Supermarket Guide for VU Students

As an international student, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is where to buy groceries. The Dutch supermarket scene is diverse, with different chains catering to various budgets and preferences. After months of exploring, here’s my take on the best (and worst) supermarkets for students.

1. Albert Heijn (AH)

Albert Heijn is the most popular supermarket chain in the Netherlands, known for high-quality products and a wide selection. However, it’s also one of the more expensive ones. If you’re looking for fresh produce, organic options, or ready-to-eat meals, AH is a great choice—but it might not be the most affordable.

Pros	Cons	Tip
Quality Many locations (including smaller AH To Go stores) Excellent bakery and prepared meals	Expensive compared to other supermarkets Own-brand products (AH Basic) are cheaper but limited	Download the AH Bonus App for weekly discounts!

2. Jumbo

Jumbo is another major supermarket chain, often slightly cheaper than Albert Heijn. It has a similar range of products and with additional promotions and discounts, the difference adds up.

Pros	Cons	Tip
Good prices with frequent deals Large stores with a wide selection Good service	Fewer locations than AH in city centres Not as many organic options	Just like AH, downloading the app will make shopping a whole lot easier.

3. Lidl & Aldi

If you’re looking to save money, Lidl and Aldi may be your best options. They offer much lower prices on essentials and have as many or more discounts as AH and Jumbo. Unfortunately, there are fewer brand-name products.

Pros	Cons	Tip
Affordable Good for bulk buying Good deals on non-food items (clothing, electronics, etc.)	Limited variety Stores can feel chaotic during peak hours	For these stores, checking their weekly leaflets will be enough.

4. Dirk

Dirk is worth mentioning because of the affordability; however, due to limited locations and convenience for VU students, it has to be lower on the list. They’re great if you want good quality without spending as much.

Pros	Cons	Tip
Competitive prices Good meat and cheese selections	Not as many locations Less convenient for students without a bike/car	Dirk also has a weekly leaflet.

Final Thoughts

As a student, your best bet is to mix and match supermarkets:

Lidl/Aldi for basics

Jumbo/Dirk for mid-range shopping

Albert Heijn for occasional treats