Why I Rarely Shop at VkusVill - Even Missed Their Dubai Tart

Hello everyone!

I've known VkusVill since 2017, but I rarely buy anything there, except for a brief period when I worked at the pharmacy right next door to this store.

This particular VkusVill was located in the prestigious Airport area, a busy place with offices and Stalin-era buildings, but it still had a good selection of products with a long shelf life, which made me happy.

I'd occasionally grab items with green discount stickers and eat them for lunch and dinner at the pharmacy - sometimes I could even skip cooking!

Unfortunately, this was a rare experience with VkusVill.

Our local VkusVills usually don't have as many products as those in the city center, with hardly any discounts or items getting sold out quickly. In contrast, the demand is high in residential areas, but there's a shortage of products.

I usually shop around, choosing where things are cheaper, and take my daughter with me to collect the items. I get good cheese at Crossroads, chicken breast, ham, vegetables, and fruits, as well as soda at Pyaterochka, beef, and dairy products at Chizhik.

I rarely buy anything at VkusVill and they don't have the products I'm looking for.

I visited VkusVill with low hopes of finding any discounts, but unfortunately, it was a bust.

I didn't find anything I was looking for.

I also wanted to check out the Dubai tartlet everyone's been raving about.

I took a look, saw the price, and almost drooled – but then I walked away.

I'm not willing to shell out almost 300 rubles for a tiny pastry when I'm pinching pennies elsewhere.

But it does look appetizing.

My friend Pannakotik has some pricey treats too – I saw similar pastries in Pereka for 120 rubles with discounts...

Most of the pastries and cakes here are on the pricey side, but they're all delicious.

I ordered a mango cake for my daughter's birthday last year, and the one below is the one I decorated with separate decorations from the US – everyone loved it.

The macaroon pastries here are also pretty tasty, but not exactly cheap.

You should definitely give them a try – they're not bad at all, even compared to cafe-bought ones.

I've tried some pretty unusual desserts here, like this vegan treat that was a total letdown.

And don't even get me started on the prices - it's all pretty steep.

So, I rarely end up buying anything here.

Take chocolate bars, for example.

The selection is pretty limited, and everything's overpriced.

I mean, a sugar-free dark chocolate bar for 300 rubles? That's just crazy - I've seen cheaper options elsewhere.

I think it's pretty clear why I don't buy much from VkusVill.

It's just too expensive. I have no idea how people stock up on stuff here by the pack...

And what's the logic behind these prices, anyway?

The prices for chicken breast are just laughable. I bought chicken breast from VkusVill, and it's identical to the 300-ruble chicken breast from Perekrestok!

I was surprised to find that the eggs here cost 200 rubles more, but they don't differ from the cheaper ones in any way.

The beef is very expensive, and I've never bought it.

792 rubles for 500 grams!

I pay that much for a kilogram, and it's still expensive....

I used to buy this type of meat delicacy here, but it seems to have disappeared from the sales list.

But it was tasty, I'm not arguing, I specifically came for it.

Next.

Cheese.

There are some good ones, yes, but I didn't see any discounts on them that I'd consider normal.

I bought Swiss Gruyère for a similar weight on Ozon for 400 rubles, but here it's 941 for 170 grams....

I found some interesting products in the meat section, though.

Might be useful for someone.

The veggies and fruits are usually plentiful here, but I actually buy those for my daughter at Pyaterochka.

I rarely take anything from Vkusvill due to the prices.

Like, just recently, the greens were a good example.

I also find the dairy products cheaper here, although we don't eat much of it. I do buy the cheese or find it on sale at Chizhik or somewhere else.

Those that are in my taste often cost around 100 rubles.

I also buy dry goods at Magnit or Pyaterka, as many prices here are inflated.

I've taken these baby purees out multiple times.

When I'm with Rai, we always end up buying something sweet.

They're not usually cheap here, but sometimes you can find a good deal.

I don't buy bread here...

Or those flaky pastries.

They're just too pricey.

Convenient prepared meals really saved me before maternity leave, when I was working.

I'd often buy those containers as a snack for myself.

Everything's pretty tasty.

I really like the asparagus with carrots, the chicken quesadilla is decent, the koftas are affordable and delicious, and I've also tried the rolls - they're not bad)

But if you factor in the discounts, it's basically a gift.

I've never actually bought cosmetics here, to be honest, I just wasn't interested and the prices were a bit too steep.

But what surprised me was how affordable the coffee was:

And I also loved the electronic kiosks - they're super easy to use and you don't have to wait in line.

One time I got a dud product, but they took it back without any hassle - something like a pre-packaged food item, I think.

So, now I'll wrap things up and give the store a rating.

1. The prices for many items in the store are way too high.

And don't even get me started on the lack of sales and discounts - I mean, I've seen more of those green discount stickers in other stores.

The prices for meat, some cheeses, and sweets are completely outrageous.

I used to work, but even then, I couldn't afford to come here and stock up on everything I needed.

2. Even though many products are pricey, they're not really standing out from the crowd.

3. Most of the products are from VkusVill, and to be honest, a lot of it's just not for everyone - it's more geared towards health enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts, which is why the prices are higher.

4. I've gotta say, most of the products are super tasty, no contest.

Some of them have really great ingredients, healthy and natural.

5. The checkout lines are super convenient, and I love that there's a coffee machine, especially in the bigger stores where there's a cafe.

6. Some of the stores are a bit cramped and uncomfortable to navigate, especially when you're pushing a stroller.

7. I've noticed some really amazing discounts, but I don't come across them that often.

I deduct a star just for the sky-high prices - it's just not worth it to me.

I'm not planning on coming back or shopping here anytime soon.

Chicken breast for 600-700 rubles per kilo? No thanks, I'll stick to 5th Avenue and their 300 ruble price tag.

Other than that, the products are quality, mostly tasty, even if it's not everyone's cup of tea. At least it's probably healthier than the processed stuff I'm used to eating.

All in all, I'd give the store 4 stars, but I wouldn't overhype it.

Those prices for chicken and beef are just ridiculous, I'd take off two stars for that alone.

It's not like they're selling Wagyu beef or anything.

But I hope the owners take customer feedback to heart and adjust their prices accordingly - after all, the store relies on customers to stay afloat.

More of my reviews on interesting stores:

Check out this store! It's a hidden gem! I've scored some amazing deals - products for 1 ruble, brands for 200, and new leather shoes for 500. I've even sold some of my own stuff there!

The most expensive chiller for 3 million rubles, cognac for 300 000 rubles and drinking water for 600...

Supermarket Perekrestok where robots work - even with my daughter in awe of the shopping bot that offers product of the day

The best hypermarket in Moscow with an astonishing and unique product range - even on weekdays!