Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores (2023)

Experience Dutch life? Find out more about shopping for food in the Netherlands in our guide to Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores.

Exploring new supermarkets is surely one of the underrated highlights of expat life. Shelves to taste, buy and love new foods as you adjust to your new life. It's safe to say that it definitely looks like a lot less effort than at home.

If you're moving to the Netherlands, you'll be happy to know that Dutch supermarkets won't disappoint. With an abundance of fresh produce, international cuisine and convenient local outlets, Holland Supermarket will keep you and your family coming back.

To help you get the most out of your grocery shopping in the Netherlands, here's our guide to everything you need to know about Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores. This includes information about:

Shopping in a supermarket in the Netherlands

Your local supermarket is probably one of the first places you visit when you move to the Netherlands. When you first walk into a store, you quickly realize that supermarkets in the Netherlands may not be the same as those in your home country. But don't let that stop you from freaking out in the lobby.

Don't like grocery shopping? There are many other purchase options. This includes local fresh food markets, online grocery shopping for home delivery and specialty stores. If cooking is not your passion, you will find a wide range of restaurants, cafes and eateries in all major Dutch cities.

Dutch supermarkets

The first thing you might notice about Dutch supermarkets is their size, especially if you're from North America or Australia. Dutch supermarkets in big cities tend to be compact, but you'll quickly be surprised at how much they can fill the shelves.

Therefore, you may not get everything you need. However, the range of products in supermarkets varies, so what you don't find in one supermarket, you can find in another nearby. You should be able to find everything you need in a large supermarket in the suburbs or out of town.

Supermarkets may seem more expensive than usual, especially for items such as fresh meat and other produce. However, the store typically offers premium cold meats and fresh produce, dry items and an impressive dairy section. Most also have a bakery. You will also find many offers and discounts in stores that you can take advantage of to increase your money even more.

Dutch supermarket chain

As a relatively small country, the Netherlands has many supermarket chains to choose from. You can find an alternative or two nearby. Sometimes they can even be opposites. Some of the best chains you'll find in Dutch neighborhoods include:

• Alberta Hay:This premium retailer is the largest chain in the Netherlands with almost 1,000 stores and a quality-oriented product line. Get the AH bonus card for discounts. Larger hypermarket-type stores - called AH XL - are located in the suburbs.
• treasure:Albert Heijn's biggest rival is a bit lighter on the wallet. Jumbo stores are usually located in residential areas and offer a wide range of fresh and dry goods.
• more:The third largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands is a cooperative with more than 200 stores. It is mainly found in the south of the country, especially in the provinces of South Holland and North Brabant.

• cage:The aptly named Coop also started life in co-op. There are over 200 Coop stores in the Netherlands, mostly in residential areas. A hypermarket-style Supercoop store is also available.
• dagger:Formerly Dirk van den Broek, these well-stocked supermarkets are among the cheapest in the Netherlands. The easily recognizable shop window is decorated with a bright red Dirk flag.

You can find other supermarket chains in the Netherlands. They usually vary by region and includeVomar,dean,Deca market, electronicHugh Friedta.

Dutch discount supermarket chain

There are also several discount supermarkets on Holland Street. Many residents shop at discounters and high-end stores to ensure that their groceries range from low-cost necessities to high-end groceries. Dutch discounters are:

• Liddell:This German discounter is one of the largest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. Most simple supermarkets also offer discounted non-food items, and many also have in-store bakeries.
• Aldi:Aldi is another German importer, offering a wide range of groceries and household goods. Like Lidl, Aldi stores are often located in residential areas.

Dutch speciality, healthy and organic supermarket

If you're looking for something more specific when it comes to grocery shopping, there are also plenty of specialty supermarkets in the Netherlands. They offer a wider range of premium products, including vegan, organic and gluten-free products, among others. Some of the better known specialty supermarkets include:

• market:The market in Amsterdam is a favorite of foreigners. Expect to pay more for their ethical range which includes many vegan options. The store is also available atRotterdam,Hallamand The Hague.
• Ecological Square:Ekoplaza is the largest ethical supermarket chain in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of organic products. With more than 70 locations across the country, the company is making strides towards a plastic-free shopping experience.

supermarket opening hours

In general, Dutch supermarkets have fairly standard opening hours. Most are open early in the morning (7 or 8am) and close late at night (usually around 10pm). Outside of these hours, you can still pick up essentials from your local grocery store as some are open 24/7.

Some supermarkets, especially those in remote areas, may have different opening hours. This may include earlier closing times and other opening hours on Sundays. Please check your local store's website list for more information.

Things you need to know about Dutch supermarkets

As an expat, there are a few things you need to know before filling your Dutch basket. Here are some things you should know:

• No shopping bag:The Dutch bring their own shopping bags from home. You should be able to buy bags for a small fee at the counter - usually less than €0.50.
• You may not be able to pay by credit card:Yes, you read it right. Some supermarkets - including most Albert Heijn stores - do not accept Visa or Mastercard credit cards. You will need cash or a Dutch bank account that will give you a Maestro or V-Pay card that you can use anywhere.

