8 of 10 Germans switch brands for cheaper prices

Half of respondents abandon a brand if package size or product quality is reduced without clear communication. Most Germans view such “hidden price increases” as unfair and prefer small but transparent price adjustments, Lebensmittelpraxis reports.

To manage spending, 41% of German consumers now buy smaller quantities, slightly below the global average of 49%. Only 9% switch to cheaper alternatives such as private labels, compared to 44% internationally. In categories like electronics or baby products, 85% of Germans avoid private‑label items.

Nearly half of German consumers treat themselves to small rewards to cope with financial stress, while the global figure reaches 70%. Digital shopping habits are also shifting: in 2025, one in six Germans used generative‑AI shopping tools, and more than a quarter plan to adopt them in the future. However, only 5% are willing to pay for chatbots or virtual shopping assistants, far below the 19% global average.

Capgemini notes that AI is already reshaping the shopping experience, acting as an “invisible advisor” for a growing number of consumers.