Supermarket Grocery Prices
Updated March 2026 · Daily Essentials
Planning your monthly budget? Compare the average prices of essential groceries across Zambia's major supermarket chains, including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Choppies, and Cheers.
Pantry Essentials & Staples
Prices for basic carbohydrates, cooking oil, and dairy products. These items form the core of most Zambian shopping baskets.
| Item & Size | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mealie Meal (Breakfast, 25kg) National staple. Prices fluctuate based on maize availability. | ZMK 320 – 380 |
| Cooking Oil (2.5 Litres) Trade Kings, D'lite, or store brands. | ZMK 130 – 160 |
| Sugar (Zambia Sugar, 2kg) Standard household sugar. | ZMK 65 – 80 |
| Bread (Standard Loaf) In-store bakery or Supa Loaf. | ZMK 20 – 25 |
| Milk (Long Life UHT, 1L) Parmalat or Trade Kings Dairy Gold. | ZMK 28 – 35 |
| Eggs (Tray of 30) Prices vary slightly by supermarket. | ZMK 90 – 120 |
Meat, Fruit & Vegetables
While supermarkets offer convenience, remember that fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, and seasonal fruits are typically much cheaper if bought directly from local open markets.
Mixed Portions Chicken (2kg)
Frozen chicken pieces.
ZMK 110 – 140
Beef Mince (per kg)
Standard grade.
ZMK 120 – 160
Tomatoes (per kg)
Highly seasonal; much cheaper in open markets.
ZMK 25 – 40
Bananas (per kg)
Local or imported.
ZMK 30 – 45
Household & Cleaning
Detergents and hygiene products manufactured locally (such as those by Trade Kings) are highly affordable and widely stocked.
Washing Powder (Boom, 2kg)
ZMK 85 – 110
Trade Kings brand.
Toilet Paper (2-Ply, 10 Rolls)
ZMK 90 – 130
Store brand or Baby Soft.
Bath Soap (Protex/Geisha, 175g)
ZMK 18 – 25
Standard family sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest supermarket in Zambia?
For bulk household goods and detergents, mass-market stores like Choppies, Cheers, and certain independent cash-and-carries are often the cheapest. For general groceries and fresh produce with consistent quality, Shoprite is generally considered the most reasonably priced major chain.
Is Pick n Pay more expensive than Shoprite in Zambia?
Generally, yes. Pick n Pay tends to position itself slightly higher in the market, often offering a wider variety of premium and imported goods, which pushes their average basket price slightly higher than Shoprite. However, on basic essentials (like sugar and mealie meal), the prices are usually identical or very close.
Are open markets cheaper than supermarkets?
Yes, especially for fresh produce. Tomatoes, onions, seasonal vegetables, and sometimes fresh chicken are significantly cheaper at open markets (like Soweto Market in Lusaka) compared to major supermarkets. However, manufactured goods (like cooking oil or washing powder) are often cheaper in supermarkets due to bulk retail pricing.
How much does a 25kg bag of mealie meal cost?
As of early 2026, a 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal costs between ZMK 320 and ZMK 380 in most major supermarkets. Roller meal is slightly cheaper (around ZMK 280 - ZMK 320). Prices are highly dependent on the national harvest and government regulations.