From hagelslag to haring: Discovering Dutch supermarkets

The most well-known supermarkets in the Netherlands

There are numerous options available when it comes to Dutch grocery stores. The most popular ones are: 

• Albert Heijn
• Jumbo
• Plus
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Spar
• Dirk van den Broek
• Coop 

The main differences between these options are the prices, the assortment of products (premium brands or their own brands) and whether they are large supermarkets or smaller local shops.

Prices, bargains and how to pay at a Dutch supermarket

Dutch people love a good deal. This means you can expect supermarkets to always have multiple different items discounted, and this can change every week depending on where you shop; different supermarkets also have different loyalty programmes and different deals.

Check out the app or website of the supermarket you visit to put together a grocery list full of bargains!

At some supermarkets, like Albert Heijn, you need a special bonus card or the app to access these deals. If you scan the card at checkout, it’ll show you how much money you’ve saved.

Another important note is that you can’t always use a foreign (credit) card to pay for your groceries in Dutch supermarkets. If you don’t have a Dutch bank account yet, it’s safest to make sure you have enough cash on you.

Dutch supermarket opening times

Depending on where you’re from, you might think Dutch supermarkets are open until very late, or close super early. Regardless, it’s good to know what to expect.

Most grocery stores in the Netherlands are open from 8am until 9 or 10pm. This can differ on weekends and holidays. Most supermarkets will open a little later on Sundays or holidays, or they might close a bit earlier. Some even stay closed on these days altogether.

If you are unsure when your supermarket is open or closed, you can always check the opening times on Google or ask an employee; they’ll be able to provide a more precise indication of the opening hours. 

Get your groceries delivered to your doorstep!

Shopping culture

There are some things that might surprise you when you’re walking through a Dutch supermarket. Here are some cultural quirks to keep in mind:

Self-scanners

Many stores offer self-scanners that you can use with a card or code. You can scan your own products and check out at the designated self-scan checkouts. These checkouts are often card-only.

Plastic bags

You may notice many people bringing their own bags into the supermarket. This is often motivated by an environmentally friendly concern, but it’s also because the plastic bags from the store aren’t free. You often have to pay anywhere from 20 cents to a euro for each bag. 

Statiegeld

Are you confused by the additional charge you pay when you buy cans and plastic bottles? This is called “statiegeld”. It’s basically a deposit that you get back by returning your bottles and cans to the supermarket. You put them into a special machine, and you will get a receipt with the amount you’ve returned. You can use this receipt to lower the cost of your groceries the next time you go shopping.

Ordering groceries

Short on time or overwhelmed by shopping in a new place? In the Netherlands, you can often get your groceries delivered through apps and websites. From supermarkets making their own deliveries within a couple of days, to outside providers that offer same-day delivery: there’s plenty of choice!

Be well-prepared to shop stress-free 

It can seem quite intimidating to shop in a foreign country. Dutch supermarkets definitely pose their own challenges, but it’s a fun way to get more familiar with the culture. Are you getting ready to visit a supermarket in the Netherlands? Check the information above to start off well-prepared!