Supermarket Grocery Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Choppies & more
Planning your monthly budget? Compare the average prices of essential groceries across Zambia's major supermarket chains, including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Choppies, and Cheers.
Shoprite vs Pick n Pay vs Choppies — Which is Cheapest?
A quick comparison of Zambia's major supermarket chains to help you decide where to shop.
Shoprite
💚 Budget-Friendly25+ stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Cheapest for bulk staples (mealie meal, cooking oil, sugar). Best deals on house brands.
⚠️ Watch Out
Limited premium/imported products.
Pick n Pay
💛 Mid-Range15+ stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Good variety of fresh produce and imported goods. Rewards card program.
⚠️ Watch Out
Generally 5-15% pricier than Shoprite on staples.
Choppies
💚 Budget-Friendly10+ stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Competitive on household items and cleaning products.
⚠️ Watch Out
Smaller selection, fewer locations.
Game / Game Foodco
💛 Mid-Range5 stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Best for bulk buying and electronics bundles. Good for combined grocery+household shopping.
⚠️ Watch Out
Limited fresh produce, mostly Lusaka-based.
Spar
💛 Mid-Range8+ stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Strong bakery and deli section. Good fresh produce quality.
⚠️ Watch Out
Higher prices on pantry staples.
Food Lovers Market
🧡 Premium3 stores nationwide
✅ Strength
Best fresh produce and specialty items. Wide international selection.
⚠️ Watch Out
Most expensive. Only in Lusaka.
Pantry Essentials & Staples
Prices for basic carbohydrates, cooking oil, and dairy products. These items form the core of most Zambian shopping baskets.
| Item & Size | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mealie Meal (Breakfast, 25kg) National staple. Prices fluctuate based on maize availability. | ZMK 320 – 380 |
| Mealie Meal (Roller, 25kg) Slightly cheaper alternative to breakfast mealie meal. | ZMK 280 – 320 |
| Cooking Oil (2.5 Litres) Trade Kings, D'lite, or store brands. | ZMK 130 – 160 |
| Sugar (Zambia Sugar, 2kg) Standard household sugar. | ZMK 65 – 80 |
| Bread (Standard Loaf) In-store bakery or Supa Loaf. | ZMK 20 – 25 |
| Milk (Long Life UHT, 1L) Parmalat or Trade Kings Dairy Gold. | ZMK 28 – 35 |
| Eggs (Tray of 30) Prices vary slightly by supermarket. | ZMK 90 – 120 |
| Rice (2kg, imported) Tastic, Kilimanjaro, or local brands. | ZMK 55 – 75 |
| Salt (1kg, iodised) Sea or table salt. | ZMK 8 – 12 |
| Tea (Joko/Five Roses, 100 bags) Most popular brands. | ZMK 70 – 90 |
Meat, Fish, Fruit & Vegetables
While supermarkets offer convenience, remember that fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, and seasonal fruits are typically much cheaper if bought directly from local open markets.
Mixed Portions Chicken (2kg)
Frozen chicken pieces.
ZMK 110 – 140
Beef Mince (per kg)
Standard grade.
ZMK 120 – 160
Pork Chops (per kg)
Fresh or frozen.
ZMK 90 – 130
Kapenta/Dried Fish (per kg)
Popular protein, prices seasonal.
ZMK 120 – 180
Tomatoes (per kg)
Highly seasonal; much cheaper in open markets.
ZMK 25 – 40
Onions (per kg)
Common cooking ingredient.
ZMK 20 – 35
Bananas (per kg)
Local or imported.
ZMK 30 – 45
Potatoes (per kg)
Local supply, seasonal variation.
ZMK 15 – 25
Beverages & Drinks
From soft drinks and beer to coffee and traditional Maheu — beverage prices across major supermarkets.
Coca-Cola / Fanta (2L)
ZMK 22 – 28
Standard soft drink.
Mosi Lager Beer (6-Pack)
ZMK 85 – 110
Zambia's most popular beer.
Bottled Water (5L)
ZMK 20 – 30
Local brands: Aqua, Paradise.
Juice (Ceres/Tropika, 1L)
ZMK 35 – 50
Imported fruit juice.
