Ultimate Guide to Supermarkets and Grocery Chains in the Netherlands

Hey there! Whether you're searching for a "supermarket near me" in Amsterdam, trying to navigate the world of Dutch grocery stores, or just curious about the top grocery chains in the Netherlands, you've come to the right place. As someone who's been living in the Netherlands for a few years, I'm excited to share what I've learned about finding the best groceries and food shops in this beautiful country.

Introduction to Dutch Supermarket Landscape

When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I was constantly googling "grocery store near me" or "super market near me." It took some time, but I eventually got the hang of the Dutch supermarket scene. The landscape here is diverse, with options to suit every taste and budget. From big chain supermarkets to small specialty grocery stores, there's something for everyone.

One thing I noticed right away is how tidy and well-organized Dutch supermarkets are. They're usually smaller than what you might be used to if you're from North America, but these food shops pack a lot into their space!

Top 10 Grocery Chains in the Netherlands

Let's dive into the major players in the Netherlands grocery stores scene. Here are the top 10 grocery chains you'll encounter:

Albert Heijn

* Sales: €17.3 billion (2022)

* Stores: 1,753

* Famous for: Wide variety of products and good quality

* What you can get: Fresh produce, Dutch specialties, ready-made meals

* Also offers: Online shopping and small city stores (AH to Go)

Albert Heijn (or AH, as the locals call it) is the current market leader. If you're in Amsterdam and looking for a "grocery store Amsterdam" location, chances are you'll stumble upon an Albert Heijn. They offer a good range of groceries, from budget-friendly to premium options. I love their "Bonus" deals – keep an eye out for the bright yellow price tags!

Jumbo

* Sales: €10 billion (2022)

* Stores: 695

* Known for: Low prices and "7 Certainties" promise (like shortest queues)

* What you can get: Affordable groceries, local products, fresh bread

* Special feature: Many stores have a "La Place" corner for fresh, prepared foods

Jumbo is the other major chain. Their stores are usually a bit bigger than Albert Heijn's, and they pride themselves on having low prices. They've got a great selection of fresh produce, which is always a plus when you're hunting for quality groceries.

PLUS

* Sales: About €5.5 billion (2023)

* Stores: Around 550

* Popular for: Focus on sustainability and local products

* What you can get: Organic foods, locally sourced items, good wine selection

* Bonus: Often supports local community events

PLUS is a great option if you're looking for sustainable and local products. They have a particularly good selection of wines, which I appreciate as a weekend wine enthusiast!

Lidl

* Sales: About €4.7 billion (2022)

* Stores: 441

* Known for: Very low prices and changing special offers

* What you can get: Basic groceries, surprising non-food items (clothes, tools)

* Tip: Check their weekly folders for best deals

Lidl is one of the discount chains that have become really popular here. The stores are no-frills, but the prices are hard to beat. They often have weekly specials on fresh produce and other groceries, so it's worth keeping an eye on their flyers.

Aldi

* Sales: About €3.2 billion (2022)

* Stores: 500

* Famous for: Lowest prices and no-frills shopping

* What you can get: Cheap basics, seasonal products, some branded items

* Good to know: Quality is often better than the low prices suggest

Aldi is similar to Lidl in concept. They're great for budget shopping, and you might be surprised by the quality of their products despite the low prices.

Sligro

* Sales: €2.48 billion (2022)

* Stores: 50

* Known for: Wholesale products for businesses and large families

* What you can get: Bulk items, professional kitchen supplies, party needs

* Note: You need a customer card to shop here

Sligro is a bit different from the others as it's primarily a wholesale store. It's great if you're planning a big event or if you have a large family.

Detailresult (Dirk and Dekamarkt)

* Sales: About €2.3 billion (2022)

* Stores: 331

* Famous for: Low prices (Dirk) and fresh products (Dekamarkt)

* What you can get: Cheap basics at Dirk, more upscale options at Dekamarkt

* Special feature: Dirk often has good deals on personal care products

Dirk and Dekamarkt are owned by the same company but cater to different markets. Dirk is great for budget shopping, while Dekamarkt offers a bit more upscale experience.

Hoogvliet

* Sales: €848 million (2022)

* Stores: 73

* Known for: Good balance of price and quality

* What you can get: Fresh produce, extensive beer and wine selection

* Bonus: Often has good promotions on household items

Hoogvliet is a smaller chain, but they offer a good balance of price and quality. I particularly like their beer and wine selection.

SPAR

* Sales: €810 million (2022)

* Stores: 443

* Famous for: Convenience stores, often in smaller towns or gas stations

* What you can get: Essential groceries, ready-to-eat meals, coffee to go

* Useful for: Quick shops or when other stores are closed

SPAR is great for convenience. You'll often find them in train stations or attached to gas stations, which can be a lifesaver when you need to grab something quickly.

Makro

* Sales: About €800 million (2022)

* Stores: 17

* Known for: Large wholesale stores for businesses and individuals

* What you can get: Bulk groceries, professional equipment, office supplies

* Tip: Great for party planning or stocking up a small business

Makro is similar to Sligro in that it's a wholesale store. You need a membership to shop here, but it can be worth it if you need to buy in bulk.

