Anyone who has lived in the Netherlands for more than a month knows that buying groceries here can be expensive.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, getting things from your local Albert Heijn can feel like a splurge, even with all the nice deals you can get with your trusty bonus card.
Whether you’re a frugal student, held back by soaring inflation, or simply trying to pinch pennies where you can, you’re probably wondering: What are some cheaper alternatives that won’t have you spending half of your monthly budget on groceries?
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The cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands
The Consumentenbond, also known as the Dutch consumers’ association, compared the prices of 131 budget groceries across 13 supermarket chains.
For each item, they picked the cheapest variant the store offers of a big-name brand, correcting for differences in packaging size.
Based on Consumentenbond research, these are the cheapest supermarkets across the Netherlands.
Overview: Dutch budget supermarkets, ranked
Here’s how much each chain will save your wallet:
Good to know: It’s worth noting that the Consumentenbond’s research doesn’t cover special offers. While supermarkets like Jumbo and PLUS may have higher prices than average, the consumer association notes that they also offer more choice, special offers, and extra features like delivery.
1. Dirk: best for discounts
If you’re looking for affordable groceries, you can’t go wrong with Dirk! Most of their stores are concentrated around the Randstad, so you’re likely to have one within walking distance if you live in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
They also have some great promotions, and it’s not uncommon to find products for as low as €1 from their house brand. Plus, pro tip: Dirk has great bread and baked goods (we confirm this from DutchReview’s daily lunch experiences).
2. Nettorama: best for fresh produce
If you have a Nettorama near you, you’re in luck — they’re a merkendiscounter (brand discounter) that sells well-known brands at much lower prices than usual, especially if you buy in bulk.
They’re also the cheapest place to buy fruits and vegetables, with Consumentenbond noting that their fresh produce prices are 15% lower than average. However, as a smaller chain, they aren’t as widespread as Dirk or AH.
3. Vomar: best for in-store rewards
Living in the west of the country? There’s a good chance you’ve got a Vomar (short for voordeelmarkt, or bargain market) nearby.
Their free Klant-is-Koning (customer is king) loyalty card lets you put a little money aside every time you shop, and Vomar adds 6% on top when you cash it out. Combine that with prices 8% lower than average, and you’re getting a royally good deal on your groceries.
4. Hoogvliet: best for budget delivery
Hoogvliet is one of the few budget supermarkets on our list that will deliver your groceries straight to your door. While delivery costs €5.99 on orders of at least €60, purchasing certain promotional products may get your delivery fees waived.
Plus, pro-tip: with their free loyalty card, you can save up points as you shop in-store, and Hoogvliet adds a 6% bonus on top when you spend your points or cash them out.
5. Lidl: best for variety on a budget
Lidl has outlets all over the Netherlands, and their prices are 6% cheaper than average, offering a great blend of accessibility and affordability.
While their prices have been ticking upwards in recent years, the free Lidl Plus app scores you special offers, discount coupons, and extra promotions — effectively nudging prices down if you’re a savvy shopper.
6. Aldi: best for basics
If you’re after everyday essentials at affordable prices, Aldi is hard to beat. They have stores all over the Netherlands, so there’s likely one within walking (or biking!) range of you.
Though they offer a smaller range of products than AH or Jumbo, most of their product range comprises their own brand, keeping their prices a healthy 5% lower than average.
7. DekaMarkt: best for affordable meat
Family-run DekaMarkt has been around since 1949 and has amassed a whopping 104 stores across the Netherlands. You can browse weekly discounts on their website and app, but they don’t offer online shopping, so you’ll need to visit a brick-and-mortar outlet.
In addition to prices a wallet-friendly 4% lower than average, they have their own butchery, which supplies all the fresh meat in their outlets. Much of their beef actually comes from their own cattle farm.
8. Albert Heijn: best for sheer convenience
While Albert Heijn isn’t exactly winning awards for their affordability, their prices are average, and their stores are dotted all across the Netherlands.
To whittle those prices down even further, you’ll want to sign up for a free AH bonuskaart (bonus card) to unlock their weekly discounts. They also have a range of own-brand products, with their white and blue “AH” logo, that are cheaper than big brand labels.
Cheap alternatives to supermarkets in the Netherlands
Needless to say, supermarkets aren’t the only outlets for cheap groceries in the Netherlands. Depending on your city, local markets, family-run stores, or corner shops can be just as affordable (if not even more so).
International grocery shops in the Netherlands
Almost every Dutch city has a range of international grocery shops, catering to a diverse range of communities, like Turkish, Moroccan, Indonesian, Surinamese, Indian, and more.
READ MORE | Online grocery shopping: a guide to Dutch grocery delivery services
If you’re looking for special ingredients and want to avoid Albert Heijn XL prices, these shops tend to be a much cheaper alternative.
Farmers’ markets in the Netherlands
Most Dutch cities have weekly or biweekly outdoor markets, which can be great opportunities to stock up on fresh produce without paying supermarket prices.
If you live in or near The Hague, we strongly recommend the Haagse Markt. With over 500 stalls, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in Europe, and sells everything from fresh produce to clothes and household items.
There are also plenty of options in Amsterdam, whether you’re looking for affordable groceries, snacks, or arts and crafts.
Wherever you live in the Netherlands, there’s likely an affordable supermarket close to you. And even if you’re shopping at Albert Heijn, you can save precious euros on your groceries by shopping for house-brand products and making good use of your discount card.
Do you have any other recommendations for those who want to get groceries for cheap? Tell us in the comments below!
Cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest supermarket in the Netherlands?
Both Dirk and Nettorama rank as the cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands, with prices typically 9% cheaper than average.
Is Lidl or ALDI cheaper in the Netherlands?
Based on research by the Consumentenbond (the Dutch consumers’ association), Lidl is slightly cheaper than ALDI. Prices at Lidl are typically 6% cheaper than average, while ALDI’s are 5% cheaper.
Is Jumbo or Albert Heijn cheaper in the Netherlands?
Based on research by the Consumentenbond (the Dutch consumers’ association), Albert Heijn is marginally cheaper than Jumbo.
Prices at Albert Heijn are currently rated as average, while Jumbo’s are 1% higher than average.
Which Dutch supermarket is cheapest for fruit and vegetables?
Currently, Nettorama is the cheapest Dutch supermarket for fresh fruit and vegetables. According to the Dutch consumers’ association, fresh produce is typically 15% cheaper than average at Nettorama.