From Super-Sized to Super Smart: Grocery Shopping in Netherlands versus US

Grocery shopping used to be a once-a-week marathon for me back in the States. One big cart, overflowing with family-sized everything—bulk cereal boxes, 12-packs of soda, bags of chips big enough to swim in. Then I moved to the Netherlands, where grocery shopping became something entirely different: more frequent, more fresh, and a little smarter.

In the U.S., grocery shopping was an event. I’d plan it like a mission—inventory the pantry, write a list, psych myself up. One trip, one giant haul, one exhausted me.

Here in the Netherlands? I go to Albert Heijn (our main supermarket chain) three times a week, sometimes more. It sounds like a lot, but it actually feels... easier? Grocery stores are smaller, walking distance from home, and shopping takes 15–20 minutes. No “where did I park” drama. No pushing a cart the size of a Smart car.

Here’s where Dutch grocery stores win my heart every time: ready-to-use vegetables. Want chopped onions? Done. Minced garlic? Right there. Peeled, diced potatoes? Of course. Even stir-fry veggie mixes, spiralized zucchini, and chopped herbs—all fresh, not frozen. It makes cooking from scratch fast and completely doable, even on a busy day.

One of the most interesting—and helpful—differences here is the Nutri-Score. Every food item gets a health rating from A (green) to E (red). It’s like traffic lights for your stomach. A box of granola? Maybe a "B." Sugary chocolate milk? Definitely an "E." It’s not judgmental; it’s just helpful. And yes, sometimes I still buy the “E” because chocolate milk. In the U.S., food labels are less transparent and more… overwhelming. Tiny print, sugar hidden in five different names, and “natural flavors”.

At Albert Heijn, things get futuristic real fast. We use the Bonuskaart for weekly deals, and the AH app tracks our favorites, offers extra discounts, and even has a recipe finder.

But the real game-changer? Self-scanning. You grab a handheld scanner when you enter, beep each item as you shop, bag your groceries as you go, then scan one code at the register to pay. No unloading and re-bagging. Also, food in the Netherlands includes VAT (tax) in the sticker price, so what you see is what you pay. No weird “$2.99 but surprise! It’s $3.26” moment. In the Netherlands, you bring your own bags—or pay for a sturdy reusable one. It’s a habit now. Plus, self-checkout is the norm. Most stores only keep one staffed register, and it’s usually reserved for older folks or parents.

Shopping in the U.S. felt like stocking a bunker. Shopping in the Netherlands feels like preparing for a few cozy meals at home. It’s more relaxed, healthier, and better designed for daily life rather than stockpiling. Do I miss some American staples? Sure. (Mac and cheese boxes, I’m looking at you.) I’ve traded that for easier cooking, better produce, and way less food waste.