Compare The Market


Although the allure of a supermarket can be easily related to its convenience, when it comes to shopping for fresh, seasonal produce, your local chain supermarket shouldn’t always be the port of call.

There has been somewhat of a revival when it comes to market shopping and local markets up and down the country have sprung up due to more people opting to see what they have on offer.

People don’t always realize that buying from a supermarket can be a lot more expensive than buying food from your local market, especially when shopping for food in season. A study found that shopping at a supermarket can be up to 35% more expensive than shopping at your local market

Supermarket shopping can also be contributing a lot more to your carbon footprints than shopping at a local farmers market or greengrocers as many supermarket goods are imported to drive down costs and maximize profits.  Consumer behaviors has significantly changed in recent years. This is largely due to financial stresses the economy with many people opting for supermarket own brands over branded products and supermarkets expanding their own brand range.  Though this is a positive move, the one place  supermarkets continue to fail in is through their fresh produce.

Market shopping can also help you improve your cooking skills by building a relationship with the market stall owners and asking their advice on cooking particular foods in season which you wouldn’t usually be drawn to in a supermarket.

Eating seasonal foods have also been shown to improve health and many seasonal products contain a higher level of nutrients than force grown foods.

So, why not save money, improve your cooking skills, support your local farmers and explore what your markets have to offer instead of dashing to the supermarket when you’re low on fresh produce? To find out where your local markets are why not visit