Walking into a Spanish supermarket for the first time is a rite of passage for any international student in Segovia. You think you’re just popping in for bread and milk… and then you find yourself stuck in the olive oil aisle, staring at what looks like 17 (or more) nearly identical bottles.

Don’t panic. You’re not alone. Here’s your guide to surviving — and mastering — Spanish supermarkets, olive oils included.

The Olive Oil Conundrum

Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil, and Spaniards treat it like liquid gold. That’s why you’ll see entire supermarket aisles devoted to it. But what’s the difference between all those bottles?

• Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): The premium stuff. Best for salads, dipping bread, and impressing your foodie friends.
  
• Aceite de Oliva Virgen (Virgin Olive Oil): Still good quality, but slightly less fancy. A solid choice for everyday cooking.
  
• Aceite de Oliva (Olive Oil): Blended, cheaper, and fine for frying. Spaniards sometimes call it “suave” (mild) or “intenso” (intense).
  
• Olive Pomace Oil (Orujo): The budget option. Honestly? Skip it unless you’re deep-frying churros for a crowd.
  

Quick tip: If you’re unsure, grab a small bottle of Extra Virgin. You’ll taste the difference, and it doubles as a very Spanish souvenir for your parents.

Other Aisles That Confuse Students

1. The Yogurt Section

You’ll face an entire wall of yogurt flavors you didn’t know existed. Flan-flavored yogurt? Yogurt with cookies inside? Yogurt drinks? Welcome to Spain.

Survival tip: Grab a pack of “natural” or “griego” (Greek) until you’re ready to experiment.

2. The Ham Display

Yes, that’s a whole pig leg hanging from the ceiling. Yes, it’s edible. Yes, you can buy one.
But unless you want your flatmates to faint when you start slicing it in the kitchen, stick to the pre-sliced packs labeled Jamón Serrano or Jamón Ibérico.

3. The Bread Situation

You’ll see baguettes, barras, chapatas, pan de molde (sandwich bread)… and then the sacred pan recién hecho (fresh bread). It’s cheap, warm, and usually disappears by late afternoon.

Pro tip: Learn what “media barra” is. It’s literally half a baguette — the perfect student portion.

4. Milk That Isn’t in the Fridge

You’ll notice cartons of milk stacked in the dry goods aisle. Don’t worry, it’s not a mistake — it’s UHT milk, processed to last months without refrigeration. Perfect for students who forget they bought milk last week.

Hidden Student Favourites

• Gazpacho in a carton: Yes, cold tomato soup in a box. Tastes better than it sounds, especially in summer.
  
• Croquetas frozen packs: A lifesaver on lazy nights.
  
• Tortilla de patatas (pre-made): Not as good as homemade, but solid in a pinch.
  

How to Shop Like a Local

1. Bring your own bags: Plastic bags cost extra.
   
2. Weigh your produce: Don’t skip the little sticker machines in the fruit section. Cashiers will send you back if you don’t.
   
3. Check out Mercadona & Carrefour: Both are student favorites. Mercadona for its prices, Carrefour for its variety.
   
4. Don’t shop hungry: Or you’ll leave with five types of chorizo and regret it later.
   

Final Thoughts

Spanish supermarkets can feel overwhelming at first, but once you decode the olive oil aisle (and figure out the yogurt wall), it gets easier. Soon you’ll be shopping like a pro — grabbing fresh bread, the right jamón, and yes, the olive oil that actually makes sense.

👉 Ready to try Segovia life for yourself? At Student Houses Segovia, we’ll set you up with the apartment — and the kitchen — so you can fill it with all your new Spanish supermarket discoveries.