Navigating Supermarkets in Sweden
Have you been wondering about the supermarkets in Sweden? I got you covered!
Navigating supermarkets in Sweden can be a challenge, especially if you're new to the country. With a variety of options like ICA, Coop, Lidl, and more, it's important to understand the differences and unique offerings of each supermarket to maximize your shopping experience and savings.
This comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions and even score some great deals!
Swedish supermarkets are a unique part of Swedish culture. They vary in size and compete with each other for customers by offering different types of goods at different prices. For those unfamiliar, supermarkets in Sweden can be difficult to navigate -- so this post will provide you with some tips on how to shop effectively!
Things You Need to Know When Buying Groceries in Sweden
If you just recently moved to Sweden, grocery shopping can be a good start to getting to know more about Swedish culture! As you explore the various supermarkets and discover new products, it's essential to be aware of some key differences and practices that may be unfamiliar to newcomers.
Tips
- Embrace the Swedish language - product labels and signs are predominantly in Swedish.
- You need to weigh your produce at designated scales.
- Enjoy the convenience of self-checkout options for a quick shopping experience.
- Keep a coin handy for shopping cart deposits.
- For premium meats behind glass cabinets, kindly ask the staff for assistance.
- Seek out specialty cuts of meat, like pork belly, at butcher shops, and bigger supermarkets, and explore online options.
- Be eco-friendly by bringing reusable bags or purchasing one for a minimal fee.
- Cash is often accepted.
- Participate in Sweden's recycling program by depositing bottles and cans at larger grocery stores.
- Send or pick up packages at select larger supermarkets for added convenience.
5 Best Supermarkets in Sweden
The most important factor when choosing your favorite grocery store in Sweden often comes down to personal preferences, such as product variety, pricing, and location. However, there are other aspects to consider, such as the store's commitment to sustainability, the availability of online shopping and delivery options, and loyalty programs or membership benefits.
Top Pick: Hemköp
A Swedish grocery store chain known for its wide variety of organic productions and higher-end options, catering to customers seeking quality and diverse offerings.
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#2 Pick: ICA
The leading grocery store in Sweden, providing customers with a comprehensive range of products, from bulk and organic items to high-end food selections, all backed by a popular loyalty program.
#3 Pick: Matsmart
An eco-conscious online grocery store offering discounted products that would otherwise go to waste, helping customers save money while reducing food waste and supporting the environment.
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The supermarkets below stand out for their widespread presence and popularity. Each of these supermarkets offers a unique shopping experience, providing customers with a wide variety of quality products, competitive pricing, and convenient services.
01
Hemköp
Hemköp is part of Axfood, one of the Nordic region’s largest listed food retail companies and the industry’s second-largest player in Sweden. Grocery stores such as Willys, Snabbgross, and Dagab are also part of Axfood.
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Hemköp, which translates to ’home store’ in English, is a grocery store chain in Sweden. They offer a bigger variety of organic products and prices are usually more expensive. Hemköp is the most expensive grocery store in Sweden, but you can find everything here!
They also have matbuffe where you can purchase cooked food & its cost depends on the weight.
You can shop online at Hemköp if you are in the following locations:
- Stockholm
- Uppsala
- Gothenburg
- Malmö
- Helsingborg
- Kalmar
- Linköping
- Örebro
02
ICA
ICA supermarkets in Sweden are a good place to shop. They have many different options for shopping including bulk items, organic items, and high-end food items. ICA also provides dairy products that are from Swedish dairy farms.
ICA provides lower prices and they also have a loyalty program for customers.
ICA provides lower prices and they also have a loyalty program for customers.
ICA is the leading grocery store in Sweden & you will usually see different stores of ICA:
- Maxi ICA Stormarknad
- ICA Kvantum
- ICA Supermarket
- ICA Nära
03
Coop
Coop provides many different services to their customers such as home delivery, organic produce, and eco-friendly products. This has helped to distinguish them from other supermarkets in Sweden. The supermarkets also offer discounts for their customers on certain days of the week.
Coop also offers different discounts for customers who are members of their loyalty program or who pay with credit cards provided by them. Customers can also accumulate points if they use the same card every time they shop at one of these supermarkets.
