Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores (2023)

Want a taste of Dutch life? Find out more about grocery shopping in the Netherlands with our guide to Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores.

Exploring new grocery stores is undoubtedly one of the most underrated highlights of expat life. There are aisles and aisles of new foods to taste, buy and fall in love with as you adjust to your new life. It's safe to say that it definitely feels less of a hassle than at home.

If you're moving to the Netherlands, you'll be happy to know that Dutch supermarkets don't disappoint. With plenty of fresh produce, international groceries and convenient locations, Dutch supermarkets will keep you and your family looking for more.

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

• Grocery shopping in the Netherlands
• supermarkets in the Netherlands
• Interesting facts about Dutch supermarkets
• Grocery delivery services in the Netherlands
• Ethnic grocery stores in the Netherlands
• Grocery shopping at Dutch markets
• Specialty shops in the Netherlands
• convenience stores
• Liquor stores in the Netherlands
• Shopping for groceries from your home country

Grocery shopping in the Netherlands

The local supermarket is probably one of the first places you visit when you first move to the Netherlands. When you step through the door for the first time, you will quickly realize that Dutch supermarkets may not be the same as at home. But don't let that stop you from going wild in the aisles.

Don't feel like going to the supermarket? There are many other options for your groceries. These include local fresh markets, online grocery shopping delivered straight to your door and specialty stores. If you don't feel like cooking at all, you will find a range of restaurants, cafes and snack bars in all major Dutch cities.

supermarkets in the Netherlands

The first thing you will probably notice about Dutch supermarkets is their size, especially if you are traveling from North America or Australia. Dutch supermarkets in big cities tend to be compact, but you'll soon be surprised at how much they can cram onto their shelves.

Because of this, you may not be able to find everything you are looking for. However, the range of products in supermarkets tends to vary, so what you can't find in one you might find in another just around the corner. You should be able to find everything you need in larger supermarkets in the suburbs or out of town.

Supermarkets seem to be more expensive than you are used to, especially for items like fresh meat and fruit and veg. However, the shops are generally well stocked with good quality fresh meat and produce, dried foods and impressive dairy sections. Most also have in-store bakeries. You will also find many offers and discounts in the stores that you can use to earn more money.

Dutch supermarket chains

For a relatively small country, the Netherlands has a wide range of supermarket chains. You'll likely find that you have one or two to choose from in your neighborhood. Sometimes these can even be contradictory. Some of the main chains you will find in Dutch neighborhoods are:

• Albert Heijn:The premium retailer is the largest Dutch chain with almost 1,000 branches and a product range geared towards quality. Get an AH bonus card for discounts. Larger, hypermarket-like stores - called AH XL - can be found in suburbs.
• Jumbo:Albert Heijn's biggest competitor is a bit cheaper on the wallet. Jumbo stores are generally found in residential areas and stock a decent range of fresh and dried goods.
• Plus:The third largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands is a cooperative with over 200 branches. Mainly found in the south of the country, especially in South Holland and North Brabant.

• Buy:The aptly named Coop also started out as a cooperative. There are over 200 Coop branches in the Netherlands, mostly in residential areas. Hypermarket-style supercoop stores are also available.
• dagger:Formerly known as Dirk van den Broek, these well-stocked supermarkets are among the cheapest Dutch supermarkets. The shop windows are easy to spot and are adorned with bright red Dirk flags.

You will probably come across other supermarket chains in the Netherlands. These often change by region and includeVomar,from,Deka market, andHoogvliet.

Discount supermarket chains in the Netherlands

You will also find a number of discounters on the Dutch streets. Many locals shop at both discount and high-end stores, making sure their groceries are a mix of cheaper staples and premium extras. Discounters in the Netherlands include:

• Lidl:The German discounter is one of the largest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. Most of their no-frills supermarkets also offer discounted non-food items, and many also have in-store bakeries.
• Aldi:Another German import, Aldi, offers a range of basic groceries and household products. Like Lidl, Aldi stores are usually found in residential areas.

Dutch specialty, health and organic supermarkets

If you are looking for something more niche when it comes to grocery shopping, there are also a number of specialty supermarkets in the Netherlands. These offer more premium product ranges, including vegan, organic and gluten-free lines, among others. Some of the better known specialty supermarkets are the following:

• Market:Amsterdam-based marqt is an expat favorite. Expect to pay a bit more for their ethical product line, which includes a wide range of vegan options. Shops can also be found inRotterdam,Haarlem, and The Hague.
• Ecoplaza:Ekoplaza is the largest chain of ethical supermarkets in the Netherlands and offers an organic product line. There are over 70 locations nationwide, and the company is moving toward a plastic-free shopping experience.

Supermarket opening hours

In general, Dutch supermarkets have fairly standardized opening hours. Most open early in the morning (7am or 8am) and close late at night (often around 10pm). Outside of these hours you may still be able to find essentials at your local supermarket as some are open 24 hours.

Some supermarkets, particularly in more rural areas, may have different opening times. This may include earlier closing times and different operating times on Sundays. Check your local store's website listing for more information.

