Dutch shoppers save 20% abroad while bulk deals at home fuel "overconsumption and waste"

Consumers in the Netherlands can save between 12 and 20 percent on groceries by shopping across the border in Belgium, Germany or France, according to new research by the Consumentenbond. The price survey, released Tuesday, compared in-store and online prices at 30 major supermarket chains.

The largest savings are in France, where groceries cost an average of 20 percent less than in the Netherlands. For well-known A-brand products, French supermarkets are even 28 percent cheaper. In Germany, A-brands are typically 25 percent below Dutch prices.

The survey found that a bottle of Fanta orange costs two euros and sixty-one cents in the Netherlands, but only one euro and sixty-two cents in France and one euro and sixty-four cents in Germany. “Especially for A-brands, there is a lot to gain,” Consumentenbond spokesperson Babs van der Staak said.

In Belgium, the price advantage is smaller, averaging 12 percent. Belgian budget brands of staple foods stand out as particularly low-priced. A kilo of white rice there costs one euro and twenty-six cents, compared to one euro and forty-six cents in the Netherlands. Half a kilo of spaghetti in Belgium is fifty-nine cents, while Dutch shoppers pay ninety-four cents.

The Consumentenbond examined prices for 130 popular products, including A-brands, budget brands, vegetables and meat. In Belgium, Colruyt emerged as the cheapest supermarket, while Carrefour Market was the most expensive. In Germany, GLOBUS, Kaufland, Netto and Penny were the cheapest options, with HIT being the priciest. E.Leclerc offered the lowest prices in France, and Monoprix the highest.

Despite widespread savings abroad, some products remain cheaper in Dutch stores. Budget ketchup, mayonnaise and peanut butter are significantly less expensive in the Netherlands than in Belgium. Dutch prices for A-brand coffee, such as Nescafé and Senseo, as well as Milka and Ritter Sport chocolate, are also reportedly lower than in Germany.

However, for Dutch consumers who frequently buy items on promotion, the price gaps shrink considerably. The Netherlands is known for aggressive discounting. Regular discounts and bulk promotions—like buy one get one free, three for the price of two and second item half price—are widespread.

“Bulk offers tempt consumers to buy more than they need,” Van der Staak said. “As a result, they spend more money. Bulk deals also lead to overconsumption and waste.”