Surprising comparison: the same purchase at Mercadona and Carrefour
A recent journalistic study has tested one of the questions that worries consumers the most today: where is the weekly grocery shopping cheaper, at Mercadona or Carrefour? With inflation skyrocketing, every euro counts, and knowing where to find the best prices can make a difference when doing the shopping.
In this experiment, several common products from the shopping list were selected to compare the prices of the two most popular supermarkets. The final result is surprising and challenges some preconceived ideas about which one is really cheaper.
Comparison Methodology
Product Selection
For the comparison, a varied list was chosen that includes basic and common products: sandwich bread, hake, chorizo, avocado, kiwi, pork loin, onion, blueberries, butter, cleaning vinegar, and sweet corn. This selection aims to reflect a usual and balanced shopping.
Aspects Evaluated and Discarded
The study focused exclusively on the price of the products, leaving aside quality, origin, or specific brands. This is done to provide an objective comparison based on pure household economy, without entering personal preferences.
Price Results and Analysis
Differences in Key Products
Prices were not uniform between the two supermarkets. For some products, such as bread and chorizo, Mercadona offered more competitive prices. On the other hand, Carrefour stood out with promotions and lower prices on others like pork loin or cleaning vinegar.
Total Purchase and Partial Conclusions
The total cost of shopping at Mercadona was €79.96, while at Carrefour it reached €83.20. This difference of just over four euros may seem insignificant, but if multiplied by several purchases a month, it becomes a considerable amount.
Implications and Final Verdict
Perception vs. Reality of Prices
Many people believe that Mercadona is more expensive due to the quality it offers, but the study questions this idea: there are products that are cheaper at Carrefour and others at Mercadona. Furthermore, promotions and occasional offers can make one supermarket more advantageous than the other at certain times.
Consumer Tips
To save money, it’s not just about choosing a fixed supermarket, but about comparing specific products and taking advantage of offers. With the constant rise in prices, tracking expenses and being flexible can mean significant savings.
| Product | Price at Mercadona (€) | Price at Carrefour (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Bread | 1.20 | 1.35 |
| Hake | 6.50 | 6.90 |
| Chorizo | 3.80 | 4.10 |
| Avocado | 1.50 | 1.60 |
| Kiwi | 2.00 | 2.10 |
| Pork Loin | 8.30 | 7.90 |
| Onion | 0.90 | 0.95 |
| Blueberries | 3.50 | 3.70 |
| Butter | 2.80 | 2.90 |
| Cleaning Vinegar | 1.90 | 1.70 |
| Sweet Corn | 1.40 | 1.50 |
| Total | 79.96 | 83.20 |
The reality is that prices vary depending on each product and supermarket. There is no absolute winner; rather, consumers must be aware that costs are a sum of details and that, with a little attention, they can save significantly.
