Grocery delivery apps in Portugal: Continente Online, Auchan, and Glovo
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Dragging six bags of groceries up a steep, cobblestone hill in the middle of a Lisbon heatwave is a rite of passage I wish I had skipped. I remember my first week here, sweat-soaked and frustrated because I couldn't find a simple liter of heavy cream. This guide solves your shopping woes by breaking down the best grocery delivery apps in Portugal.
The Reality of Grocery Shopping in Portugal for Newcomers
When you first arrive, perhaps after securing your apartment through Uniplaces, the sheer logistics of daily life can feel overwhelming. You quickly realize that while the local frutaria is charming for a handful of oranges, it is less than ideal when you need to stock a pantry from scratch. The narrow sidewalks and lack of elevators in traditional buildings mean that delivery isn't just a luxury; it’s a strategic survival tool.
The Portuguese grocery landscape has shifted dramatically over the last few years. What used to be a system reliant on physical presence and a "wait and see" attitude toward inventory has evolved into a highly competitive digital market. However, as an expat, you will still face hurdles. Not every app accepts foreign credit cards, and some delivery drivers may struggle to find your specific "3rd floor, left" apartment in a maze-like bairro.
Before you even think about placing your first order, make sure you have your digital basics sorted. You’ll need a reliable data connection, which is why many veterans recommend using Airalo for immediate eSIM access the moment you land. Once you have a local number and an internet connection, you can start navigating the ecosystem of Continente, Auchan, and the "instant" apps like Glovo.
Continente Online: The Heavyweight Champion
Continente is the largest supermarket chain in Portugal, and their online presence is equally massive. For most expats, this is the first app they download. It’s the closest thing to a "one-stop shop" that you will find here. I spent my first year almost exclusively using Continente because their delivery slots are reliable, even if the app's interface can sometimes feel a bit cluttered.
Product Selection and Private Labels
One of the main draws of Continente is its private label, "Marca Continente," which offers a balance between price and quality. When you are calculating your Cost of Living in Portugal 2026: Detailed Budgets for Singles and Families, utilizing these house brands can save you 20-30% on your monthly bill. They also have a "Continente Seleção" line for higher-end items like aged cheeses and gourmet olive oils, which are surprisingly good for a supermarket brand.
The app also integrates with their loyalty program, the Cartão Continente. This is crucial because Portugal is a land of "coupons" and "accumulation." You’ll often see prices marked with a "percentage back in card" (desconto em cartão). This isn't an immediate discount; it’s money that sits on your loyalty card to be used for your next purchase. It feels a bit like a game, but it’s how locals manage to keep their budgets in check.
Delivery Logistics and the NIF Requirement
Continente's delivery personnel are generally professional and accustomed to navigating the tight turns of Portuguese apartment blocks. When you check out, the app will ask for your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). As a veteran expat, my advice is: never skip this. Even if you don't yet have your NIF and NISS: How to Get Your Portuguese Tax and Social Security Numbers finalized for the year, getting into the habit of putting your NIF on receipts is vital for tax deductions.
The delivery slots are usually two-hour windows. Pro tip: if you live in a central area of Lisbon or Porto, book your slot at least 48 hours in advance, especially for Saturday mornings. If you wait until Friday night, you’ll likely be staring at a "no slots available" screen until Monday.
Auchan: The Choice for Variety and International Goods
If Continente is the reliable workhorse, Auchan is the sophisticated alternative. Many expats prefer Auchan (formerly known as Jumbo in Portugal) because their physical hypermarkets are enormous, and that variety translates well to their app.
International Aisles and Specialized Diets
For those who miss specific brands from home or have dietary restrictions, Auchan often has a better selection of gluten-free, vegan, and international products. Whether you are looking for specific Asian sauces or British-style tea, Auchan’s "Produtos do Mundo" section is usually superior to Continente’s. I’ve found that when I’m craving something specific that isn't a Portuguese staple, Auchan is the most likely place to stock it.
They also have a very strong commitment to sustainability. Their app often features a "Zero Waste" section where you can buy products close to their expiration date for a fraction of the cost. This is a great way to save money while being eco-conscious, though you have to be quick—these items disappear from the digital shelves fast.
User Interface and Customer Service
The Auchan app feels slightly more modern and less "busy" than Continente's. One strong point is their customer service regarding substitutions. If an item is out of stock, the shopper will typically call you or send a notification through the app. While you might need some basic skills from Learning European Portuguese: Top Apps, Tutors, and Free Government Classes to handle the phone call, the app interface itself is quite intuitive even for those with limited Portuguese.
Mercadão: The Pingo Doce Delivery Solution
You might notice that Pingo Doce, one of the most popular physical supermarkets in the country, doesn't have its own dedicated "everything" delivery app in the same way the others do. Instead, they partner with a platform called Mercadão.
The Personal Shopper Experience
Mercadão isn't just a delivery service; it's a personal shopper service. When you order through Mercadão, someone is physically going into the Pingo Doce (or other partner stores like Decathlon or local butchers) and picking out your items. This means you can often get your groceries much faster than the 48-hour lead time Continente sometimes requires.
I’ve used Mercadão for "emergency" mid-week restocks. If I realize on Tuesday night that I’m out of coffee and milk, I can usually find a slot for Wednesday morning. Since Pingo Doce is known for high-quality fresh produce and meat, having a dedicated shopper ensures you aren't getting the bruised tomatoes that sometimes end up in the pre-packed crates of larger chains.
