poultry is a leaner option than beef or pork, and it can be prepared in various ways, from roasting to grilling to frying.
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Chicken is sometimes referred to as Hähnchen and sometimes as Hühner. So, what's the difference? Hähnchen is the word for a young chicken or a small chicken. It is often referred to as chicken sold as whole birds or in parts such as breasts or legs. Hähnchen is also the word that is used when referring to chicken dishes at restaurants or in recipes.
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On the other hand, Hühner is the plural form of Hahn, which means "rooster" in German. It is used to refer to a group of chickens or the meat of a chicken in general. For example, you might see the word Hühnerbrust (chicken breast) on a menu or use Hühnerfleisch (chicken meat) in a recipe. So, to sum it up: Hähnchen refers to a specific type of chicken, while Hühner refers to chicken in general or a group of chickens.
Regardless of the meat, ask your butcher for recommendations on how to prepare it. They'll be happy to share their expertise and help you select the perfect cut for your meal.
Below you will find helpful English-to-German translation charts in the food translation book to navigate your way around all the different cuts of meat.
Food Translations
Thank you for supporting Stuttgart FAQ. As a token of our appreciation, we'd like to give you your food translation guide. Simply download it to have it with you wherever you go.
Print odd pages first, flip over, then print the even pages and fold.