Maheu / Shake Shake
ZMK 8 – 12
Popular traditional soft drink.
Instant Coffee (Nescafe, 200g)
ZMK 90 – 120
Standard jar.
Baby & Kids Essentials
Formula, nappies, and baby food are among the most expensive recurring grocery costs for young families in Zambia.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Baby Formula (NAN/S-26, 400g) Premium imported brands. | ZMK 180 – 250 |
| Pampers / Huggies (50-60 pack) Premium disposable nappies. | ZMK 250 – 350 |
| Economy Nappies (Local, 50 pack) Trade Kings or store brand. | ZMK 100 – 160 |
| Baby Cereal (Cerelac, 250g) Nestle weaning food. | ZMK 60 – 80 |
| Baby Wipes (80 pack) Various brands. | ZMK 40 – 60 |
Household & Cleaning
Detergents and hygiene products manufactured locally (such as those by Trade Kings) are highly affordable and widely stocked.
Washing Powder (Boom, 2kg)
ZMK 85 – 110
Trade Kings brand.
Toilet Paper (2-Ply, 10 Rolls)
ZMK 90 – 130
Store brand or Baby Soft.
Bath Soap (Protex/Geisha, 175g)
ZMK 18 – 25
Standard family sizes.
Dishwashing Liquid (750ml)
ZMK 30 – 45
Sunlight or store brand.
Bleach (Jik, 750ml)
ZMK 25 – 35
Cleaning and disinfection.
Tips to Save Money on Groceries in Zambia
- Buy staples at Shoprite: Mealie meal, cooking oil, and sugar are consistently cheapest at Shoprite, especially their house brands.
- Fresh produce from open markets: Soweto Market (Lusaka), Nakadoli Market (Kitwe), and local roadside vendors sell tomatoes, onions, and vegetables at 30-50% less than supermarkets.
- Buy in bulk: Items like cooking oil, rice, and mealie meal are significantly cheaper per-unit when bought in larger sizes. A 20L cooking oil jerrican saves up to 20% compared to buying 2.5L bottles.
- Watch for month-end promotions: Shoprite and Pick n Pay run monthly specials, particularly on the last week of the month when foot traffic is highest.
- Use loyalty programs: Pick n Pay Smart Shopper and Game Store cards accumulate points that convert to discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest supermarket in Zambia?
For bulk household goods and detergents, mass-market stores like Choppies, Cheers, and certain independent cash-and-carries are often the cheapest. For general groceries and fresh produce with consistent quality, Shoprite is generally considered the most reasonably priced major chain.
Is Pick n Pay more expensive than Shoprite in Zambia?
Generally, yes. Pick n Pay tends to position itself slightly higher in the market, often offering a wider variety of premium and imported goods, which pushes their average basket price slightly higher than Shoprite. However, on basic essentials (like sugar and mealie meal), the prices are usually identical or very close.
Are open markets cheaper than supermarkets?
Yes, especially for fresh produce. Tomatoes, onions, seasonal vegetables, and sometimes fresh chicken are significantly cheaper at open markets (like Soweto Market in Lusaka) compared to major supermarkets. However, manufactured goods (like cooking oil or washing powder) are often cheaper in supermarkets due to bulk retail pricing.
How much does a 25kg bag of mealie meal cost?
As of early 2026, a 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal costs between ZMK 320 and ZMK 380 in most major supermarkets. Roller meal is slightly cheaper (around ZMK 280 - ZMK 320). Prices are highly dependent on the national harvest and government regulations.
What are Shoprite opening hours in Zambia?
Most Shoprite stores open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Shopping mall locations (like Manda Hill, Levy Junction, EastPark Mall) often stay open until 8:00 PM. Hours may vary by location — check with your local store.
How much does baby formula cost in Zambia?
Premium imported baby formula (NAN, S-26) costs ZMK 180-250 per 400g tin. A baby typically goes through 3-4 tins per month, costing ZMK 540-1,000 monthly. Cheaper local alternatives exist but are less widely available. Pampers/Huggies nappies cost ZMK 250-350 per 50-pack, while economy brands cost ZMK 100-160.