Migros and Coop are Switzerland's two largest supermarket chains, with branches in almost every city and village, which makes either one the default stop for groceries whether you are a local or just passing through. LIDL sits alongside them as the discount option. We leaned on all three at different points of our Switzerland trip with three kids, mostly based on whichever one happened to be closest to the station.
Private Label: The Easiest Way to Save
The simplest way to cut grocery costs here is sticking to private label products. M-Budget at Migros, Prix Garantie at Coop, and LIDL's own house brand all run cheaper than national brands, while still meeting the same Swiss food safety standards.
A Migros storefront, one of the two chains you will run into almost everywhere.
When the Discounts Show Up
Fresh food discounts usually appear right before closing time. Bread, ready-to-eat meals, salads, and other fresh items nearing their sell-by date often get marked down, though the size of the discount depends on the branch and what is left in stock that day.
Best time to shop for discounts
| Product | Best time |
|---|---|
| Bakery | Just before closing |
| Sandwiches | Evening |
| Salads | Just before closing |
| Ready meals | Just before closing |
| Fresh produce | Depends on stock |
Alcohol and a Few Local Rules
Migros does not sell alcohol or cigarettes. If you need either, Coop, LIDL, ALDI, or a nearby Denner, often located close to a Migros, are the usual alternatives.
Most supermarkets in Switzerland also close on Sundays. Only a handful of branches, mainly at major train stations, airports, or select locations, stay open with limited hours. It is worth stocking up before the weekend.
Sunday survival guide
| Day | Supermarkets |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | Generally open |
| Sunday | Mostly closed |
| Major stations and airports | Some branches stay open |
Where to Find Each Chain
A Coop branch, typically found close to stations and city centers.
Location patterns differ between the three chains. Coop branches are more often found near train stations, city centers, and tourist areas. LIDL tends to run larger stores set a bit further out, usually in suburban or residential areas. Migros covers both types of locations, from city-center spots to shopping centers.
A LIDL branch, generally the discount option if you are doing a full weekly shop.
Coop also has an advantage if you have just gotten off a train and want something to eat right away: it typically sells ready-to-eat bakery items for around CHF 3, a decent way to hold off hunger without sitting down for a full meal.
Supermarket Souvenirs
Swiss chocolate and snacks at Migros, generally cheaper than souvenir shops.
Supermarket souvenirs are often cheaper than what is sold in dedicated tourist shops. Swiss chocolate, biscuits, herbal tea, and other small souvenirs tend to be priced more competitively. Migros in particular sometimes carries standard Swiss souvenirs like magnets for around CHF 9.
Loyalty Programs
Both major chains have free loyalty programs worth signing up for if you are staying a while: Cumulus for Migros and Supercard for Coop. Both work through an app and often unlock member-only discounts.
Payment and Food Quality
Almost every supermarket in Switzerland accepts debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payment, so there is little need to carry much cash. Food quality standards are also strict across the board. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy all follow tight Swiss food safety regulations, which means even the private label products tend to hold up well.
Which One Fits You
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| The cheapest overall prices | LIDL |
| To grab something just off the train | Coop |
| A ready-to-eat meal | Coop |
| Quality private label | Migros |
| An affordable souvenir | Migros |
| A full weekly shop | LIDL |
| Picnic food while traveling | Migros or Coop |
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Common Questions
Is LIDL generally the cheapest supermarket?
Yes. LIDL tends to have the lowest prices on most everyday products, though Migros and Coop's private labels can come close on specific items.
Does Migros sell alcohol?
No. Migros does not sell alcohol or cigarettes. For alcohol, Coop, LIDL, ALDI, or a nearby Denner store, often located close to a Migros, are the easier options.
Is Coop usually near train stations?
Yes, very often. Coop branches are commonly found near train stations, city centers, and tourist areas, which makes them convenient for a quick stop while traveling.
Are credit cards accepted at Swiss supermarkets?
Yes. Nearly every branch accepts debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payment, so there is little need to carry much cash.
Are supermarkets open on Sundays?
Mostly no. Most branches close on Sundays, though a handful of locations at major train stations or airports stay open with limited hours.
Price Examples
| Item | Price range |
|---|---|
| Bakery item | From about CHF 3 |
| Sandwich | CHF 4 to 7 |
| Bananas | CHF 2 to 4 per kg |
| Bottled water | About CHF 1 |
| Swiss magnet | From about CHF 9 (some Migros branches) |
Linea
Professional mom of three and somehow still standing. Low-prep activities, cozy traditions, kid-friendly recipes & finds for curious kids, because we're all winging it together :)
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