German supermarkets: discounter vs. full range

Discounters (Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny) are 15–25% cheaper, store brands often come from the same factory as big brands. Supermarkets (Rewe, Edeka) offer more choice at a higher price. Pfand: PET bottles go back to the machine — €0.25, glass €0.08. The organic label (green EU leaf) means ≥95% organic ingredients. "Best before" ≠ "use by": MHD items are often edible afterwards.

• ●The Pfand machine takes deposit bottles — redeem the slip at the till
• ●Too Good To Go — food before closing time for 30–70% of the price
• ●Compare the kilo/litre price on the shelf — not the pack price