Supermarket and Grocery Prices in Argentina for British Expats (2025)

One of the first things British expats notice in Argentina is how cheap groceries are. A weekly shop that costs £80–100 in a UK supermarket might cost £30–45 in Buenos Aires. But the shopping experience is different — fewer ready meals, more fresh produce markets, and a rhythm that takes some adjusting to.

Supermarket Chains

Carrefour — The closest thing to a Tesco or Sainsbury's. Wide range, decent own-brand products (Carrefour Classic and Carrefour Bio), predictable stock. Mid-range pricing.

Coto — An Argentine chain with huge hypermarkets. Excellent for bulk buying. The meat counter is particularly good — Argentine beef at Coto prices is one of the great food bargains of the world.

Día — The budget option. Smaller stores, limited range, very cheap for staples. Think Aldi or Lidl, but with even less range.

Jumbo and Disco — Premium supermarkets in wealthier neighbourhoods. Higher prices, better imported product selection, more likely to stock British and European brands.

Typical Prices (2025, converted at blue dollar rate)

Where to Shop for What

Meat: The carnicería (neighbourhood butcher) is almost always cheaper and better quality than supermarket meat counters. A good carnicería will cut to order, know their suppliers, and often deliver.

Produce: The verdulería (greengrocer) beats supermarkets on price and freshness for fruit and vegetables. Many are family-run and source from the Mercado Central.

Bread: Panaderías bake fresh daily. Facturas (pastries) are an Argentine institution. A baguette-style baguette costs ARS 1,500–2,500.

Wine: Don't buy wine in supermarkets unless you must. Specialty wine shops (vinotecas) have vastly better selections at the same or lower prices, with knowledgeable staff.

British products: Heinz baked beans, Marmite, Tetley tea, and proper cheddar are available in Jumbo, some Carrefour locations, and specialist stores like The British Shop in Palermo or The Scottish Baker in Belgrano. Expect to pay 2–3x UK prices.

The Inflation Reality

Argentina's inflation means these prices will be higher by the time you read this. The key strategy is to earn or hold money in hard currency (pounds, dollars) and spend in pesos. British expats on UK incomes benefit enormously from this dynamic — your purchasing power in Argentina increases as inflation rises, provided you convert at market rates.

Payment Methods

Most supermarkets accept cash, debit cards, and Mercado Pago QR codes. Credit cards are accepted but often give you the official exchange rate, which is significantly worse than paying cash or via Mercado Pago at the parallel rate.

Worth reading next

• Cost of Living in Argentina vs the UK: A Real Comparison
• Banking in Argentina as a UK Expat: Opening Accounts and Moving Money
• Food Culture Shock: What British Expats Eat in Argentina