How to Save Money on Groceries as a Student in the Netherlands

Grocery shopping can quickly become one of the biggest expenses for students, especially in a country like the Netherlands, where food prices continue to rise. But with the right strategies, you can keep your grocery bill low while still eating well. Whether you’re an international or Dutch student, here are some practical tips to save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

1. Shop at Affordable Supermarkets

Not all supermarkets in the Netherlands are priced the same. If you’re looking to save money, consider shopping at budget-friendly stores:

🛒 Lidl & Aldi – Known for their low prices and great discounts on fresh produce, dairy, and essentials.
🛒 Jumbo – Offers competitive prices and a “Lowest Price Guarantee” on many products.
🛒 Albert Heijn (AH Bonus Deals) – While generally pricier, their weekly Bonus offers (AH Bonuskaart) can help you snag great discounts.
🛒 Hoogvliet & Dirk – Often have good promotions and lower prices than Albert Heijn.

💡 Pro Tip: Use supermarket apps to check weekly discounts before heading out!

2. Visit Weekly Markets for Fresh & Affordable Produce

Dutch cities and towns have weekly markets where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and bread at lower prices than supermarkets.

🛍️ Popular Student-Friendly Markets:

• Rotterdam: Binnenrotte Market (Tuesdays & Saturdays)
• Amsterdam: Albert Cuyp Market (Monday-Saturday)
• The Hague: Haagse Markt (Open several days a week)
• Utrecht: Vredenburg Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays)

At the end of the market day, vendors often drop their prices to clear stock—perfect for budget-conscious students!

3. Buy in Bulk & Use Store Brands

• Bulk Buying: Non-perishable items like pasta, rice, lentils, and canned goods are cheaper when bought in larger quantities.
• Store Brands (Huismerk): Most Dutch supermarkets have their own huismerk (store brand) products, which are cheaper and often just as good as name brands.

4. Meal Prep to Avoid Wasting Money

Cooking at home is way cheaper than ordering takeout or eating out. Here’s how to make meal prepping easier:

🍽️ Plan your meals: Create a shopping list based on your weekly meal plan to avoid impulse purchases.
🥗 Cook in batches: Prepare meals for multiple days—this saves both money and time.
❄️ Freeze leftovers: Don’t throw away extra food; freeze it for future meals.

5. Use Discount Apps & Student Deals

• Too Good To Go – Buy leftover food from restaurants and supermarkets at a huge discount.
• Social Deal & Knaek – Get student deals and cashback on groceries.
• Supermarket Apps – Jumbo, Albert Heijn, and Lidl offer digital discount coupons.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on groceries as a student in the Netherlands is all about smart shopping, planning ahead, and knowing where to find the best deals. By following these tips, you’ll keep your grocery costs low while still eating well!

💬 What are your favorite ways to save money on groceries? Let us know in the comments!