A Traveller’s Guide to Lanzarote Supermarkets: What to Buy, How to Pay, and Secret Snacks

1. The Big Players: Where Should You Shop?

Lanzarote’s supermarket landscape is dominated by a few key names. Knowing which one to pick can save you a significant amount of “holiday tax.”

• HiperDino & SuperDino: This is the local king. You’ll recognise them by their green dinosaur mascot. HiperDino are the massive hypermarkets (perfect for the “big arrival shop”), SuperDino are mid-sized town stores, and HiperDino Express are the smaller resort versions.

• Mercadona: Frequently cited by expats as the best value for money. It is a Spanish powerhouse known for its high-quality “Hacendado” own-brand products. The Mercadona in Playa Honda (near the airport) is a popular first stop for those picking up a hire car.

• Eurospar & Spar: Familiar names with a local twist. Large Eurospars (like the one in Macher or Costa Teguise) often have the best fresh fish and meat counters on the island.

• Lidl & Aldi: These German giants have revolutionised island pricing. If you want the cheapest wine, European cheeses, and freshly baked bread that rivals the local bakeries, head here.

• Overseas (The Food Co): If you simply cannot survive without Warburtons bread, Marmite, or Iceland frozen meals, these stores stock UK brands. Be prepared to pay a premium for the “taste of home.”

2. Logistics and Etiquette: How to Pay and Shop

British shoppers often get caught out by small cultural differences at the checkout. Here is the 2026 survival kit:

• Weighing Produce: In many Lanzarote supermarkets (especially Mercadona), you must weigh your fruit and vegetables in the aisle before heading to the till. Look for the scales, place your item on, and press the icon that matches the label on the shelf. If you reach the till without a sticker, you may have to run back while the queue watches!

• Bags and Plastic: Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and they take plastic reduction seriously. Single-use plastic bags are rare. Most shops sell sturdy “bags for life” for around €0.50–€1.00. Savvy travellers pack a few foldable bags from home in their suitcase.

• How to Pay: UK cards (Monzo, Revolut, and standard bank debit cards) are accepted almost everywhere. In 2026, Contactless and Apple/Google Pay are the standard. However, always carry a small amount of cash (€10–€20) for smaller independent “minimarkets” or if you want to use a trolley (most require a €0.50, €1, or €2 coin).

• Opening Hours: Most large supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. Unlike the UK, many large out-of-town stores (like Lidl or Mercadona) close on Sundays. If you arrive on a Sunday, look for a “HiperDino Express”—these usually stay open 7 days a week in tourist areas.

3. The “Secret Snacks”: What to Buy

If you only buy what you recognise, you’re missing out on the best part of Lanzarote. Look for these island staples:

The “Must-Haves” for the Villa Fridge:

• Mojo Sauce (Rojo & Verde): The soul of the Canary Islands. The red (picon) is spicy and garlicky, while the green (verde) is fresh with coriander or parsley. Buy the jars in the supermarket for half the price of the airport gift shops.

• Queso de Cabra (Goat’s Cheese): Lanzarote is famous for its award-winning goat’s cheese. Look for the “Finca de Uga” or “El Faro” brands. Try the Semicurado (semi-cured) version with a pimentón (paprika) rind.

• Tinto de Verano: Found in large 1.5L or 2L plastic bottles near the wine. It’s a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda. It’s the “respectable” cousin of Sangria and perfect for drinking over ice by the pool.

The Secret Snacks (The “Pro” List):

• Munchitos: These are the “legendary” Canarian crisps. They are a puffy, salty potato snack that you cannot find in the UK. One bag is never enough.

• Donuts (The Brand): In the bakery aisle, look for the “Donuts” brand in a yellow and chocolate box. They are remarkably fresh and a cult favourite for visitors.

• Tuno Indio Jam: This is jam made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It’s a vibrant purple and tastes like a mix of strawberry and watermelon.

• Gofio Biscuits: Gofio is a toasted grain flour unique to the islands. Gofio-based biscuits are nutty, filling, and a great energy snack for hiking Timanfaya.