Ultimate Guide to Grocery Shopping and Saving Money in the Netherlands for New Residents

In your first weeks, you’ll quickly notice that the cost of living and shopping culture in the Netherlands may be different from what you’re used to. Understanding where to shop — and how to save — will help you settle in more comfortably and avoid surprises at the checkout.

Where to Buy Groceries

The most common grocery stores (supermarkten) are:

• Albert Heijn – Most popular and widely available. Good quality, slightly higher prices.
• Jumbo – Competitively priced, wide range of products, many weekly discounts.
• Lidl / Aldi – Discount supermarkets with lower prices and limited product selection. Great for saving money.
• Dirk / Plus / Coop – Regional supermarkets, good value, often less crowded.

Supermarkets are usually open from 08:00 to 21:00, and on Sundays from around 12:00 to 18:00, depending on the area.

What About Foreign or Specialty Products?

In most cities, you’ll also find:

• Turkish or Moroccan shops (vegetables, bread, meat)
• Polish supermarkets (Biedronka, Polskie Delikatesy)
• Romanian sections in some Lidl stores or international shops
• Asian and Indian stores for spices, noodles, sauces

These stores can help you feel more at home and are often cheaper for vegetables and basics.

What Things Cost (Indicative Prices 2025)

Here’s a quick idea of average grocery prices:

Prices may vary by brand and store. Discount chains like Lidl and Aldi are significantly cheaper for basic products.

Tips to Save Money

• Look for bonus deals (aanbiedingen) in weekly flyers or apps
• Buy house brands instead of A-brands (e.g. AH Basic, Jumbo Huismerk)
• Use reusable shopping bags — plastic bags cost extra
• Try weekly markets in your city for cheap vegetables, fruit, and fish

Final Tip

Don’t expect to find everything in one place. Many people visit both a supermarket and a local ethnic store or market during the week. If you plan your shopping, you can eat well on a small budget — even in the Netherlands.