Looking for ways to cut your food costs while living in the Netherlands? In this guide, we’ll explore how to save money on groceries. I will offer smart shopping tips. You will also discover the best budget-friendly supermarkets in the Netherlands.
Cheapest Supermarkets in the Netherlands
- Lidl & Aldi – Top choices for cheap groceries, private-label products, and fresh produce.
- Dirk – Known for low prices and weekly grocery deals.
- Jumbo – Competitive pricing with discounts and price match policies.
- Albert Heijn – Not really cheap but weekly “Bonus” discounts deliver good savings. Tip: You have to get an account to access the discounts. With this you can also get koopzegels.
- Action – Not really a supermarket. You can find maybe the cheapest detergents and shampoos.
Grocery delivery like Picnic and Flink are convenient, but shopping in-store can help spot unlisted discounts and avoid service charges.
How to Save Money on Food in NL
- Plan Weekly Menus – Helps prevent impulse buying and food waste.
- Use Grocery Discount Apps – Try Scoupy, Too Good To Go, or the AH App. Tip: Too Good to Go offers ready meals from restaurants at the end of the day for a big discount. Buy from stores that have reviews higher than 4.
- Evening Shopping – Many Dutch stores put discounts on fresh food later in the day. Go to the store after 20:00!
- Bulk Buying – Stock up on long-lasting items during promotions.
- Compare Unit Prices – Labels show per-kilo/liter prices, use these to find real value.
Shop Smart at Local & Ethnic Stores
- Weekly Dutch Markets – Affordable meat, fish, fruits, and veggies. If you go before closing, you will probably get good discounts.
- Ethnic Supermarkets – Turkish, Polish, and Asian shops often offer spices, grains, and sauces cheaper than chain stores. You can also find affordable fruits and veggies. In many occasions the cheaper they are the quicker they spoil, so eat them quickly!
Seasonal Shopping Tips
- Buy fruits and vegetables in season (e.g. Dutch strawberries and melon in summer).
- Look for post-holiday sales and clearance deals on pantry items.
Save more money, eat better, and explore the best cheap grocery options in the Netherlands with these tips!
