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Daily life, 4 min read

Supermarkets and groceries: where to shop and save

From Albert Heijn to Lidl, here's how Dutch grocery shopping works.

Getting your groceries sorted is a small but real part of settling in.

The main players

  • Albert Heijn — the biggest chain; get a free Bonuskaart for discounts.
  • Jumbo — large stores, competitive prices.
  • Lidl and Aldi — budget-friendly.
  • Picnic — app-only delivery; Flink for fast groceries.

Good to know

  • Many bottles and cans have a deposit (statiegeld) you get back at the machine.
  • Bring your own bags, and weigh loose fruit/veg yourself in some stores.

Tip: Sunday and late-evening shopping varies by town — check your local opening hours.

Rules change. This post was accurate when written; check the official source it links before you act.

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