Hey everyone! We’re halfway into the semester, and whether you’re new to Guildford or a returning student, one thing we all need to figure out pretty quickly is where to do our groceries.🛒 Figuring out the best spots for affordable, quality food can save you time and money, so here’s a handy guide to help you navigate your grocery shopping options in Guildford!

Let’s start things off with Tesco, one of the most convenient and popular grocery stores in Guildford. There are two main options: Tesco Superstore and Tesco Express.

Tesco Superstore

Located on Ashenden Road, between Manor Park Campus and Stag Hill Campus, this is the go-to spot if you’re looking for a wide variety of groceries. It’s a large store with everything from fresh produce, meats, and frozen foods to household essentials and even clothing. The prices are generally reasonable, and there are frequent deals and discounts to help you save. Plus, Tesco often has a good selection of international foods, so if you’re craving a taste of home, you might just find what you’re looking for. It’s a bit of a walk from the main campus (Stag Hill), but definitely worth it if you need to stock up for the week.

Tesco Express

If you’re after something more convenient and close to town or campus, Tesco Express is the place to go. It’s a smaller version of the Tesco Superstore and perfect for those quick top-ups when you just need a few essentials like milk, bread, or snacks. While it might not have the full range of products like the Superstore, it’s perfect for grabbing things on the go.

Both options are student-friendly, and if you sign up for a Tesco Clubcard, you can enjoy extra savings and discounts on selected items, making your weekly grocery run more affordable!

Lidl

If you’re looking for great value on a budget, Lidl is a must-visit for your grocery shopping in Guildford. Located just a short walk from town, Lidl is known for offering quality products at super affordable prices. It’s a favorite among students because of the lower costs without compromising on essentials. Whether you’re after fresh produce, bakery items, or pantry staples, Lidl has you covered.

One of the highlights of Lidl is its weekly special promotions. They often introduce discounted products from different countries, so you might stumble upon unique foods or snacks that aren’t available elsewhere. They also have a great selection of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as their in-store bakery, where you can grab fresh bread, pastries, and treats for your morning breakfast.

Though Lidl might not have as vast a selection as bigger stores like Tesco, it’s perfect for those who want to shop smart and save some cash. Ideal for stocking up on the basics and keeping within a student budget!

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s is a popular option for students, with a convenient Sainsbury’s Local right in Guildford’s town center. This store is ideal if you’re looking for a good mix of affordable essentials and quality items. They offer a variety of fresh produce, household items, and ready-made meals for days when cooking seems like too much work. Plus, if you’re a Nectar cardholder, you can earn points on your purchases, which is a nice bonus!

Waitrose

For those times when you want to treat yourself, Waitrose is known for its quality products and wide selection of fresh, organic, and gourmet items. While it can be a bit pricier, Waitrose often carries specialty items and exclusive brands you won’t find elsewhere. Their bakery, fresh deli, and cheese sections are definitely worth checking out if you want to spice up your weekly shopping or host a little dinner with friends.

Co-op

On campus, the Co-op is the go-to spot for last-minute groceries and everyday essentials. It’s compact but well-stocked, with a selection of fresh produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Co-op is great for a quick stop between classes or grabbing ingredients on busy days. They often have student-friendly deals, and you’ll earn membership points on purchases if you sign up for the Co-op Membership card.

Halal Groceries: Sadia Grocery

For those looking for halal options, Sadia Grocery is a solid choice. Located in Guildford, this store offers a wide selection of halal meats, spices, and other ingredients you might need for traditional recipes. Sadia also stocks Middle Eastern and Asian specialty foods, making it a one-stop shop for authentic ingredients and culturally diverse meal prep.

Guildford Farmers’ Market

And don’t miss out on Guildford’s weekend farmers’ market! The market is packed with stalls offering fresh, local produce, artisanal bread, homemade goodies, and unique crafts. It’s a great spot for fresh fruits and veggies or to try some local treats.

If you’re craving authentic Asian ingredients and snacks, Guildford has you covered with shops like Chinese Taste and Oseyo!

Chinese Taste

Chinese Taste is where you would go to if you are looking for Chinese and broader Asian ingredients. They carry everything from fresh produce to frozen dumplings, noodles, sauces, and condiments – perfect for recreating your favourite Chinese dishes at home. Plus, they have a good selection of Asian snacks, teas and hotpot ingredients 🤤 . Whether you’re making a full stir-fry dinner or just need a few key ingredients, Chinese Taste is a one-stop shop.

Oseyo

Oseyo is a Korean market located in town, bringing Korean cuisine closer to home with its wide range of Korean foods and products. From ready-to-eat items like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to traditional Korean sauces like gochujang (red chili paste) and kimchi, Oseyo has it all. They even have frozen kimbap, gyoza and ramen varieties you may not find elsewhere! For Korean snack lovers, Oseyo stocks a variety of treats like choco pies, seaweed snacks, and flavored milk drinks.

Between all these options, Guildford has something for every grocery need, whether it’s a quick snack run, a budget-friendly haul, or a gourmet treat!