The Cheapest Supermarket In Norway

Norway is expensive, full stop. There’s no way around it. But you can try to shop at relatively cheaper supermarket chains. Let’s talk about the cheapest supermarket in Norway.

Whether you are an Erasmus student, a seasonal worker, or just hate overpaying for your groceries, knowing where to buy cheap groceries in Oslo will save you a ton of money.

Cheap Supermarkets In Oslo

Unfortunately, there’s no Lidl or Aldi in Norway or other great European low-cost supermarket chains such as Biedronka, Albert Heijn, or Mercadona.

In Norway the supermarket model is different. Instead of having cheaper supermarket chains (ie hard discounters), there are only regular supermarkets.

But in Norway, the regular supermarkets offer “cheap” brands such as El Dorado or First Price which are basically basic and low-cost products respectively.

What’s really interesting is that often these discount brands are controlled by the same marketing group: Unil, which also controls premium brands such as Jacobs.

So let’s have a look at the most affordable supermarkets in Norway.

Rema (aka Rema 1000) is generally speaking your best bet if you’re trying to keep a low-cost life in Norway.

While not great in assortment, service, or fruit prices, the supermarket is one of your better choices.

Also, Rema distributes products created by Kolonihagen, a nice modern approach to branding and product management, offering many eco-products and interesting recipes. (Try their Ethiopian coffee!)

Kiwi is very similar to Rema and in some cases cheapest supermarket in Norway.

The Kiwi chain has some larger shops with bigger product assortments and some great seasonal promotions, one of the better Kiwi shops is the one in Bjorvika.

One of my buying tips: head to the ‘ethnic‘ section, and find better-priced Greek Olives and seeds/grains.

A Norwegian cooperative, Coop is a nice supermarket, similar to Kiwi and Rema 1000 but slightly shinier and more expensive.

One of the better things about Coop is its own ECO brand, Änglamark. It offers a wide range of ecological but affordable products ranging from yogurt to chips and laundry soap.

“Ethnic Shops”

Many will agree with me that the cheapest shops in Oslo are actually the so-called ‘ethnic shops’ in the Gronland area.

Especially if you’re trying to buy fruits and vegetables.

In addition to finding your Moroccan olive oil, or Indian spices, these shops tend to carry a good range of food staples, at a surprisingly low price.

See below my favorites.

One of the most popular fruit & veggies supermarkets in Oslo with fantastic seasonal prices for items such as oranges, avocadoes, or melons.

Check out this Asian supermarket, with a good selection of Asian products and very competitive prices. You’ll find a wide range of rice sacks in big sizes as well (up to +20KG). You’ll even find bottled crude palm oil and a number of other rarities.

Fight Food Waste

Second Hand

Vintage Shops

Fretex

Fretex is a responsible business aimed at giving items a second choice. It has tens of shops across Oslo and Norway. See below the one in Grünerløkka.

The local “Craigslist”

Make sure to visit Finn if you’re trying to buy second-hand furniture, electronics, or whatever you need.

In my case, I’ve used it to get a free office chair and buy a pot to bake sourdough bread, and the Magic Keyboard I’m typing on right now.

One of the better things about Finn is that many people give away all kinds of stuff, sometimes in great condition. Miss at your peril!

Electronics & Hardware

Your best bets are Power, Elkjop, and Kjell & Co.

Additionally, for hardware and home improvement, you may want to check Clas Ohlson.

I’ve also found super cheap stuff on Dollarstore Grønland, and the home stuff shops near the subway stop.

The End

Do you just want a good, cheap supermarket? Then Rema is probably the best bet.

Do you want to buy organic products? I’d go with the Änglamark line at Coop.

Do you buy mostly fresh fruits and vegetables? Go to the ‘ethnic shops’ in Grønland.

If you need anything else, you should probably check on Finn.

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