Moving to Luxembourg as an expat comes with many exciting experiences, including the first trip to the grocery store. With a mix of international and local products, multilingual labels, and varying store hours, grocery shopping in Luxembourg can be a unique experience. Here’s a helpful guide to make your first visit smooth and hassle-free.
Where to Shop
Luxembourg offers a variety of grocery stores ranging from large supermarkets to small specialty shops. Some of the most popular supermarkets include:
Cactus – A Luxembourg-based chain offering a mix of local and international products.
Auchan – A French supermarket chain with a wide selection, including fresh produce and international foods.
Delhaize – A Belgian supermarket with quality products, known for its fresh bakery and organic selections.
Aldi & Lidl – Budget-friendly options with limited but high-quality selections.
Monoprix – A French chain offering premium products and ready-made meals.
Naturata – A great option for organic and sustainable grocery shopping.
Understanding Grocery Store Hours
Most supermarkets are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Many smaller stores and local markets close for a lunch break, typically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
On Sundays, most supermarkets are closed, but some locations in major cities or near the train station may remain open in the morning.
Gas station convenience stores and select bakeries remain open on Sundays for essentials.
What to Bring
Reusable Bags: Luxembourg encourages sustainability, so bringing your own shopping bags is a must. Otherwise, you will have to purchase them at checkout.
Shopping Cart Coin: Many supermarkets require a €1 or €2 coin to unlock a shopping cart.
Loyalty Cards: Stores like Cactus, Auchan, and Delhaize offer loyalty programs for discounts and promotions.
Navigating the Aisles
Multilingual Labels: Product labels are often in French, German, and Luxembourgish, and sometimes English. If unsure, using a translation app can help.
Dairy & Bakery Sections: Look for 'Lait' (milk), 'Fromage' (cheese), 'Baguette' (French bread), and 'Croissant' (pastry) for authentic local flavors.
Meat & Seafood: Butcher sections offer fresh meats labeled as 'Boeuf' (beef), 'Poulet' (chicken), 'Poisson' (fish).
Checkout Process: Most stores have both self-checkout and cashier lanes, and credit/debit cards are widely accepted, though some smaller stores prefer cash.
Specialty & International Foods
Luxembourg is a multicultural country, and you can find a variety of international grocery stores catering to different cuisines:
Asian Supermarkets – Stores like Asia Market and Thai Food Store offer ingredients from China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
Middle Eastern & African Stores – For spices, halal meats, and specialty products.
British & American Food Stores – Some supermarkets have sections dedicated to UK and US products.
Farmer’s Markets & Local Produce
For fresh, local produce and artisanal goods, visit Luxembourg’s many farmers’ markets, such as:
Place Guillaume II Market (Luxembourg City) – Every Wednesday and Saturday.
Esch-sur-Alzette Market – Weekly fresh produce and local specialties.
Local Bio Markets – Great for organic vegetables, honey, and dairy.
Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience
Go Early: For the best selection, shop in the morning when fresh products are restocked.
Be Aware of Discounts: Look for promotions labeled 'Promo' or 'Offre Spéciale' to save money.
Check Expiry Dates: Some discounts apply to near-expiry products, so check labels carefully.
Bag Your Own Groceries: In most stores, you’ll need to bag your own groceries at checkout.
Conclusion
Grocery shopping as an expat in Luxembourg can be an enjoyable experience once you familiarize yourself with the local stores, shopping habits, and available products. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the aisles, discover new flavors, and make the most of your grocery trips in Luxembourg!
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