Grocery Shopping in Sicily: What It Cost Us

Living in Sicily means adjusting to a different kind of daily rhythm, and grocery runs are a big part of that. They’re not just chores here. They’re small windows into how things work.

We usually start at the Poseidon Mall in Carini, where Deco has a wide selection. From there, we head to Lidl for pantry staples and milk. Some days, we stop at Conad to check for a few items we didn’t find elsewhere. And no week feels complete without a visit to the local produce stand a short drive from our place.

Each stop has its purpose. Deco has variety. Lidl is reliable and budget-friendly. Conad is good for quick stops or specific things. And the outdoor produce stand is where we find the freshest fruits and vegetables. That’s where we feel most connected to the community.

We’ve learned to stay flexible. Some items are seasonal. Some stores don’t restock every day. You work with what’s available and plan meals around what you find.

What We Bought and Where

We did this trip like we normally would. A rough list in mind, but also open to what was on offer. That’s the reality here. Some things aren’t in stock or not in season, so you adapt.

At Deco, we got fresh meat, dairy, and some cleaning supplies. Lidl was good for bread and basics. Conad had turkey cutlets and freshly grated Grana Padano. And the produce stand had the best surprises. This mix is typical for us, part of the local rhythm.

Grocery Prices Compared to the U.S.

If you’re used to American grocery prices, Sicily can feel like a breath of fresh air. Here’s what we paid on this trip:

• Cherry tomatoes: €2.69/kg or €1.22/lb
• Carrots: €0.59/lb
• Bananas: €1.89/kg or €0.86/lb
• Scallions: €0.99 per large bunch
• Fennel: €1.79/kg or €0.81/lb
• Round eggplant: €1.99/kg or €0.90/lb
• Zucchini: €1.59/kg or €0.79/lb
• Red bell peppers: €2.49/kg
• On-the-vine tomatoes: €1.69/kg

We double-checked prices on Walmart’s website and used this euro-to-dollar converter for context.

What We Pay for Meat, Eggs, and Cheese

Protein and dairy are still reasonably priced here, depending on where you shop:

• Pasture-raised eggs: €2.19 per dozen
• Pork loin: €3.99/kg or about $1.81/lb
• Parmigiano Reggiano: €15/kg
• Fresh mozzarella: €1.69 per bag (about €6.26/kg)
• Butter (500g): €4.99
• Greek yogurt: €2.89 per tub

Pantry and Household Items

A few staples and household goods we picked up this week:

• De Cecco pasta: €1.99/kg
• De Cecco tomato sauce: €0.79
• Sliced bread: €1.35
• Cereal: €1.35
• Whole milk (1L): €0.99
• Toilet paper (12 rolls): €2.99
• Laundry detergent: €2.99
• Multipurpose cleaner: €1.99
• Butter cookies: €2.79
• Perrier (1L glass bottle): €1.49

What We Found at the Produce Stand

The produce stand is usually the highlight. We’ve also shared why Sicilian produce tastes different. This week:

• Onions: €0.89/kg
• Oranges: €1.29/kg
• Cherries: €3.99/kg
• Zucchini and bell peppers: firm and vibrant

A Memory from the Market

At the stand, Croce ran into someone from his past. Giuseppe, an older man, recognized him and struck up a conversation.

He remembered Croce being invited to his wedding years ago, as a guest of a mutual friend named Enzo Cavoli. A small moment, but it brought back something real. That quiet kind of loyalty you don’t see much anymore.

Final Stop: Conad

We wrapped up at Conad, where we got turkey cutlets and Grana Padano from the deli. Prices were a little higher, but it was worth it for the convenience.

The layout is easy to navigate, and the staff is great. Carlo at the deli and Alex at the meat counter always make the stop worthwhile.

What It All Cost

Here’s what we spent:

• Deco: €18.35
• Lidl: €12.55
• Produce stand: €11.00
• Conad: €9.94
• Total: €51.84

That covered vegetables, protein, dairy, pantry staples, and household supplies. Enough to get us through several days.

We also break down the cost of living in Sicily if you want the full picture.

Tips for Grocery Shopping in Sicily

If you’re planning a visit or move, here’s what to know:

• Bring your own bags: Stores charge for them.
• Store hours vary: Many close mid-afternoon.
• Weigh your produce: Use the in-store scale and label it.
• Eggs and milk may not be refrigerated: Totally normal here.
• Keep coins on hand: Carts often need a €0.50 or €1 coin.

Final Thoughts

Grocery shopping in Sicily has become something we enjoy. We plan meals around what’s available. We appreciate the quality and the prices. And more than anything, we feel part of something real.

Even a simple errand like this one shows what it means to live here.