In all supermarkets and discounters, the price information on the shelf is changed from day to day. The reason is a new law that will take effect on May 28th. FOCUS Online says how consumers should read the new price tags and how you can save more with them.

From May 28, German retailers will have to provide a simplified basic price. This should enable consumers to have better price transparency and simplify comparisons.

So far, Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka and other supermarkets have given the basic price according to 100 grams, 100 milliliters, one liter or one kilo. From May, only the information per kilo or per liter will apply. This provides for a change in the Price Indication Ordinance.

The basic price always shows how much the corresponding content of the product would cost per liter or kilo including all taxes. Until recently, supermarkets and discounters could also specify 100 grams and 100 milliliters if the package content was less than 250 grams or 250 milliliters. From May 28th, only the full kilo and liter price will apply.

For loose groceries such as fruit, meat, fish and vegetables, supermarkets must also indicate the full kilo or liter price from May 28th. Previously, they could choose between 100 grams and one kilo when specifying the price.

The basic price leads to more transparency and enables customers to compare prices more easily. This is particularly important when two different packaging units have to be compared with one another.

The cheap no-name cream cheese costs 5.97 euros per kilo and the corresponding branded product in turn costs 8.76 euros.

You can find the basic price per kilogram or per liter either on the shelf, in the brochure or on the Internet. It is generally specified for all foods and for some drugstore items.

In this example you see the basic price circled. From May 28th, Netto Marken-Discount would have to indicate the price in kilograms:

Surf Tips:

Supermarket prices are skyrocketing, but we consumers also have to dig deeper into our pockets for electricity, petrol, furniture and clothing. What did you observe? What do you do to save money each month for yourself and your family? Send an e-mail to Konstantinos.mitsis@burda-forward.de with your name and telephone number