Esselunga Grocery Haul + How Much Groceries Really Cost in Italy

Written By Ananya Mahapatra

Wondering how much groceries cost in Italy or what a weekly Esselunga haul looks like? Whether you’re an expat, foodie, or planning to shop on a budget, here’s a real-life breakdown of my weekly groceries, plus tips on where to get Indian ingredients like paneer and spices.

(For meal ideas, check out my “What I Eat in a Day in Italy” article.)

  1. My Weekly Esselunga Haul

Here’s what ends up in my cart each week—and what it costs:

  • Milk (1L) – €1.70

  • Eggs (12 pack) – €3.20

  • Bread (500g) – €1.50 You can grab fresh Italian bread for toast or sandwiches in Esselunga as well! They have all that and more

  • Fresh veggies – €8–10 Seasonal and fresh; I shop every 2–3 days

  • Fruits – €10

  • Rice (Basmati, 1kg) – €3.99

  • Pasta (500g) – €1.20

  • Olive oil (1L) – €6–8

  • Spices & pantry essentials – €15–20

💡 Tip: Stick to local and seasonal produce for freshness and savings. Pantry staples last longer, so stock up when you can.

2. Indian Ingredients in Italy

Some essentials like paneer and specific spices aren’t at Esselunga. I get them at Indian/ethnic stores or online via Dookan.com.

  • Paneer (250g) – ~€3 Fresh & authentic

  • Basmati rice Multiple brands available

  • Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, tamarind paste Authentic Indian flavors

  • Other essentials Lentils, flours, ready-to-eat snacks

💡 Tip: Dookan.com has promotions like €1 sales—perfect for stocking up without overspending. Stay tuned for my full Dookan.com review soon!

3. Cheap vs. Splurge

Budget-Friendly Staples:

  • Pasta, rice, grains

  • Seasonal fruits & vegetables

  • Eggs & milk

Splurges Worth It:

  • Cheese (Italian & Indian)

  • Specialty Indian ingredients (paneer, spices, masalas)

  • Sweet treats & desserts

4. Weekly Grocery Budget

  • Esselunga only: ~€60–70 per week

  • Including Indian groceries from Dookan.com: ~€80–90 per week

Meal planning helps me mix Indian-style meals (spiced veggies & rice) with Italian staples (pasta, eggs, salads) for a balanced and flavorful week.

5. Smart Grocery Shopping Tips

  1. Buy local & seasonal produce Fresher + cheaper (and some Italian language practice)

  2. Plan meals around weekly deals Esselunga discounts fruits, vegetables, and dairy regularly

  3. Stock up on pantry staples Rice, pasta, spices last longer than fresh produce

  4. Shop Indian/ethnic stores or Dookan.com - For paneer, spices, dried curry leaves, and other essentials

Ananya Mahapatra
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What I eat in a day (Indian in Italy)