Where do you get your British groceries in Switzerland?

1POSTS

last year

Hi everyone,

I’ve been living in Switzerland for a while now and I occasionally miss certain British foods and brands that are hard to find here. I've tried a few local stores, but they don’t always have what I’m after.

Recently, I stumbled across a site called [link moderated] that delivers British groceries straight from UK supermarkets to Switzerland. Has anyone else tried them? I’m curious to hear if it’s worth placing an order and what your experiences have been with getting those much-missed British essentials delivered.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions!

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SimCityAT Expert

13791POSTS

last year

@adam12465

Have a look at https://jims.ch (https://www.timeout.com/switzerland/sho … ish-market)

R-Sargeant-CH Member

2POSTS

last year

Hi,

Fellow Brit here. I've lived in Switzerland for almost 30 years and have slowly found substitutes - for most things! Swiss Marmite ("Cenovit", larger Migros branches), Swiss Peanut butter, Swiss bacon. On the still outstanding list are Digestive, Ginger and Rich Tea biscuits. Biscuits in general are a difficulty. "Biscuit" is derived from French. "Bis means twice, or second and Cuit means cooked or baked. The Swiss and Germans bake biscuits once, which is why they don't have the texture.

Back to your question. All these places are wildly expensive, so I try to find actual speciality shops that have some items. Jemoli's Zürich basement food store is pretty good, but expensive.

If you are near Zürich, in the Viadukt market there's the British Cheese Centre. Despite the name, they also stock many British items. Expensive, but cheaper than the postal shops. In the Viadukt there's also a great stall that sells very acceptable pies!

I've also used Britshop.ch, but take care to add items until you are just within the postage bands they use.

Hth, Richard

1 member reacted to this post

MarkStephan Banned

14POSTS

3 weeks ago

I know the feeling. I have stood there myself, staring at a shelf of Swiss biscuits, wondering where the digestives have gone.

You have got a few options. Britshop.ch is decent, but the postage can sting if you are not careful. I have used them for PG Tips and Irn Bru. There is also Jelmoli, but you pay through the nose for the convenience.

The one I use most now is McGrocer. They pick the stuff straight from UK supermarkets and ship it over. I have had crumpets, digestives, and even Ribena turn up in good nick. Shipping is not cheap, but neither is spending twenty quid on a tiny block of cheddar in a local deli. Worth it if you do a proper stock up every couple of months.

For fresh bits, stick with local. For cupboard staples, McGrocer or Britshop will sort you out. Just do not order anything that melts. I learnt that one the hard way.