How To Make The Most Out Of Grocery Shopping in Denmark
Updated: Oct 28, 2023
Coming to a new country is an exciting experience, but where do you buy affordable detergent, food and snacks?
In this blog, we will give you an insight into the Danish supermarkets and recommend the go-to supermarkets when living in Denmark.
The cheapest ones!
In 2019, Rema 1000 was researched as being the cheapest supermarket in Denmark.
Their range covers most products that students need, both food and non-food.
Rema 1000 is often located near residential areas; with approx. 328 stores, it should be easy to find one close to you.
We definitely love Rema 1000 and can recommend this discount supermarket for daily needs.
the cheapest supermarket, reviewed by Politiken
328 stores in Denmark
very common in city area
You probably know Lidl already as they exist in many European countries.
In the research from Politiken, mentioned above, Lidl scored as the second cheapest supermarket in Denmark.
The range is often good and they have practical things such as clothes and tools, as well.
There are 110 Lidls in Denmark, so they are not as common as Rema 1000 and they are usually located a bit towards the outside of the city.
the second cheapest supermarket
110 stores in Denmark
usually located a bit outside of the city
This supermarket is common in Denmark, and there is a great likelihood that there is one located right around the corner, with approx. 358 shops.
It is the cheapest supermarket in the Coop retail group (that also includes Kvickly, Superbrugsen etc.) which is known throughout Scandinavia.
Fakta was, according to Politiken, the third cheapest supermarket in Denmark, so you can shop there freely, without pinching every penny.
Their range is similar to Rema 1000, small, but with most necessary everyday products. What’s cool about Fakta is that they hold open even during most of the public holidays (Easter days, Christmas etc.), when all the other stores are closed.
The third cheapest supermarket
358 shops in Denmark
located in most residential areas
And now let’s talk about the big boys!
Bilka is by far one of the biggest supermarkets in Denmark, so big that they called themselves hypermarket!
If you are missing anything in your fridge or apartment then Bilka will have it for sure! The range is extremely wide, going from daily groceries to furniture, clothes, bikes, sports equipment, electronics... you name it.
There are 18 Bilkas in Denmark and with that range of products, it is worth visiting, as there is a good chance they have something the other supermarkets don't. They are usually located a bit far from the city as it is one of those places you go to stock up on EVERYTHING!
One of the biggest supermarket in Denmark
Large inventory
18 stores in Denmark
usually located on the city’s outskirts
This supermarket is also relatively big and has a good range and variety of goods.
With 70+ stores, they are usually located in the bigger cities a bit outside the city as well, or even in large shopping centers.
Here you can get all kinds of things, from daily groceries to plates, knives and forks, smaller electronics, textiles etc.
Good range and variety of goods
70+ stores in Denmark
located a bit outside the city and in large shopping centers
With 100 shops, Føtex is also one of the significant supermarkets that have a larger range of goods.
Despite being one of the bigger supermarkets they were ranked as the 5th cheapest supermarket in Denmark, so it is worth a visit if the cheaper and smaller supermarkets don't have everything you need.
Føtex is usually located in and around the city.
Ranked as 5th cheapest supermarket
Fairly big with a large range of products
100 stores in Denmark
Located in and around the city
Cheap alternatives
If you are looking for a large quantity of food for a cheap price, while also contributing to the environment, then the Too Good To Go app is a great option, especially for students with a limited budget.
The foods you can find on the app are meals that would otherwise be wasted, so instead, the vendors sell them at a cheaper price and in bigger quantities. You have lots of meal saving options.
Not only can you purchase a bag of different grocery categories (fruit & veg, baked products and staple goods) for about 29 DKK, but you can also save meals from various partner restaurants (sushi places, all you can eat restaurants, etc.)., and thus treat yourself with an otherwise costly restaurant meal for muuuuch cheaper. Not to mention that you can also feel good about yourself for helping to combat food waste.
The app is available both on Andorid and iOS.
With this amount of food, you can feed 4 people with around 30 DKK!
Orchards and veggie farms
Buying ready packed fruits and veggies has become so mainstream nowadays. When was the last time you picked carrots straight from the ground, if you ever did?
Well, there are lots of farms and orchards all over Denmark, which let you choose and pick your own products which you afterwards pay for, directly to the farmer. And there are many advantages to doing this. Apart from paying less for fruits and veggies, you also support the local farming communities.
Plus, this can be turned into quite a fun, calories-burning, free time activity that you can enjoy together with your friends.
Make sure you research such places in your area!
Hygiene products
While no grocery store lacks hygiene products, the variety is not that satisfactory and the prices not that friendly. Fortunately, there is a better option for this kind of products.
Normal is a store chain all over Denmark, selling a wide assortment of goods, from make-up, hair care and cleansing items to cleaning solutions, sweets and food for your pet. Not only are prices here lower, but they also have a large variety of brands, most of which you cannot even find in other stores.
It’s definitely a great and useful store to visit if you are looking for such products. Not to mention that it’s quite impossible not to buy anything from here even if you are just window-shopping.
Which shop is your favourite in Denmark and why?
Let us know in the comments!