Things you need to know about supermarkets in the Netherlands

As an expat, there are certain things you need to know before you fill your Dutch shopping cart. Here are some of the things you should know:

• There are no shopping bags:Dutch people bring their own shopping bags from home. You should be able to buy bags from the till for a small fee - 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 need cash or a Dutch bank account, which gives you a Maestro or V-Pay card that can be used anywhere.

• You cannot buy spirits:You can buy wine and beer in Dutch supermarkets, but for spirits you have to go to a liquor store. These are often in close proximity. Some supermarkets even have separate liquor stores inside.
• The prices can be rounded up:The Netherlands has phased out the €0.01 and €0.02 coins, which means prices are either rounded up or down at the checkout, often to the benefit of the shop.
• Bottle return:When purchasing certain drinks, you pay a small deposit for the bottle, which is included in the price. Most supermarkets have bottle returns that allow you to collect this deposit.
• Pack it up:Don't expect help packing your groceries at Dutch checkouts. In the Netherlands you have to pack your groceries yourself and it pays to do it quickly.
• Get on the bike:Many Dutch supermarkets don't have parking lots - especially in cities - so most locals walk or cycle around. You have to carry what you buy or equip your bike with panniers.

Grocery delivery services in the Netherlands

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

• picnic
• Considerably
• vegetable brother

Simply shop online and choose your delivery date. However, you may have to pay for the groceries upon delivery, so make sure you have your payment card ready.

There are a number of other delivery options in the Netherlands, including meal kit providers. These companies supply ready meals (meal box) to your door, stocked with seasonally fresh ingredients and recipes to create your own meals at home. Dutch meal kit suppliers include:

• Marley Spoon
• HalloFresh
• Albert Heijn All Arten

If you don't fancy the sounds of cooking, the Dutch are for you. From cozy brown cafes and sidewalk eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, you'll find dining options for every taste across the country. If you're staying at home, why not take away? Delivery platforms operating in the Netherlands include:

• Deliveroo
• home delivery
• Uber eats

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

Ethnic grocery stores in the Netherlands

Another option for Dutch grocery shopping are ethnic supermarkets. There are many of these shops in the Netherlands, especially in larger cities with ethnically diverse populations. Many are Turkish supermarkets, but Moroccan, Chinese, Indonesian and Japanese grocery stores can also be found in larger towns.

These shops are often popular with expats as they tend to stock a larger selection of international groceries. This is especially true for herbs and spices, which are often not available in Dutch supermarket chains. These products are generally cheaper at ethnic grocery stores, although you may find a cheaper and more diverse selection of everyday items at chain supermarkets.

Grocery shopping at Dutch markets

Get some fresh air while shopping at your local market. In general, markets in the Netherlands offer good quality fresh produce, although their supply can be limited. Most markets have stalls selling fresh fish, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables, as well as dry goods like nuts and other snacks.

Markets are sometimes cheaper than supermarkets and specialty shops. They can also be a great way to snag niche items like certain cheeses and nuts. However, the availability of certain products is not always guaranteed and markets can be very busy, especially in more touristy areas.

Specialty shops in the Netherlands

If supermarkets are a bit impersonal for you, why not head to your local specialty stores instead? These are likely to be more expensive than the supermarket or market stalls, but the quality and choice can often be greater.

Bakeries in the Netherlands may not be as common as in France or Spain, but most neighborhoods have at least one. You'll also find butchers in many local shopping areas, although you might want to brush up on Dutch terms before visiting.

The Dutch are proud of their cheese, which is why you will come across many cheese shops in the Netherlands. Some, especially in the inner cities, cater mainly to tourists, although their cheese is often still of good quality. However, the best cheese shops tend to be located away from the tourist trade, so shop around for the best selection.

convenience stores

Sometimes you just need to get something to eat or drink quickly. In the Netherlands you can do this in one of the many convenience stores in the country. Most are independently owned, but there are a few chains you'll notice if you live in the country:

• Spar
• Albert Heijn To-Go (commonly found in train stations)

Liquor stores in the Netherlands

Dutch law states that supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol with an alcohol content higher than 15%. That means they only sell beer, cider, wine and fortified wine. However, you can still enjoy these gin and tonics at home by heading to the local liquor store.

Most neighborhoods have a liquor store, whether like a national chainCan & canor an independent bottle shop. There is also a growing number of online retailers of beers, wines and spirits, including:

• Bierwulf
• Owl craft beer

Some supermarkets have in-store liquor stores so do a search online to find the closest one as it may be closer than you think.

Shopping for groceries from your home country

Many expats will miss the food from home. It's a common problem for immigrantsliving abroad, but don't worry because there are shops in the Netherlands that offer just that. In most major Dutch cities you will find international grocery stores selling groceries from the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries. You'll find some foods you love even in larger supermarkets.

Alternatively, there are online grocery delivery services that cater specifically to expats. Here you will find groceries from home that can be delivered to your new home. Note, however, that the price of these foods is often higher than what you are used to. Also, don't forget that one of the most important parts of expat life is adapting to the local cuisine. So, grab your shopping cart and let your taste buds explore your new home.