Shopping at Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl in Tarragona: which is cheaper?
Shopping in the province of Tarragona may seem like a routine task, but when it comes to finding the best price for the same products, things get complicated. Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl are three heavyweights competing to capture the wallets of local consumers, but not all come out equally well when examining the labels.
Lluís Lairón, personal trainer and nutrition expert, got to work to check where money can be saved without giving up a balanced diet. His experience in Tarragona reveals very interesting data about the prices and quality of basic foods.
Mercadona prices in Tarragona
The most representative products
At Mercadona, Lairón selected products such as chicken breast at €3.47, minced meat at €5.40, and rice at €1.25. However, some foods like natural tuna, which rises to €4.20 for six cans, and peanut butter at €2.75, make the basket more expensive.
The quality-price balance
According to the expert, Mercadona maintains a good quality-price ratio in many products, but it does not stand out as the cheapest in every case. The chain is known in Tarragona for its stable offer and own-brand products that appeal to local consumers.
Lidl, the most affordable according to the expert
Offers and star products
At Lidl, the difference is especially noticeable in the pantry section. The price of tuna drops to €3.75 for the pack of six, and half a dozen free-range eggs is much cheaper than at the other supermarkets visited. Other products like oats at €0.89 and ratatouille at €1.79 also help make Lidl the cheapest option.
Why is Lidl so competitive in Tarragona?
The German chain bets on a limited stock and own-brand products that reduce costs. According to Lairón, if the goal is to save without losing nutritional health, Lidl is the clear winner for Tarragona residents.
Carrefour, quality with varied prices
Featured products and pricing strategies
Carrefour offers the cheapest minced meat, at €5.15, and promotions such as turkey breast with a 50% discount on the second unit. Additionally, its ratatouille uses extra virgin olive oil, which slightly raises the price compared to other supermarkets that use sunflower oil.
How to choose at Carrefour in Tarragona?
The main advantage is quality in some specific products and occasional offers. Lairón recommends combining purchases according to what is being sought but warns that it is not always the best option to save.
It is clear that shopping at Mercadona, Carrefour, or Lidl in Tarragona depends on what we are looking for and how we choose. Choosing the right foods is key to maintaining a healthy diet without wasting resources. And if you prefer to do your shopping online, you can also find good deals depending on the supermarket.
The reality is that knowing the specific prices of each chain can help save money while maintaining a balanced diet in Tarragona.