04
Lidl
At Lidl supermarkets, you can always find everything that you need. You will also save money on your grocery shopping. It's good to check what products are on sale at the supermarkets every week because the prices of goods change every week.
If you are looking for great deals on supermarkets in Sweden, make sure to visit Lidl supermarkets.
You can save a lot when buying groceries in Lidl as it is the cheapest grocery store you can find. They also offer products with their brand.
05
Willys
Willys supermarkets offer a wide variety of different grocery products which include but are not limited to dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, frozen food, and confectioneries.
Willys supermarkets also have a variety of deals on their weekly deals which include deals for customers who purchase items at the supermarket.
What I like about grocery shopping in Willys is they usually offer bigger discounts on perishable products.
Cheapest supermarket in Sweden
Lidl is often perceived as the cheapest grocery store in Sweden. It's part of a global chain of discount supermarkets known for its cost-efficient store layout, limited assortment, and a significant number of private labels alongside brand-name products.
For a thorough check on grocery prices, Swedish shoppers often use Compricer, a comparison service that identifies the best deals across various supermarkets. This tool is invaluable for those seeking to stretch their budget further, ensuring they don't miss out on cheaper alternatives or special promotions
Online supermarkets in Sweden
Online grocery stores have become increasingly popular as they offer a convenient and efficient way to shop for groceries without stepping foot into a physical store. With just a few clicks, customers can access a wide variety of products and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps. In this section, we will explore two of the top online-only grocery stores in Sweden that are revolutionizing the way people shop for their daily essentials.
Score big savings
Matsmart
An eco-conscious online grocery store offering discounted products that would otherwise go to waste, helping customers save money while reducing food waste and supporting the environment.
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Experience convenient shopping
Mathem
Sweden's top online grocery store, providing a versatile e-commerce platform for groceries, home essentials, and more. With a user-friendly interface and an in-house distribution network, they ensure seamless delivery straight to customers' doorsteps.
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FAQs about grocery stores in Sweden
What are some of the top international grocery stores in Stockholm?
If you're in Stockholm and dealing with homesickness, a visit to an international grocery store can provide a comforting taste of home. The Filippinska Asian Market is a great spot to pick up Filipino snacks. Other options include the Asian Market, AM Store, The American Food & Gift Store, and Tasty America, each offering a diverse range of international products that could help you feel closer to home.
Do supermarkets in Sweden offer membership cards?
When shopping at your favorite supermarkets in Sweden, don't overlook the potential benefits of their membership cards! By signing up for a membership, you can earn points on your purchases, which can later be redeemed for various rewards. These points can be used towards travel, entertainment, discounts, or even to pay for your groceries, making your shopping experience more cost-effective and enjoyable.
As a member, you'll have access to exclusive offers and prices that non-members won't receive, giving you the opportunity to save even more on your grocery shopping. It's worth taking the time to explore the different membership programs available at your go-to supermarkets, as each program might have unique features tailored to your shopping preferences. Stay informed and make the most of your grocery shopping experience by taking advantage of these valuable membership cards!
What are some Swedish translations I need to know when buying groceries?
When grocery shopping in Sweden, a few key Swedish translations can be helpful:
- kaffe = coffee
- dryck = drink
- vin = wine
- fisk = fish
- ägg = egg
- kyckling = chicken
- ost = cheese
- frukt = fruit
- socker = sugar
- kött = meat
- nötkött = beef
- flaskkött = port
- tomat = tomato
- öl = beer
- peppar = pepper
- olja = oil
- te = tea
- glass = ice cream
Final Thoughts: Grocery Stores in Sweden
Sweden is mostly cash-free, but you can still pay in cash when buying groceries! Most expats and immigrants who recently moved to Sweden do not have access to Swedish bank accounts yet & waiting for the Swedish personal number is now taking a few months.
In the meantime, you can still use your current credit/debit cards!
There are many supermarkets in Sweden to choose from. I hope this post has provided you with useful insights into the various supermarket options available, the unique characteristics of Swedish grocery stores, and helpful comparisons to make your shopping experience more informed and enjoyable.
So, whether you're a long-time resident or a newly-arrived expat and immigrant, this guide is your one-stop resource for confidently and easily navigating the supermarkets in Sweden. Happy grocery hunting!
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