“Dutch supermarkets are too expensive, but…”

Dutch people can save 12 % on average by shopping in Belgium, compared to domestic supermarket prices, the Dutch Consumers’ Association says. The organisation says shopping abroad is significantly cheaper than in the Netherlands, but there is an important catch.

France offers the biggest savings

Dutch consumers who do their grocery shopping across the border can save up to 20 %, a survey by the Dutch Consumers’ Association suggests. The organisation surveyed prices among thirty supermarket chains in Belgium, France and Germany,and found out that “especially A-brand products are significantly cheaper elsewhere”.

The Consumers’ Association calculated that groceries in France are 20 % cheaper than in the Netherlands, but the difference rises to 28 % for A-brand products. The study says the cheapest supermarket would be E.Leclerc, while Monoprix is considered the most expensive chain.

Belgium scores with budget brands

In Belgium, the general price level is said to be 12 % lower than that of the Netherlands, and especially basic groceries from budget brands are cheaper. For instance, the Belgian consumer pays an average of 1.26 euros for a kilogram of white rice, while it costs 1.46 euros in the Netherlands. For 500 grams of spaghetti, the difference is 0.59 euros in Belgium compared to 0.94 euros in the Netherlands. According to the survey, Colruyt is the cheapest Belgian supermarket, while Carrefour Market has the highest prices.

Germany also proves favourable for buyers of A-brands: they are on average 25% cheaper than in the Netherlands. Supermarket chains like Globus, Kaufland, Netto, and Penny score the best in terms of price.

Some advantages in the Netherlands

However, not all products are cheaper elsewhere, the Consumers’ Association admits: the Netherlands has the lowest prices for certain budget products, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and peanut butter. A-brand coffee (like Nescafé and Senseo) and chocolate (Milka, Ritter Sport) are cheaper in the Netherlands than in Germany.

Although foreign supermarkets have structurally lower prices, the Netherlands is a leader in discount promotions, with offers such as “buy one get one free” and “second item half price”. “These bulk offers cause consumers to often buy more than they need”, the Consumers’ Association says, and “this leads to overconsumption and waste.” The organisation therefore advocates for structurally lower prices as an alternative.