With food prices steadily rising in Egypt, saving money on groceries has become a top priority for many households. The good news is that with a bit of planning and the right strategies, you can significantly cut your grocery bill without compromising on quality. This 2025 guide walks you through proven methods tailored to the Egyptian market — from using discount apps to buying in bulk, and even knowing the best times to shop.
1. Shop at Local Markets Instead of Supermarkets
How it works: Local street markets and traditional souqs often offer lower prices than large supermarket chains. Because vendors buy directly from farmers or wholesalers, you avoid extra retail markups. Prices are especially lower for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Pro Tip: Visit markets early in the morning for the freshest produce, or late in the day when sellers are eager to clear stock and offer discounts.
2. Take Advantage of Grocery Discount Apps
How it works: Apps like Elmenus, Talabat Mart, and Carrefour Egypt’s app often have exclusive discounts, promo codes, and cashback offers. Many also offer free delivery during promotions, which saves both time and transport costs.
Pro Tip: Create accounts with multiple apps and compare prices before buying. Sometimes the same item is cheaper on a different app due to flash sales.
3. Buy in Bulk for Staples
How it works: Items like rice, pasta, sugar, and cooking oil are cheaper per kilogram when bought in bulk. Wholesale stores such as Hyper One or Metro Wholesale offer significant price drops for larger packages.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have proper storage containers to keep bulk items fresh and safe from pests.
4. Stick to a Weekly Shopping List
How it works: Without a clear list, you’re more likely to buy unnecessary items. Planning your meals for the week and writing down exactly what you need helps prevent impulse purchases that drive up your bill.
Pro Tip: Keep a running list in your phone so you can add items as you run out of them, instead of guessing at the store.
5. Compare Prices Across Different Stores
How it works: Prices for the same product can vary greatly between stores, especially for imported goods. Visiting two or three shops in your area and checking their offers can help you find the best deal.
Pro Tip: Use price comparison features in grocery apps before physically going to the store.
6. Buy Seasonal Produce
How it works: Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often fresher, tastier, and much cheaper. For example, mangoes are cheapest in summer, while oranges are abundant and affordable in winter.
Pro Tip: Ask vendors when the peak season for certain items is so you can stock up or adjust your recipes accordingly.
7. Reduce Food Waste
How it works: The less you throw away, the more you save. This means storing food properly, using leftovers creatively, and checking expiry dates before buying in bulk.
Pro Tip: Keep perishable items like dairy and greens in visible spots in your fridge so they get used before going bad.
8. Cook at Home More Often
How it works: Cooking meals at home costs far less than eating out or ordering delivery. Even simple dishes like koshari, ful, and lentil soup can be made at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Pro Tip: Batch cook meals for the week and freeze portions to save both time and money.
9. Look Out for Special Sales and Discounts
How it works: Many supermarkets in Egypt run weekly or monthly sales on certain items. Planning your shopping trips around these sales can save a lot, especially for meat, poultry, and cleaning products.
Pro Tip: Follow your local supermarket on Facebook or Instagram — many announce flash sales there before anywhere else.
10. Join Loyalty Programs
How it works: Stores like Carrefour, Metro, and Spinneys offer loyalty cards that give you points on every purchase. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free products over time.
Pro Tip: If you shop at multiple chains, sign up for all their loyalty programs to maximize your savings.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on groceries in Egypt is all about being strategic — choosing the right places to shop, knowing when and what to buy, and using tools like apps and loyalty programs to your advantage. With these tips, you can reduce your monthly expenses while still enjoying healthy, quality food.