Specialty and Organic Grocery Stores

If you're into organic or specialty groceries, you're in luck! The Netherlands has some great options in this category. The two main players here are Ekoplaza and Marqt.

Ekoplaza is all about organic products. When I'm looking for eco-friendly options or hard-to-find organic ingredients, this is my go-to spot. They've got everything from fresh produce to cleaning products, all with a focus on sustainability.

Marqt is similar, but with a bit more of a gourmet twist. They stock a lot of local and artisanal products. It's a bit pricier than your average supermarket or grocery store, but the quality is top-notch. I like to treat myself to some special ingredients from Marqt every now and then.

Keep in mind that these stores are generally more expensive than regular supermarkets. But if you're passionate about organic or specialty groceries, they're definitely worth checking out.

Online Grocery Shopping Options

One thing I love about living in the Netherlands is how easy it is to get groceries delivered. Most major supermarkets offer online shopping and delivery services, which is super convenient if you can't find a "supermarket near me" or "grocery near me" option.

Albert Heijn and Jumbo both have user-friendly websites and apps for online ordering. You can choose a delivery time slot that suits you, and they'll bring all your groceries right to your door. It's super convenient, especially if you're busy or don't live near a big supermarket or grocery store.

There's also Picnic, which is an online-only supermarket. They're known for their free next-day delivery and cute little electric vans. I've used them a few times and been impressed with their service, especially when I needed groceries in Amsterdam but didn't want to carry heavy bags.

Online shopping is great for bulky or heavy items, or when you just don't feel like lugging your groceries home. Just keep in mind that there's usually a minimum order amount for delivery.

Loyalty Programs and Savings Opportunities

If you want to save money on your grocery shopping (and who doesn't?), it's worth signing up for loyalty programs. Most major supermarkets have them, and they can lead to some decent savings over time.

Albert Heijn's Bonus Card is probably the most well-known. It's free to sign up, and you'll get access to weekly "Bonus" deals on groceries. You can also collect Air Miles with it, which you can use for discounts or free products.

Jumbo has a program called Jumbo Extra's. You collect points on your purchases, which you can then use for discounts on groceries or on fun activities and days out.

These programs often offer personalized deals based on your shopping habits, which can be pretty handy. Just remember to scan your card every time you shop at the supermarket!

Shopping Hours and Sunday Openings

Coming from abroad, you might be wondering about shopping hours for supermarkets and grocery stores. Most supermarkets in the Netherlands are open from around 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Some are open until midnight, especially in busy city areas like Amsterdam.

Sunday shopping used to be a bit of a contentious issue here, but these days, many supermarkets are open on Sundays, especially in larger cities. Hours might be more limited though, often from noon to 6 PM or so.

In smaller towns, you might still find that grocery stores are closed on Sundays or have very limited hours. It's always a good idea to check the opening times online if you're not sure.

One tip: if you need to do some late-night grocery shopping, look for an "avondwinkel" (evening shop). These are small convenience stores that stay open late, often until 1 or 2 AM.

Tips for Expats and Tourists

If you're new to the Netherlands or just visiting, here are a few tips to make your supermarket and grocery store experience smoother:

1. Bring your own bags: Most stores charge for plastic bags, so it's better to bring your own.

2. Use a coin for the shopping cart: You'll need a €0.50 or €1 coin to unlock shopping carts at most supermarkets. You get it back when you return the cart.

3. Try local products: Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, and drop (licorice) are must-tries in any grocery store!

4. Don't be shy about asking for help: Most Dutch people speak excellent English and are happy to help you find groceries.

5. Check for "biologisch" labels: This means organic in Dutch.

6. Look out for "huismerk" products: These are store brands and are usually cheaper.

7. Explore different food shops: Each supermarket and grocery store has its own unique offerings, so don't be afraid to try different ones.

Future Trends in Dutch Grocery Retail

The Dutch supermarket and grocery store scene is always evolving. One trend I've noticed is a growing focus on sustainability. Many supermarkets are trying to reduce plastic packaging and offer more plant-based options in their groceries selection.

Another trend is the rise of "grab and go" meals. With busy lifestyles, there's increasing demand for healthy, ready-to-eat meals. Many supermarkets and food shops now have extensive selections of fresh sandwiches, salads, and other quick meal options.

Technology is also playing a bigger role. Some stores are experimenting with "scan as you shop" systems, where you scan grocery items with your phone as you put them in your cart. It makes checkout much quicker!

Wrapping up

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to navigating Dutch supermarkets and finding the best groceries in the Netherlands! Whether you're looking for a "supermarket near me," a "grocery store Amsterdam" experience, or just trying to understand the local food shopping scene, I hope this guide has been helpful.

Remember, it might take a little time to find your favorite stores and products, but that's all part of the fun of living in or visiting a new country. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different supermarkets and food shops. Each one has its own unique offerings and atmosphere. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite snack or meal in the process!

Happy shopping, and eet smakelijk (enjoy your meal)!