Supermarket Prices in the Canary Islands: OCU Report Reveals Surprises
The price of the shopping basket remains one of the key indicators closely watched by consumers. The latest report from the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) confirms that there are significant differences in prices depending on the island and the supermarket chosen in the Canary Islands. Surprisingly, neither Mercadona nor Carrefour emerge as the cheapest options in the archipelago. In 2025, the study identifies Alcampo as the most economical supermarket in Tenerife, while Lidl takes the lead in Gran Canaria, highlighting the importance of making informed choices to save money over the year.
The Situation in Tenerife
In Tenerife, the OCU report indicates that the Alcampo hypermarkets in Las Chumberas (located in La Laguna) and on the TF-5, exit 36 (in the La Villa shopping centre), are the most affordable on the island. The estimated monthly expenditure for an average household is €194.66, making Alcampo the benchmark against other chains. In comparison, shopping at Hiperdino leads to a monthly expense of €197.10 (an annual increase of €29.28), while Carrefour’s figure reaches €197.84 (an annual rise of €38.16).
Mercadona: The More Expensive Option
The most notable difference comes from Mercadona, where the shopping basket totals €200.14 per month, resulting in an additional annual cost of €65.76 compared to Alcampo. Aldi presents a slightly smaller annual difference (€61.80 more) but still positions it as pricier than Tenerife’s reference option. Although the monthly discrepancies may seem minor, the OCU emphasises that households could save between €40 and €65 annually by switching supermarkets.
The Gran Canaria Landscape
In Gran Canaria, Lidl takes the title of the cheapest option, with a monthly expenditure of €199.14. Alcampo Telde follows in second place, showing an annual difference of €52.44. In contrast, Hiperdino’s prices are considerably higher, ranging from €206.38 to €209.38 monthly, translating to an excess of €87 to €123 per year compared to Lidl.
Comparing the Islands
The report reveals that shopping is generally cheaper in Tenerife than in Gran Canaria. While an average household in Tenerife spends €194.66 at the most economical supermarket, the minimum figure in Gran Canaria rises to €199.14. However, the price differences between chains are more pronounced in Gran Canaria, suggesting that choosing the right supermarket could yield savings of up to €122.88 a year—double that of Tenerife.
Factors Influencing Price Differences
Several factors can explain these variations between the islands:
- Competition: In Tenerife, the presence of two Alcampo hypermarkets drives prices down. In Gran Canaria, Alcampo has only one outlet, which reduces direct competition.
- Logistics: The transportation and distribution of products differ based on each chain’s network and proximity to ports and warehouses.
- Commercial Strategy: Some chains adjust their prices according to local competition and purchasing power.
- Fresh Produce: The OCU basket includes fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish, whose prices vary based on local production and supplier agreements.
- Consumer Habits: The weighting of certain products in the index may differ according to average demand on each island.
A National Reference
The OCU study is based on an analysis of 241 food, cleaning, and hygiene products collected from physical and online supermarkets nationwide. Alcampo is recognised as the cheapest supermarket in 42 cities, while the Dani chain—nonexistent in the Canary Islands—serves as the national benchmark. Across Spain, the prices in the OCU basket have increased by 3% in 2025, with a particularly sharp rise in fresh products (+8%). Packaged goods have seen minimal change (+0.8%), but the weight of fresh items means that the overall increase is felt by consumers.
Potential Savings
According to the OCU, choosing the right supermarket can lead to an average annual saving of €1,132 per household, although in large cities like Madrid, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive options exceeds €4,000. In the Canary Islands, albeit with more moderate figures, the study confirms that switching chains can result in savings of up to €65 in Tenerife and over €120 in Gran Canaria.
