Grocery Shopping in Israel

Grocery Shopping in Israel: A Newcomer’s Guide

Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to day-to-day activities like grocery shopping. In Israel, you’ll find a unique blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Western influences that shape everything from the food you eat to how you shop for it. Whether you’re looking to stock up on essentials or explore the local markets, understanding the basics of grocery shopping in Israel will help you feel more at home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from finding the right stores to deciphering labels and prices.

1. Types of Grocery Stores

One of the first things you’ll notice in Israel is the variety of grocery shopping options available. Depending on your needs, you can choose from large supermarket chains, smaller neighborhood stores, or bustling outdoor markets. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of shopping venues:

Supermarkets: The One-Stop Shop

The most common option for grocery shopping in Israel is the supermarket. Some of the biggest chains include:

• Shufersal (שופרסל): Israel’s largest supermarket chain, with locations throughout the country. Shufersal offers both regular stores and “Shufersal Deal,” which is more focused on discounted bulk purchases.
• Rami Levy (רמי לוי): Known for its competitive pricing, Rami Levy is a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. You can also find Rami Levy’s own brand of products, which are often cheaper than name brands.
• Mega (מגה): Another large chain, Mega stores offer a wide range of products, including organic and specialty items.

Supermarkets in Israel are a convenient choice for those who want to find everything under one roof. In addition to fresh produce, dairy, and meat, you’ll also find household items, cleaning supplies, and even some imported goods.

Makolet: The Convenience Store

If you’re looking for something quick, or you live in a smaller neighborhood, the makolet (מכולת) is your go-to. Makolets are small, family-run convenience stores located in most residential areas. Though they may not have the extensive selection of a supermarket, they’re perfect for grabbing last-minute items like milk, bread, or snacks. Keep in mind that prices in makolets are often a bit higher than in supermarkets, but the convenience of their proximity makes them a staple in Israeli day-to-day life.

Shuk: The Outdoor Market Experience

For a more authentic Israeli shopping experience, head to a shuk (שוק)—an open-air market where you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and local goods. The most famous shuk is Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem, but every major city has its own version. Prices at the shuk can be lower than supermarkets, especially if you go towards the end of the day when vendors are eager to sell off remaining stock. Haggling is often part of the experience, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price!

2. Understanding Prices and Weights

One thing that may take some getting used to is the way prices and weights are displayed in Israel. Here’s a quick overview to help you shop with confidence:

Prices: Shekels and Agorot

Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), often abbreviated as ₪. Prices are typically rounded to the nearest shekel, but you may also encounter agorot, which are the equivalent of cents (100 agorot make up 1 shekel). For example, an item priced at ₪19.90 is essentially ₪20.

Be aware that prices in supermarkets usually include Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently set at 17%. However, fresh fruits and vegetables are typically exempt from VAT.

Weights: Grams and Kilograms

In Israel, weights are measured in the metric system, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with grams (g) and kilograms (kg). For example, cheeses and meats are often sold by the 100 grams (known locally as a “hektogram”), while fruits and vegetables are sold by the kilogram. If you’re used to pounds or ounces, here’s a quick conversion reference:

• 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
• 100 grams = 3.5 ounces

Shopping at the shuk or deli counters often involves asking for specific weights, so don’t hesitate to ask for “חצי” (khatsi), which means half (e.g., half a kilogram), or “מאה גרם” (meah gram), meaning 100 grams.

3. Dietary Considerations: Kosher and Special Diets

When grocery shopping in Israel, you’ll quickly notice the prominence of kosher food regulations. While this may be new to some, understanding these dietary laws (known as kashrut) is essential for navigating the local food scene.

Kosher Certifications

Most supermarkets in Israel carry a wide selection of kosher products, and you’ll often see them marked with a hechsher—a symbol certifying that the food complies with Jewish dietary laws. Two common symbols are the OU (Orthodox Union) and the Rabbanut stamp, which is the local rabbinical authority’s certification.

Kosher laws affect everything from how meat is slaughtered to how foods are prepared. For example, you’ll never find meat and dairy products sold together in a kosher store, and many supermarkets have separate checkout lines for these items. This is something to keep in mind if you’re shopping for both types of products.

Special Diets: Gluten-Free, Vegan, and More

Israel is also very accommodating to special diets. Many supermarkets have dedicated sections for gluten-free or vegan foods, often clearly labeled in both Hebrew and English. Some common terms to know include:

• ללא גלוטן (l’lo gluten) – Gluten-free
• טבעוני (tivoni) – Vegan
• ללא סוכר (l’lo sukar) – Sugar-free

If you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these labels. You can also ask for help; most Israelis are familiar with terms like “gluten-free” and are often happy to assist if you’re unsure.

Conclusion: Embrace the Experience

Grocery shopping in Israel may take some time to get used to, but it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you’re wandering the aisles of a supermarket, bargaining for fresh produce at the shuk, or stopping by your neighborhood makolet, you’ll find that each experience offers something unique.

As you settle in, don’t be afraid to explore different stores, try new foods, and ask locals for tips. Before you know it, grocery shopping in Israel will feel as natural as it did back home—only with a lot more hummus and pita in your cart!

Happy shopping, and welcome to Israel!