Grocery Shopping in the Netherlands: Complete Guide for Expats (2026)

Just moved to the Netherlands? The Dutch supermarket landscape can be confusing. This guide covers everything you need to know: which stores to shop at, how much to budget, and how to save money.

Dutch Supermarkets: A Quick Overview

The Netherlands has seven major supermarket chains, each with its own character:

Premium Tier

• Albert Heijn (AH): The largest chain. Wide selection, higher prices. Think of it as the Whole Foods of the Netherlands (but less extreme). Great for international products.
• Jumbo: Second largest. Similar to AH but often slightly cheaper. Known for good customer service and their "7 zekerheden" (7 guarantees).

Mid Tier

• Plus: Regional chain, strong in the south and east. Good quality, reasonable prices.
• Hoogvliet: Mainly in Zuid-Holland and Utrecht. Solid mid-range option.
• Dirk van den Broek: Strong in the Randstad area. Good prices, especially on meat.

Budget Tier

• Lidl: German discount chain. Limited selection but excellent prices. Their bakery is surprisingly good.
• Aldi: German discount chain. Smallest selection but often the lowest prices. Great for basics.

How Much Should You Budget?

Grocery costs in the Netherlands in 2026:

These are averages. You can spend significantly less by shopping at discount stores and cooking from scratch.

Things That Surprise Expats

1. Stores close early

Most supermarkets close at 20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays. Sunday hours are typically 12:00-18:00. Albert Heijn in city centers may stay open until 22:00.

2. You pay for bags

Bring your own bags. Plastic bags cost 0,25-0,50 euro each. Most Dutch people use reusable bags or crates.

3. Statiegeld (deposit system)

Plastic bottles and cans have a deposit (statiegeld) of 0,15 to 0,25 euro. Return them at the machine in any supermarket to get your money back.

4. Bonuskaart is essential

Albert Heijn's Bonuskaart (loyalty card) is free and gives access to significant weekly discounts. Without it, you pay full price on bonus items. Get one immediately.

5. Fresh bread is everywhere

Dutch people love fresh bread. Most supermarkets have an in-store bakery. Lidl's bakery is particularly popular.

Finding International Products

Missing food from home? Here's where to look:

• Toko (Indonesian/Surinamese): Found in most cities. Great for Asian ingredients.
• Turkish/Moroccan shops: Excellent for fresh produce, spices, and halal meat at lower prices than supermarkets.
• Amazing Oriental: Chain with Asian groceries, multiple locations.
• Albert Heijn: Has a decent international aisle. Their "Wereldkeuken" range covers basics.
• Jumbo: Similar international selection to AH.

Loyalty Programs Worth Having

Albert Heijn Bonuskaart (free)

• Weekly bonus discounts (up to 50 percent off)
• Personal bonus offers based on your purchases
• Digital in the AH app

Jumbo Extra's (free)

• Earn points on every purchase
• Points convert to discounts
• Extra deals in the app

Lidl Plus (free app)

• Weekly digital coupons
• Scratch cards after purchase
• Monthly price-off stickers

How to Save Money

1. Shop at Aldi or Lidl for basics

For standard products (milk, bread, pasta, rice, cleaning supplies), discount stores are 15-25 percent cheaper than AH or Jumbo.

2. Check weekly offers

Every supermarket has weekly specials. The cycle runs Wednesday to Tuesday. Check folders (flyers) in the app or at the store.

3. Buy huismerk (store brand)

Dutch store brands are excellent quality. The Consumentenbond (consumer association) regularly confirms they match or beat brand-name products.

4. Shop at markets

Weekly outdoor markets (markten) offer fresh produce, cheese, fish, and bread at competitive prices. Most towns have a market day.

5. Use cheapr.shop

Compare prices across all Dutch supermarkets at cheapr.shop. Search for any product and instantly see which store has the best price. Over 14,000 products compared.

6. Time your shopping

After 18:00, many stores markdown fresh items with 35 percent stickers. Saturday evening is the best time for deals on items expiring that weekend.

Dutch Food You Should Try

While grocery shopping, don't miss these Dutch staples:

• Hagelslag: Chocolate sprinkles on bread (yes, for breakfast)
• Stroopwafels: Caramel waffle cookies, best warm from a market
• Rookworst: Smoked sausage, perfect with stamppot
• Vla: Custard dessert, uniquely Dutch
• Drop: Licorice (warning: salmiak drop is salty, not sweet)
• Ontbijtkoek: Spiced breakfast cake
• Kaas: Dutch cheese is world-class. Try jong, belegen, and oud varieties.

Useful Dutch Supermarket Vocabulary

Conclusion

The Dutch grocery system is efficient and offers good value once you know how it works. Start with a Bonuskaart, explore Aldi and Lidl for basics, and use cheapr.shop to compare prices on the products you buy most. Within a few weeks, you'll shop like a local.