Shopping for groceries in Israel can feel overwhelming at first, especially for new olim (new immigrants) who are used to different systems abroad. Everything here feels new - the food, the prices, the language, and the shops themselves; adjusting to the culture shock definitely takes time. Last week, I shared some of my favorite relatable shopping stories from olim. Here are some survival tips and pieces of advice many suggested to make the chaos feel a little more manageable.
Know where to shop
First and foremost, said the olim, is knowing where to shop. Discount chains like Rami Levy, Osher Ad, and Shufersal usually offer the best prices, though they can get crowded and noisy. If you’re in a rush, neighborhood makolets (small grocery stores) are convenient, but everyone agrees they are notoriously overpriced. Most olim said that they avoid makolets unless they are really stuck.
For those living near the city center, Mahaneh Yehuda, better-known as the shuk (outdoor market) is a favorite. It’s the go-to spot for fresh produce, nuts, spices, and dried fruit, and bargaining with Israeli shopkeepers is part of the experience. Prices often drop right before closing, so timing your visit can mean real savings.
For those craving a taste of home, there are also niche international stores such as Russian, Ethiopian, Asian, and Anglo stores, although olim warn that imported products can be very expensive.
Another option many olim suggest is shopping online. It’s convenient and can save you the headache of navigating crowded aisles, but it has its downsides too: sometimes your delivery arrives with missing items, or the supermarket substitutes different products than the ones you chose. On the plus side, many chains also offer home delivery services, which some olim swear by as a way to simplify their weekly grocery shop.
Timing is everything
Shopping in Israel doesn’t have to be overwhelming - if you know when to go. Almost every oleh will tell you to avoid Thursday evenings and Fridays, when Israelis are stocking up for Shabbat. The best time to shop is early weekday mornings when there is fresh stock and fewer crowds. For those who can’t get to the shops at these times, there is always the option of ordering online, with the added benefit of avoiding long lines. Flyers and price-comparison apps can also be useful for tracking weekly deals or promotions.
Learn the lingo
A major challenge mentioned by many olim is the language barrier. Even if you have a good level of Hebrew, product packaging or labels can still be confusing. Some olim recommended learning and mastering a few key words to make everyday life a bit easier. For example, חלב (chalav) - milk, לחם (lechem) - bread, שמן (shemen) - oil, מבצע (mivtza) - a sale, הנחה (hanacha) - a discount, and משקל (mishkal) refers to items sold by weight. Even just recognizing these words can help you avoid mistakes and spot bargains. It may also be a good idea to keep Google Translate handy or a notepad for jotting down key words and phrases.
Use apps and loyalty cards
Luckily, technology can make things a little easier. Olim suggest downloading supermarket apps like Rami Levy or Shufersal to check flyers, compare prices, and even order online. For broader comparisons, apps like Pricez, MySupermarket, and Walla Shops are useful. Many stores also offer free loyalty cards (kartis mo’adon) which offer discounts on certain products. Just ask the store managers or shopkeepers how to sign up.
Mind the metric system
Several olim mentioned that it took them some time to adjust to the metric system used in Israel. Here, everything is sold in kilos and grams, so it is a good idea to get familiar with the conversions. For example, 1 kilo = 2.2 pounds. Bread, cheese, and deli products are usually priced by weight rather than by package, so be prepared to weigh your items.
Bring your own bags
Plastic bags in Israel cost about 10 agorot each, so olim recommend bringing your own. Most Israelis use reusable totes, fabric bags, or the classic rolling granny carts. The notorious granny carts are considered to be a practical option and are a norm in Israel. No one will look twice at you wheeling one through the store.
Keeping kosher
Most major supermarket chains are kosher, but olim advise always checking the teudat kashrut (kosher certificate). With many different hechsherim (levels of supervision) in Israel, those who keep a particular standard should always read the fine print on packaging.
Avoid imported stock
Imported products in Israel are known to be expensive, especially American and British brands. Many suggest trying local or European alternatives for items like peanut butter, maple syrup, cereals, or cleaning products to save money. If you’re craving a taste of home and are willing to splurge, specialty Anglo stores carry familiar brands, but expect to pay for them.
Where to buy meat
Several olim said they prefer buying meat from local butchers, as they often offer better quality at lower prices than supermarket pre-packed meat. You can also ask butchers directly about special deals or discounts. It helps to learn the Hebrew names for different cuts, and keep in mind that in Israel “frozen meat” often means “previously frozen,” so always clarify before buying.
Tips to save money
As mentioned, some stores have apps where you can look up weekly promotions, especially during chagim (holidays), when supermarkets run major sales. Several olim also suggest joining Facebook groups like Olim Grocery Hacks or Secret Tel Aviv–Shopping Tips to stay up-to-date on bargains. They also advised buying seasonal produce as out-of-season fruit and vegetables can be very expensive. Also, if you find something on sale, buy extra or bulk buy - there’s no guarantee it will be there next week. For dry goods such as rice, pasta, beans, and spices, buying in bulk is usually fresher and cheaper.
Don’t expect customer service
Shopping in Israel isn’t just about food; it’s about adapting to the culture. Many olim joke that lines here don’t really exist.
Israelis are known for being a little hot-headed at times… So if you want to be heard, you have to speak up and be assertive. It takes some time to develop this skill, but soon you’ll be blending right in.
Also, if you don’t have the patience for the chaos or are simply in a rush, self-checkout machines are becoming more common - just note that they don’t always work smoothly.
At first, Israeli grocery shopping might feel like a hassle. But before long, you’ll be bargaining with the shuk shopkeepers and elbowing your way to the front of the line like a native. And if someone tries to cut in front of you, if you don’t understand something in Hebrew, or if your trolley breaks - I assure you that one day you’ll laugh about it!