Joybuy Insights

Buy groceries online: choose international products to suit your household and needs

Buying groceries online gives shoppers in Germany access to international specialities, bulk packs and products that are not always available in high-street shops. At the same time, the wide choice makes comparisons more difficult: product images often show only the front, quantities are easy to miss in the small print, and marketing claims are no substitute for clear information about ingredients, allergens or storage.

This buying guide will help you compare Asian food online, international food, drinks and long-life supplies objectively.

Common pitfalls when buying food online

1. Don’t confuse a bulk pack with a low unit price

A case containing 24 cans may initially look like good value. However, the key figure is the price per litre, kilogram or portion. For drinks, you should also consider the volume of each can: 24 cans of 330 ml contain considerably less than 24 cans of 500 ml.

It is also worth checking the unit price for snacks, tea, tinned food and food supplements. A bulk pack is most suitable when you can realistically estimate how much you will use.

2. Keep taste expectations separate from the ingredients list

Terms such as “authentic”, “traditional” or “premium” do not automatically describe a specific recipe. If you want to buy Asian spices, drinks or sweets online, you should check the ingredients list, sugar content, allergens and additives.

Recipes and labelling can vary between imported products. The current product packaging is therefore the definitive source. Baklava, for example, may contain nuts, wheat, coconut, peanuts and sulphites. For allergy sufferers, complete allergen labelling is more important than the product description.

3. Don’t overlook storage instructions and the best-before date

Long-life food is not automatically suitable for unlimited storage. Buying tinned food online means, for example, storing cans in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, any leftovers should generally be transferred to a suitable container and kept in the fridge.

Moisture can affect the quality of tea, ghee, milk powder and powdered spices. You should check the best-before date before buying, as well as the recommended usage period after opening.

Key parameters when buying food

Quantity, unit and intended use

Always compare:

  • Net quantity in grams or millilitres
  • Number of individual packs or cans
  • Unit price per kilogram or litre
  • Shelf life and expected consumption
  • Storage conditions before and after opening

Multipacks of drinks or snacks can be useful for families or regular hosts. Individual sizes are more suitable if you want to try a product first.

Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values

Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. For products such as ghee, it is relevant that the product information states that it contains 99.8 per cent butterfat and lists milk as an allergen. Mushroom powder may contain maltodextrin and salt in addition to shiitake; the salt content of the product mentioned is 15 g per 100 g.

When buying sweets such as baklava, it is worth checking the energy and sugar values. According to the product information, Anabtawi Assorted Baklava Classic Tin contains 609 kcal, 39 g of fat and 31 g of sugar per 100 g. These figures make it easier to assess the product objectively, regardless of marketing claims.

Alcohol content, deposits and age requirements

If you want to buy beer online or order cider, you need to check the alcohol content, quantity, allergens and age restriction. Spaten Münchner Hell is listed at 5.2% vol. and 24 cans of 0.5 l. A deposit is also shown for the cans. Heineken Premium Lager is offered at 5% vol. in 24 cans of 330 ml.

According to the product information, Somersby Blackberry Cider contains 4.5% vol. and sulphites. In Germany, alcoholic drinks may generally not be supplied to anyone under the age of 16. Pregnant women should follow the warning shown on the product page.

Our selection by shopper profile

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
Value Pack Spaten Münchner Hell Lager and Funny-Frisch Chipsfrisch

Value Pack Spaten Münchner Hell Lager Can 24x0.5L + Funny-Frisch Chipsfrisch Salted 4x150g

Why this product suits this profile: This set combines 24 cans of 500 ml with four packs of potato crisps, making it suitable for households that want to stock up on drinks and snacks together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack sizes are clearly stated. This makes it easier to assess the quantity of beer, the amount of crisps and the unit price before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

24 cans of 0.5 l, four bags of crisps at 150 g each and a stated alcohol content of 5.2% vol.

Ideal for: Quality-conscious shoppers
Khanum Butter Ghee 1kg Tin

Khanum Butter Ghee 1 kg Tin

Why this product suits this profile: The 1 kg tin is aimed at people who regularly prepare Indian dishes or use ghee for frying and baking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients information specifies butterfat, moisture content and milk as an allergen. This makes the composition clear before purchase.

Main benefit & strengths

99.8% butterfat according to the product information; store in a dry place protected from light, with a long shelf life after opening.

Ideal for: Specific uses
JDB Herbal Tea 24 cans

JDB Herbal Tea 24x310 ml

Why this product suits this profile: This ready-to-drink beverage in a can is intended for fans of Chinese products, as well as for work, school or drinking on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual size of 310 ml and the case quantity of 24 cans are clearly stated. The term herbal tea does not replace the need to check the ingredients and sugar content.

Main benefit & strengths

Ready-to-drink format, 24 cans and suitable for drinking chilled or taking with you.

Ideal for: Specific uses & frequent users
LEE KUM KEE Premium Mushroom Powder 1 kg

LEE KUM KEE Premium Mushroom Powder 1 kg

Why this product suits this profile: The large tin is aimed at keen home cooks, large households and people who frequently prepare soups, sauces, stir-fries or fillings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition explicitly lists shiitake, maltodextrin and salt. The salt content should be taken into account when planning recipes.

Main benefit & strengths

1 kg pack, fine powder and versatile use in hot dishes or sauces.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Further categories for targeted shopping

Depending on your needs, you can also buy drinks online, such as alcohol-free Old Jamaica Ginger Beer or international teas. For stocking up, buying tinned food online is a practical option, including fruit in syrup or ready-made fish dishes. If you want to buy sweets online, check the serving size, nutritional values and any possible nut or gluten allergens.

For regular tea drinkers, buying tea online in larger packs can be worthwhile. According to the product description, Wagh Bakri Masala Tea contains tea and spices such as ginger, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. When buying food supplements, dosage, warnings and the recommended daily intake are particularly important. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet; if you have a medical condition or take medication, you should follow the product information and seek medical advice if necessary.

Frequently asked questions about buying food online

Is buying food online cheaper than shopping in a shop?

This depends on the price, delivery costs, unit price, pack size and any special offers. Bulk packs may have a lower unit price, but they also increase the risk of unsuitable purchases. You should therefore compare the price per kilogram or litre and take deposits and delivery costs into account.

How long does food bought online keep?

The best-before date varies depending on the product and delivery batch. Dry food, tea and unopened tinned food can usually be stored for longer than opened products. Once opened, follow the instructions on the packaging; opened tins should generally be refrigerated and used promptly.

What should families look out for when buying online?

Families often benefit from bulk packs, but should check allergens, sugar and salt content, as well as their actual consumption. Age requirements apply to alcoholic drinks. A clear shopping list organised by categories such as drinks, snacks, spices and tinned food helps prevent attractive multipacks with no specific need from ending up in your basket.