Otto's and Landi are two of Switzerland's most overlooked grocery stops. Otto's is a closeout chain with rotating stock of branded and international goods at steep discounts, while Landi serves farming communities but is open to everyone. Both regularly stock pantry staples — oils, pasta, canned goods, condiments — at prices that undercut Coop and Migros by a meaningful margin.
What is Otto's and how does their discount model work?
Otto's buys excess stock, short-dated goods, and discontinued lines from major brands, then sells them at fixed low prices. The product range changes weekly, which means you can't rely on it for every shop — but when a staple you use regularly shows up, the savings are real. A 500 ml bottle of extra-virgin olive oil that retails at Coop for CHF 8.90 might appear at Otto's for CHF 3.90.
The chain has around 80 stores across Switzerland, concentrated in German-speaking cantons, with a smaller presence in Romandy. You can also browse current stock online before visiting. Because turnover is fast, going early in the week tends to yield the best selection.
Otto's strength is branded goods at closeout prices. Check their weekly flyer or website before shopping — what's available changes fast and some deals sell out within days.
Is Landi worth visiting for food shopping?
Landi is the retail arm of fenaco, the Swiss agricultural cooperative. Its core business is farming supplies, garden equipment, and outdoor goods, but most branches carry a solid food section focused on basics. Prices are competitive, particularly on oils, flour, sugar, canned vegetables, and dairy products. The private-label range is straightforward and good quality for everyday cooking.
Landi has around 300 locations, many in smaller towns and rural areas that Lidl and Aldi don't reach. If you live outside a major urban centre, Landi can be a more accessible budget option than driving to a discount chain. The atmosphere is no-frills and the staff tend to know their regular customers — very Swiss in the best sense.
How do Otto's and Landi prices compare to the big chains?
| Product | Coop / Migros (approx.) | Otto's (approx.) | Landi (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive oil, 500 ml | CHF 7.50 – 9.90 | CHF 3.50 – 5.90 | CHF 5.90 – 7.50 |
| Pasta, 500 g (branded) | CHF 1.80 – 2.50 | CHF 0.95 – 1.50 | CHF 1.20 – 1.80 |
| Canned tomatoes, 400 g | CHF 1.20 – 1.80 | CHF 0.75 – 1.20 | CHF 0.95 – 1.30 |
| Sunflower oil, 1 L | CHF 3.50 – 4.50 | CHF 2.20 – 3.00 | CHF 2.80 – 3.50 |
| Flour, 1 kg | CHF 1.40 – 2.20 | CHF 0.90 – 1.50 | CHF 1.10 – 1.60 |
According to Comparis, Swiss households spend an estimated CHF 1'200 to CHF 1'500 per person per year on food at retail — shifting even 20% of pantry purchases to lower-cost outlets can add up to over CHF 200 in annual savings per person.
What pantry items are genuinely worth buying at Otto's?
The best buys at Otto's tend to fall into a few clear categories. Cooking oils are consistently good value when they appear — olive oil especially. Canned goods including tomatoes, pulses, and fish (tuna, sardines) often show up from reputable Italian or Spanish brands at a fraction of supermarket prices. Condiments, sauces, and international specialty products are another strength.
What to approach with more caution: anything with a very short best-before date that you can't use quickly, and fresh or chilled goods unless you're shopping the same day. The stock model means you might not find the same product twice, so it's not the place to build a weekly routine around — but it's excellent for stocking up when the right items appear. See also cheap protein sources in Switzerland for how canned fish fits a budget meal plan.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (branded, often Italian or Spanish)
- Pasta (branded Italian varieties)
- Canned tomatoes and legumes
- Tuna, sardines, and other tinned fish
- Condiments, sauces, and specialty imports
- Coffee and tea (branded, often discounted significantly)
What should you buy at Landi for the pantry?
Landi's own-brand products are solid for baking staples: flour, sugar, salt, and dried goods. Their oils and fats are reliably priced below Coop and Migros equivalents. The canned vegetable selection is practical and well-priced. For households that do any cooking from scratch — soups, stews, baked goods — Landi can cover most of what you need for foundational ingredients.
Landi also stocks regional specialties and Swiss-made products that aren't always easy to find in urban supermarkets, which can be useful if you're looking for specific Swiss pantry items. For a comparison of how budget-friendly carbohydrate staples stack up across stores, see cheapest carbs in Switzerland.
- Flour (white and whole wheat), sugar, salt
- Cooking oils (sunflower, rapeseed)
- Canned vegetables (corn, peas, beans)
- Pasta and rice (own brand)
- Swiss-produced preserves and spreads
How can you combine Otto's and Landi with your regular shopping routine?
The practical approach is to treat Otto's and Landi as supplement stores rather than full weekly shops. Plan your core meals around what Coop, Migros, or Lidl reliably stock, then check Otto's weekly offers for pantry top-ups when the deal is right. A monthly Landi visit for staples like flour, oil, and canned goods can trim costs without disrupting your normal routine.
Eini's algorithm can help here: it tracks deals across multiple stores and flags when the same ingredient is significantly cheaper somewhere. That way you're not driving to Otto's for CHF 1 in savings — but you won't miss a CHF 4 difference on olive oil either. Pairing smart shopping habits with Denner's beverage value and discount store visits is one of the most effective ways to reduce your Swiss grocery bill without sacrificing quality.
Treat Otto's like a wine cave: go when you have time to browse, buy multiples of anything you use regularly, and don't expect the same item to be there next week.
Frequently asked questions about Otto's and Landi in Switzerland
Is Otto's a reliable place to shop every week?
Not in the way Coop or Migros are. Otto's stock rotates constantly because they sell excess and closeout inventory. It's better used as a supplement — check their weekly offers and stock up on specific items when the price is right, rather than doing your full weekly shop there.
Does Landi have loyalty points or discount cards?
Landi has its own loyalty programme for fenaco cooperative members, but most casual shoppers simply pay shelf price. Unlike Coop's Supercard or Migros's Cumulus, there's no widely available points card for regular customers. The value is in the shelf price itself, not accumulated rewards.
Are Otto's products close to their expiry date?
Some are, particularly fresh and chilled items. Dry and canned goods at Otto's often have a perfectly normal shelf life — they're discounted because they're excess stock or discontinued lines, not because they're about to expire. Always check the date on the label before buying.
Which cantons have the most Otto's stores?
Otto's is most densely represented in Zurich, Bern, Aargau, and St. Gallen. There are fewer stores in western Switzerland and Ticino, though the chain has been expanding. Check their store locator online for the nearest location.
Can Eini help me plan shopping across multiple stores including Otto's?
Yes. Eini's algorithm compares prices across Swiss retailers and helps you build meal plans that factor in current deals. It won't replace the spontaneous browse at Otto's, but it will flag when a pantry staple is significantly cheaper somewhere specific so you can plan your route efficiently.
Plan smarter, spend less with Eini.
Real prices from Coop, Migros, Lidl, Aldi, Denner & Aligro. Smart meal plans. Automatic grocery lists.
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