A supermarket is a self service store that sells food, drink and household goods under one roof. A discount store keeps everyday prices as low as it can. Together they handle the weekly shop for most homes in Malta and Gozo. The category runs from big chains, hypermarkets and grocery stores to village discount shops and cash and carry outlets.

This guide covers what these stores stock and how to pay less with discount schemes and loyalty cards. It also explains how online shopping and delivery work here, then answers the questions Malta shoppers ask most.

What supermarkets and discount stores in Malta stock

Most outlets carry thousands of lines. The bigger the store, the more fresh counters and seasonal aisles you will find. Here is the core of what to expect.

Fresh food counters

Fresh produce is the anchor of any good store. Expect a fruit and veg section with local and imported crops. A butcher cuts meat to order, and fishmongers sell the day's catch, including seasonal treats such as lampuki. Many supermarkets add a deli counter and cheese counter for cold cuts and olives. In-store bakeries supply fresh bread daily.

Pantry staples, frozen food and drinks

Shelf space goes to pasta, rice, flour, canned food, sauces, olive oil and spices. Breakfast cereals, biscuits and snacks fill the next aisle. Chilled and frozen sections hold dairy products, ready meals, frozen vegetables and ice cream. The drinks aisle runs from mineral water and soft drinks to beer, spirits and wine. Maltese wine often sits beside foreign labels.

Household, baby and pet supplies

Non-food aisles matter just as much. Cleaning products, detergents, kitchen roll and toilet paper sit next to toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant. Parents will find baby food and nappies. Pet owners can stock up on dog food, cat food and cat litter. Discount stores often shine here. They sell party supplies, disposable tableware, candles and seasonal items at very low prices.

Maltese favourites and dietary ranges

Local flavour sets Maltese stores apart. Look for gbejniet, bigilla, kunserva, galletti and traditional Maltese nougat on the same shelves as everyday groceries. Dietary ranges keep growing too. Most supermarkets now stock gluten free food, vegan products, organic food and halal or lactose-free options. A strict diet no longer means an extra trip.

Discount schemes, weekly deals and loyalty cards

Saving money is the main reason shoppers compare stores. Most supermarkets run weekly deals on groceries. They promote them in printed flyers, on their websites and on social media. Discount stores do the opposite. They keep everyday prices low instead of rotating offers.

Discount schemes and bonus schemes reward regular shoppers. A loyalty card turns your spending into points, vouchers or cashback. Own-brand goods often undercut big-name lines. Cash and carry outlets suit bulk buying for large families and small firms.

Want organic products at discounted prices? Watch clearance shelves and short-dated offers, where premium lines drop sharply. You can also browse outlets listed under discounted prices to shortlist value stores near you.

Online shopping, grocery delivery and click and collect

Online shopping is now standard at Malta's larger chains. You create an account, fill a basket, then choose between home delivery and click and collect. Supermarket delivery slots vary by area. Some outlets offer same-day grocery delivery across Malta, and several reach Gozo.

Smaller discount stores may not sell online. Some will still prepare an emailed shopping list for you to collect. Fees and minimum spends differ, and some stores waive the charge above a set spend. Check the services on each listing before you order.

Opening hours, parking and in-store services

Opening hours differ widely, so check each listing before you travel. Many larger chains also trade on public holidays. Yellow makes it simple to find a supermarket open on Sunday near you.

Bigger complexes add free parking, cafes, self service checkouts and sometimes a kids play area. Several also host deposit return points for drink containers. Need a late finish? Filter for stores open till late and check the extended evening hours in each listing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a discount supermarket?

A discount supermarket keeps prices low. It stocks a narrow range, backs own-brand lines and cuts the frills. In Malta, discounters sit beside full-range chains. Many homes mix the two: staples from the discounter, fresh and special items elsewhere.

What is the cheapest supermarket in Malta?

No single store is cheapest for every basket. Prices shift with offers, own-brand ranges and what you buy. The safe move is to compare weekly flyers at two or three nearby outlets. Yellow's listings help you build that shortlist.

What is the most popular supermarket in Malta?

It depends on where you live and how you shop. Options run from the largest food retailers in Malta, with full counters and parking, to trusted village grocers. Reviews, services and hours on each listing show what shoppers near you really choose.

Which stores offer online shopping and home delivery in Malta?

Most large chains and many smaller stores deliver across Malta, and some serve Gozo too. Slots, fees and minimum orders vary, so confirm the details on the listing or call ahead. Click and collect is a common free option.

Are supermarkets in Malta open on Sunday?

Many are, mainly the larger chains, though Sunday hours are often shorter. Village shops and discount stores vary more. Check the hours on the listing before you go, and take extra care around public holidays.

Find supermarkets and discount stores near you

From the big weekly shop to a last-minute top-up, Malta's supermarkets and discount stores cover every budget and routine. Compare supermarket & discount stores across Malta and Gozo on Yellow Pages. Check delivery options, offers and opening hours, then pick the store that fits the way you shop.