Food Shopping and Grocery Stores in South Africa

Ah, grocery shopping in South Africa—a rite of passage we all have to endure, week in and week out. It’s a test of patience, budgeting skills, and, let’s be honest, survival instincts.

Whether you're popping into the store for just milk and bread or tackling a full-on trolley dash, one thing’s for sure: grocery shopping in Mzansi is challenging. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Thanks to new innovative delivery schemes and online shopping, you can have your cake and eat it.

In this article, we look at how South Africans shop, where we shop, what we look for and etiquette to help you at checkout.

The Eternal Shopping List Debate

You start off with the best intentions: I’ll just write a quick list and stick to it. Right? Wrong!

Somehow, a quick trip for two items turns into a trolley overflowing with chips, koeksisters, and a sneaky pack of biltong you promised you wouldn’t buy (again).

And if you’re the freestyling type—"I’ll just remember what I need"—good luck. Because the minute you walk in, your memory is wiped clean.

It’s like grocery store amnesia. Suddenly, you can't remember if you have toothpaste or, worse, toilet paper at home.

Spoiler alert: You don’t.

The Battle of the Big 4: Where to Shop?

Every South African knows that your grocery shopping experience depends heavily on where you go.

Each big store has its own vibe, and we all have our favourites (and the ones we try to avoid at month end like load-shedding during dinner time).

Pick n Pay

The old reliable. The home of the No Name brand. You know you’re going to find everything here, from meat to toothpaste.

It’s also where you’ll discover that, yes, you do need 20 rolls of toilet paper when they’re on special—even if your bathroom cupboard is already stocked to the brim.

Plus, there’s always the promise of Smart Shopper points, even though it takes forever to accumulate enough to actually spend them.

You'll love using the new online shopping apps and delivery services. Just remember, no one chooses fresh veg like you do… best to shop those yourself.

Checkers

Checkers is where you go when you want to feel a bit fancy but still watch your budget.

They’ve stepped up their game with the "Checkers Sixty60" deliveries and their upmarket section filled with French cheeses and fancy cold meats.

But let's be honest, we’re here for the good deals on cleaning supplies and their meat specials.

Remember to tip your driver for the delivery service 🛒

Woolies (Woolworths)

Ah, Woolies. The place where we all aspire to shop. You walk in with a budget and walk out with a bag of groceries that costs the same as a month’s rent—but it’s quality, right?

There’s nothing quite like the temptation of their pre-packed meals, and let’s not even get started on their chocolate brownies or freshly baked pies.

To be fair, we’ve seen veg cheaper at Woolies than at Checkers, but that’s why South Africans like to shop around… even if we’re spending our savings on petrol.

Spar

Spar is like that dependable friend who’s always there when you need them. Not always the cheapest, but you know you can find a Spar anywhere.

Some of the branches even have that killer in-store bakery and deli section that makes you rethink your entire lunch plan.

Bonus points if you manage to snag a boerie roll from the outdoor braai section at your local Spar before they sell out.

Honorable Mentions:

• Makro: Where you go when you're not just buying for the week, you're stocking up for the apocalypse. Buying groceries in bulk here requires some strategic thinking and a bakkie to get it all home.

• Shoprite: The OG for those who want good deals without the bells and whistles. It’s where you’ll find great prices and no pretentiousness—just the essentials and then some.

The Price Shock (and Specials!)

Once you’ve gathered everything you need (and a lot you don’t), it’s time for the moment of truth—the checkout.

This is where South Africans truly bond, usually over the mutual disbelief at how expensive groceries have become, or by sharing their savings cards. "R120 for cheese? On special? Is this cheese made of gold?" you’ll wonder as the cashier rings up your purchases.

It’s the universal South African experience: going in with a budget and walking out R500 over it. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Of course, nothing beats the euphoria of hitting the store during a holiday sale.

Those marked-down prices can turn even the most disciplined shopper into a deal-chasing machine.

You didn’t need three tubs of Lancewood yoghurt, but at that price, how could you not?

Here are a few items to keep in mind when specials are running:

Cheese

Cheese is practically a luxury nowadays, and when it’s marked down, it's an absolute must-buy.

• Normal price: R140 per 900g Parmalat Cheese
• Special price: R109 (22% saving)

Yoghurt

Especially the double cream or special flavours, yoghurt sales are always worth noting.

• Normal price: R53 per 1kg tub Lancewood Double Cream
• Special price: R34 (36% saving).

Coffee

Ground, instant, or pods; South Africans can't resist a coffee special. Whether it’s Jacobs or Nescafé, the difference between normal and sale prices can make or break your caffeine fix.

• Normal price: R98 for a 200g jar of Nescafé Classic
• Special price: R69 (30% saving).

Chocolate

Premium chocolates, like Lindt or Ferrero Rocher, can be pricey, but on sale, it’s the perfect chance to stock up and treat yourself (or pretend you’re stocking up for visitors).

• Normal price: R49 for a 100g Lindt bar
• Special price: R35 (29% saving).

Butter

The cost of butter has skyrocketed recently, so any discount is a treat for your wallet and your kitchen.

• Normal price: R89 for 500g of butter
• Special price: R65 (27% saving).

Toilet Paper

It’s not glamorous, but when toilet paper’s on sale, it's an opportunity to bulk-buy and save for future emergencies.

• Normal price: R110 for a 18-roll pack
• Special price: R89 (19% saving).

Laundry Detergent

Household essentials like washing powder or liquid can make a dent in your budget, so when it’s on special, it’s time to grab extra.

• Normal price: R125 for 2kg of Ariel washing powder
• Special price: R95 (24% saving).

Cereal

Particularly the healthier, premium brands—like Weet-Bix or Futurelife—when they’re on sale, you can save quite a bit.

• Normal price: R68 for a 900g box of Weet-Bix
• Special price: R48 (30% saving).

The Checkout Dance

Speaking of checkout, there’s an unspoken rule: no matter how carefully you choose your queue, it’s always the slowest one.

You’ll find yourself behind someone paying with small change, or worse, someone who’s looking for their savings card (they won’t find it, and then ask to borrow yours).

Once it’s finally your turn, there’s the age-old question: Bags? If you’re a true South African, you’ve probably forgotten your reusable bags in the car (again).

So now, it’s a mental debate—fork out for more bags or attempt the impossible juggling act?

We love the fact that SA is going green, we hate the fact that we’re slow learners.

Remember your shopping bags or add a few rand to your bill.

Enjoy The South African Shopping Experience

In the end, grocery shopping in South Africa is like a weekly endurance test, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything—well, maybe faster queues.

From trolley battles to specials that make your heart sing, it’s all part of the experience.

We’ll grumble, we’ll overspend, and we’ll definitely forget our bags again, but we’ll always keep coming back.

Because, hey, in Mzansi, grocery shopping is more than just a chore—it’s an event.