Grocery shopping in Málaga

Ted. Judy and I usually cook most of our meals wherever we live. We like to eat out once or twice a week but that’s more expensive (and less healthy). It's not as exotic as a trip to Marrakesh but I thought it might be interesting to hear what a typical shopping day is like.

It's about a four block walk to our local grocery which is part of a chain called Mercadona. Ours doesn't have a parking lot since it caters to those who walk or use public transportation. There are bigger stores on the outskirts of town that have parking lots and a larger selection but one needs a car to get there. 

The same man can be found standing out front every morning. He’s sort of a greeter/panhandler and always has a bright smile and kind words for folks coming and going. He holds a tip jar in his hand and seems well pleased when someone drops a coin in it. If a lady comes out and has to carry her bags to a car up the street, he helps her and is usually rewarded. He’s a part of the neighborhood so I give him one euro every Wednesday. As the Steve McQueen character was told repeatedly in the film, The Sand Pebbles, “It’s his rice bowl!” 

On entering the store, folks park their trolleys on the right (used for the walk home) and get an in store shopping cart. 

The selection is limited but quality and freshness are good.

Cereals

Some milk & drinks are refrigerated, most are preserved (fridges are tiny)

Eggs (they're only refrigerated in the US)

One of 3 produce aisles. Carts are parked in the center

They love their jamon here!

Only Spanish wines, $2.00 - $8.00/750 ml bottle

Just 1/2 of the fresh seafood counter!

One of 2 meat aisles. Note the fresh rabbit! Steak is about $10/lb

So, what did our bag of groceries cost today? This is what we bought. I converted the unit prices to US dollars and standard US weight or volume so you can compare with your local prices. Also, tax is included (even on alcohol). 

1 liter, milk ($4.25/gal)                     $ 1.00 

1 baguette:                                                0.65 

1 liter, yogurt ($1.25/qt)                      1.30 

1/2 liter fresh soup ($2.25/pt            2.30 

500g, granola ($2,25/lb)                      2.50 

250g, deli ham ($5.40/lb)                    3.00 

250g, Manchego cheese ($3.70/lb)   2.00 

1 liter, fresh gazpacho ($3.00/qt)      3.10 

250g, fresh ravioli ($4.35/lb)             2.40 

250g, butter ($3.70/lb)                        2.00 

1 head of romaine lettuce                    1.25 

6 eggs ($3.40/dozen)                            1.70 

1 green pepper ($1.20/lb)                   0.30 

6 bananas ($0.65/lb)                             1.30 

                                      Total cost  $US 24.80