Pricing and Hidden Fees
The trade-off for this convenience is the price. Mercadão often adds a small markup to the items compared to the in-store price, and the delivery fees can be higher than the big hypermarkets. However, if you are busy or don't have a car, the time saved is often worth the extra five or six Euros. It’s a premium service that feels like a necessity during those first few months when you are still figuring out how to order coffee in Portugal: Bica, Meia de Leite, Pingado, and Galão and trying to understand your local neighborhood layout.
Glovo and Uber Eats: For the "I Need It Now" Moments
Sometimes, you don't need a full pantry restock; you just need a bag of ice, a bottle of wine, and some snacks because friends are coming over in twenty minutes. This is where Glovo and Uber Eats shine.
The Speed Factor
Glovo has a dedicated "Supermarket" or "Glovo Express" section. These are essentially dark stores—miniature warehouses closed to the public and optimized for speed. In major cities, I’ve had groceries arrive in under 15 minutes. It feels like magic, especially compared to the traditional Portuguese pace of life.
However, the selection is limited. You won't find 50 types of yogurt here. You’ll find the two most popular brands. It’s also significantly more expensive. Between the delivery fee, the "service fee," and the slightly inflated item prices, you are paying for the speed.
Integration with Local Markets
One feature of Glovo that I love is its integration with local "Mercados Municipais." In some areas, you can actually order from the local butcher or fishmonger through the Glovo app. This is a fantastic way to support local businesses while enjoying the convenience of app-based ordering. Just keep in mind that these local vendors often follow traditional hours, so if you try to order at 3 PM, they might already be closed for the day.
Comparison of Major Grocery Delivery Platforms in Portugal
| Platform | Best For | Typical Delivery Time | Fees | Private Label Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continente | Bulk shopping & Loyalty points | 24 – 48 Hours | €3.00 – €7.00 | High (Continente/Seleção) |
| Auchan | International items & Variety | 24 – 48 Hours | €4.00 – €7.00 | Medium (Auchan/Pole) |
| Mercadão | Fresh produce & Pingo Doce fans | Same day / Next day | €5.00+ | High (Pingo Doce) |
| Glovo | Emergencies & Speed | 15 – 45 Minutes | High (variable) | N/A |
| Amazon Spain | Bulk pantry & Non-perishables | 1 – 3 Days | Free with Prime | N/A |
The Role of Amazon Spain in the Portuguese Kitchen
It might sound strange to include Amazon Spain in a grocery guide, but for the long-term expat, it’s a game-changer. While they don't deliver fresh milk or meat to Portugal (yet), they are the absolute best source for bulk pantry items.
If you are looking for 5kg bags of specialized flour, bulk packs of eco-friendly dish soap, or specific spices that the local supermarkets don't carry, Amazon Spain is often cheaper and faster than searching through three different physical stores. I typically use them for my "dry" shopping—canned goods, pasta, cleaning supplies, and pet food. This leaves my weekly app delivery focused strictly on fresh produce and perishables.
Practical Tips for Your First Delivery
There are a few "hidden" rules to grocery delivery in Portugal that nobody tells you until you’ve already messed it up.
First, the "Noisy Neighbors" rule. Many Portuguese apartment buildings have very strict rules about noise. If you schedule a delivery for 10 PM, be prepared for some side-eye from your neighbors as the delivery guy rattles his trolley up the stairs. You should familiarize yourself with Quiet hours in Portuguese apartments (Lei do Ruído): Handling noisy neighbors to ensure you stay on good terms with the people living around you.
Second, the phone number issue. Most delivery apps require a Portuguese phone number (+351). While you might be tempted to keep your home country number, many delivery drivers' systems won't allow them to call international numbers. To avoid your groceries being returned to the warehouse because the driver couldn't find your buzzer, make sure you’ve gone through the process of Getting a Portuguese SIM card at Lisbon Airport: Vodafone vs NOS vs MEO as soon as possible.
Third, don't forget the water. In many parts of the country, the tap water is safe but has a very strong mineral taste that many expats find unpleasant. If you aren't sure yet, read up on Is it safe to drink tap water in Portugal? Water quality by region. If you decide to buy bottled water, the delivery apps are your best friend—they will haul those heavy 5-liter jugs so you don't have to.
Handling Substitutions and the "Out of Stock" Headache
The biggest frustration with Portuguese grocery apps is the substitution policy. Unlike some UK or US apps where you can pre-select your preferred substitute, the Portuguese system is often more "random."
If you order a specific brand of milk and it's out of stock, Continente might just leave it out entirely, while a Mercadão shopper might call you and offer three different alternatives. If you are very particular about your brands, I recommend putting a note in the "comments" section of each item (though you’ll need to write this in Portuguese).
Also, keep an eye on your e-Fatura guide: Why cashiers ask for your NIF at the supermarket to ensure your digital receipts are showing up correctly in the government portal. This is a small administrative task that saves you a lot of headache during tax season.
Conclusion: Finding Your Groove
There is no "perfect" app. Most of us who have lived here for years use a combination. We use Continente for the big monthly bulk buy to get the loyalty points, Mercadão for the weekly fresh stuff from Pingo Doce, and Glovo for the "I forgot the eggs" moments.
Grocery delivery is more than just a convenience here; it's a way to reclaim your time and energy so you can focus on the more important parts of expat life—like finally figuring out how to use the Multibanco system or learning why your landlord insists on being paid in cash. Take it slow, expect one or two wrong items in your first few orders, and eventually, you'll find the rhythm that works for your Portuguese kitchen.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is based on personal experience and current market conditions in Portugal as of 2026. Services, fees, and app functionalities may change. Always check the specific terms and conditions of each provider before placing an order. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
