5 BEST And Affordable Grocery Stores In Buenos Aires In 2025
Best Grocery Stores and Cheap Grocery Shopping in Buenos Aires
Confused as to where should you buy your grocery from in Buenos Aires? We are here to make it easier for you to decide!
When it comes to grocery shopping in Buenos Aires, understanding the local supermarket landscape can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you’re living in the city, visiting, or just passing through, knowing where to shop for food can save you time, money, and energy.
Buenos Aires is home to a variety of grocery stores, from large multinational chains to local specialty markets. When we came to Buenos Aires, we had to ask locals or explore on our own to find the best and cheapest grocery options. Therefore, we wanted to make it easier for you!
Here’s your ultimate guide to grocery shopping in Buenos Aires, covering everything from the 5 best affordable supermarkets to local markets and shops.
5 Best And Affordable Supermarkets in Buenos Aires
Grocery shopping in Buenos Aires offers a wide variety of options depending on your budget, preferences, and the kind of products you’re looking for. From bargain buys to more gourmet selections, the city has a supermarket for every shopper.
1. Dia
For anyone looking to do budget-friendly grocery shopping in Buenos Aires, Dia is a go-to supermarket. Known for its affordable prices, Dia is a great option for everyday items like fresh produce, dairy, canned goods, and household products. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Dia’s self-service format and discount offerings make it a top pick for low-cost shopping.
Tip: Bring your own reusable grocery bag or purchase one at a low cost (500 ARS)
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards are accepted.
2. Carrefour
Carrefour is a major international supermarket chain that is a staple for grocery shopping in Buenos Aires. Known for its expansive range of products, Carrefour provides everything from dairy, vegetables, frozen food and drinks to home essentials and some international groceries.
Carrefour’s competitive pricing and variety make it an excellent choice for both locals and expats who are looking for a full-service supermarket.
Tip: Bring your own reusable grocery bag or purchase one at a low cost (500 ARS). You can use self-service kiosk if paying by credit or debit card.
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards are accepted.
3. Jumbo
A little high end grocery store in Buenos Aires with a bit more variety and space, Jumbo is an excellent option. This supermarket chain features wide aisles and larger selections of international and organic products. Jumbo is often the first choice for shoppers who are looking for quality meats, specialty food items, and gourmet options.
We found carton of 30 eggs to be cheaper at Jumbo for 5900 ARS as compared to other places for 6500 ARS.
Tip: Bring your own reusable grocery bag or purchase one at a low cost (700 ARS). You can use self-service kiosk if paying by credit or debit card.
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards are accepted.
4. Casa China
If you’re into international cuisine or looking for specialty Asian food products, Casa China should be at the top of your list for grocery shopping in Buenos Aires.
Casa China in Barrio Chino, is the best place for Asian food lovers, offering a variety of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other Asian ingredients.
We found some Indian spices at Casa China for a reasonable price!
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards are accepted.
5. COTO
COTO is one of the largest supermarket chains in Buenos Aires, and for good reason. With a vast selection of products, from fresh meats to local Argentine goods and electronic items, COTO is an excellent choice for comprehensive grocery shopping in Buenos Aires.
The supermarket is often praised for its affordability and range of items available.
COTO is like Walmart or Costco in North America, where you can find anything and everything.
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, or Debit Cards are accepted.
Apart from the well-known supermarkets, Buenos Aires is filled with a variety of smaller stores that you’ll encounter on almost every corner. These stores, such as kioscos, verdulerías (produce shops), and panaderías (bakeries), offer a unique shopping experience, often specializing in specific items.
You might find yourself wondering what they sell or if they have what you need. This guide will help you navigate these local stores, giving you insights into where to find particular products and making your grocery shopping in Buenos Aires easy.
Frutas Y Verduras (Local fruits and Vegetables)
For fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables, grocery shopping in Buenos Aires often means visiting local markets, or Frutas Y Verduras as they’re called. While supermarkets carry produce, the local markets tend to offer the best deals and freshest selection.
Whether you’re after juicy naranjas (oranges) or seasonal frutas (fruits), Buenos Aires is home to a great selection of local produce at reasonable prices.
You will find them at every other block in the neighborhood. At some Frutas Y Verduras, you can see the prices and select your items while at others you might have to ask for pricing for each item.
Payment Methods: Cash is more acceptable and some places might accept Debit cards too. You might get some discount with cash!
Kioscos
Another common feature of grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is the presence of kioscos. These tiny convenience stores are scattered throughout the city, providing everything from snacks and drinks to phone recharges and small essentials.
While kioscos tend to have higher prices than supermarkets, they are incredibly convenient for quick purchases, especially in the evenings or weekends when other stores might be closed.
Services Offered by Kioscos:
- Newspaper and magazine sales
- Prepaid mobile phone recharges
- Snacks, drinks, and small grocery items
- 24/7 access in some locations
Kioscos are essential to the daily life of residents and travelers alike. While they are typically more expensive for food compared to supermarkets, they are ideal for quick grocery shopping in Buenos Aires when you need something in a hurry.
Carnicerias (Meat Shops)
No guide to grocery shopping in Buenos Aires would be complete without mentioning the city’s iconic carnicerías (butcher shops). Known for their fresh, high-quality meats, these shops are a paradise for anyone who loves beef, pork, or chicken. Whether you’re shopping for a traditional Argentine asado or just need some steak for dinner, Buenos Aires has some of the best carnicerías in the world.
Our Favourite Meat Shops in Palermo:
We got the freshest meat from these two places at competitive pricing. Saturdays are usually discount days if you have a DNI.
Farmacity
For your pharmacy and personal care needs, Farmacity is the largest chain of pharmacies in Buenos Aires.
While it doesn’t offer the full selection of food like a supermarket, it’s still an important stop for health products, your protein powders, cosmetics, toiletries, and some grocery items. It can be compared to Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) or a CVS in United States.
Panaderia and Confiteria (Bakeries)
Argentine pastries are a must-try during your stay in Buenos Aires. The city’s bakeries offer an amazing selection of fresh bread and pastries. From buttery medialunas to traditional churros, you’ll find a sweet treat at nearly every corner.
You can also find some amazing sandwiches (sandwich de miga) there.
Dieteticas
If you’re into organic, natural, or gluten-free foods, dietéticas are the Argentine equivalent of stores like Canada’s Bulk Barn. These health food stores are fantastic for stocking up on vegan, organic, and specialty items that might not be as readily available in standard supermarkets.
If you’re looking for gluten-free flour or plant-based milk, dietéticas are your best bet. Some dieteticas might also have protein and health supplements.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is generally straightforward, there are a few challenges to be aware of.
Finding International Foods And Spices:
Finding specific international foods and spices can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to look. Larger supermarkets like Carrefour and Jumbo might carry some international brands, but if you want more niche products, you’ll have to visit specialty shops like Casa China.
Use Of Cash For Local Fruits And Vegetables:
Although larger stores accept credit cards, many local fruit and vegetable shops, prefer cash. While this may seem inconvenient, paying with cash can help you save money at local markets. It’s advisable to carry cash when doing your grocery shopping in Buenos Aires, especially in the smaller shops.
Wrap Up: BEST Grocery Stores And Grocery Shopping in Buenos Aires
Grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is straightforward and offers plenty of options for all needs and budgets. From supermarkets like Dia and Carrefour to local fruit and vegetable markets and specialty stores, you’ll find everything you need with a bit of planning.
Whether you’re shopping for everyday items or looking for specific things, knowing where to go will save you time and money. With this guide, you are now prepared to find what you need.
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