How to choose a supermarket in Amsterdam
The listings above mix full-size supermarkets, compact "to go" and express branches for a quick top-up, and international grocers stocking ingredients the major chains skip. Work out first whether this is a full weekly shop or a few items on the way home, since the right stop differs.
Amsterdam's supermarkets tend to run smaller than shoppers from North America or Australia expect, even though they pack a lot onto their shelves. Product range also varies from branch to branch, so what is missing from one shelf often turns up at the store around the corner or at a larger location further from the center.
If cooking isn't the plan for a given night, our restaurants directory covers the alternative. For a fuller rundown of what differs about grocery shopping here, see Amsterdam Supermarkets: A Guide for Newcomers.
Questions people ask
Which supermarket chains will I see most often in Amsterdam?
Albert Heijn is the largest and most widely available supermarket chain in the Netherlands, with more than 1,000 stores nationwide, and it's the store most Amsterdam residents live closest to. Jumbo is the other major national chain, while Lidl, Aldi, and Dirk operate as the country's budget-focused alternatives.
Why do the supermarkets here feel smaller than I'm used to?
Dutch supermarkets in city locations are generally more compact than large-format stores you may be used to abroad, even though they pack a lot onto their shelves. Product range also varies from branch to branch, so it can take a second stop nearby to find everything on your list.
How do I get discounts at Albert Heijn?
Albert Heijn is widely considered one of the pricier chains in the country, but its bonuskaart loyalty card unlocks weekly discounts on food and household products. Some of those deals are available only to cardholders, so it's worth picking one up at the register.
Are there grocery delivery options if I'd rather not shop in person?
Yes: alongside physical stores, this category lists delivery-only grocery services that take orders online and bring them to your door instead of running a walk-in shop. Check each listing to see whether it's a store you visit or a delivery service before planning a trip.
Is it worth shopping at more than one supermarket for a full week's groceries?
Because product range and pricing vary by branch and by chain, splitting a shopping list between a budget chain and a full-range supermarket is common practice among Amsterdam shoppers. It takes more planning than a single stop, but it can pay off on both price and selection.
Where can I find ingredients for a specific cuisine that a general supermarket doesn't stock?
This category's listings include a number of international and specialty grocers alongside the major chains, several of them stocking cuisines the big supermarkets carry only a narrow selection of. For Asian ingredients specifically, our Amsterdam Asian Supermarkets directory covers stores focused on that range.