• Alcoholic drinks cannot be purchased:Wine and beer can be bought in Dutch supermarkets, but to buy alcohol you have to go to the liquor store. These are usually nearby. Some supermarkets even have separate liquor stores.
• Prices may be rounded:The Netherlands has phased out the €0.01 and €0.02 coins, which means prices are rounded up or down at the checkout, often to the advantage of the store.
• Bottle returns:Some drinks require a small refundable bottle deposit which is included in the price. Most supermarkets offer a bottle return service that allows you to collect this deposit.
• Package:Don't expect help packing your purchases at the Dutch checkout. In the Netherlands you have to pack your groceries yourself and it pays to act quickly.
• Get on your bike:Many Dutch supermarkets do not have parking lots - especially in cities - so most residents walk or cycle. Purchased items should be taken with you or the bike should be equipped with saddle bags.

Grocery delivery services in the Netherlands

If you can't make it to the grocery store in person or prefer the convenience of home delivery, you're in luck. Many local supermarkets offer home delivery, including Albert Heijn and Jumbo. There is also a growing number of online supermarkets and grocery stores, such as:

• Very
• brother dish
• picnic

Just buy online and choose the delivery time. You may be required to pay cash on delivery, so make sure you have your payment card ready.

There are several other delivery options in the Netherlands, including meal kit providers. These companies offer ready meal kits (lunch box) at your fingertips, filled with fresh seasonal ingredients and recipes you can cook at home. Dutch meal kit providers include:

• Albert Heijn All genres
• hello fresh
• Marley spoon

If cooking noises aren't your thing, Dutchman has something for you. From cozy brown coffee shops and street eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for everyone across the country. If you're going to stay home, why not order takeaway? Delivery platforms operating in the Netherlands include:

• Delivery
• Delivery
• excellent food

These platforms will connect you to your favorite nearby restaurants and takeaways. Whether you're dining with family or friends, all you have to do is sit back and wait for your takeaway.

Ethnic grocery stores in the Netherlands

Another option for Dutch grocery shopping is the ethnic supermarket. There are many such shops throughout the Netherlands, especially in larger cities with a more ethnically diverse population. Many are Turkish supermarkets, but Moroccan, Chinese, Indonesian and Japanese grocery stores can also be found in larger cities.

These stores are often popular with expats as they tend to offer a wider variety of international food. This is especially true for herbs and spices, which are usually not available in Dutch supermarket chains. These items are usually cheaper in ethnic grocery stores, but you can find cheaper and a wider variety of everyday items in chain supermarkets.

Shopping at the Dutch market

Breathe in the fresh air while shopping at the local market. In general, the markets in the Netherlands offer fresh and high-quality produce, although the variety may be limited. Most markets will have stalls selling fresh fish, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables, as well as dry items such as nuts and other snacks.

Markets are sometimes cheaper than supermarkets and specialty stores. It's also a great way to get more niche items like certain cheeses and nuts. However, the availability of certain products is not always guaranteed and the market can be very crowded, especially in more touristy areas.

shops in the Netherlands

If the supermarket is too indifferent to you, why not visit your local specialty store? They may be more expensive than supermarkets or stalls, but the quality and choice may be greater.

Bakeries in the Netherlands may not be as common as in France or Spain, but most communities have at least one. Butchers can also be found in many of the local shopping districts, but it's worth checking Dutch conditions before visiting.

The Dutch are very proud of their cheese, which is why you will find many cheese shops in the Netherlands. Some, especially in the city center, cater mainly to tourists, although their cheeses are still of good quality. However, the best cheese shops are often those away from the tourist trade, so look for the best options.

Convenience stores in the Netherlands

Sometimes you just need to eat or drink something quickly. In the Netherlands, you can do this in one of the many general stores in the country. Most operate independently, but once you're in the countryside, you'll start to notice a few networks:

• Albert Heijn To-Go (often found in train stations)
• box

Liquor stores in the Netherlands

According to Dutch law, supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol with an alcoholic strength of more than 15%. This means they only sell beer, cider, wine and fortified wine. However, you can still head to your local liquor store and enjoy this gin and tonic at home.

Most neighborhoods will have a liquor store, whether it's a nationwide chain or somethingOk okOr an independent bottle shop. The number of online retailers of beer, wine and spirits is also growing, including:

• beer wolf
• Owl Craft Beer

Some supermarkets have liquor stores so search online to find your nearest one as it may be closer than you think.

Buy groceries from your country

Many expats will miss eating at home. This is a common problem of immigrantslive abroadbut don't worry because there are shops in the Netherlands that offer this service. In most major cities in the Netherlands, you will find international grocery stores selling food from the US, UK and other countries. You can even find some of your favorite foods in large supermarkets.

Alternatively, there are online grocery delivery services specifically for expats. Here you will find food that you can deliver to your new home. But keep in mind that these groceries are often more expensive than you're used to. Also, don't forget that one of the most important parts of living in exile is getting used to the local cuisine. So grab a cart and let your taste buds explore your new home.