Sweden on a budget – best places to buy cheap food

Like other Scandinavian countries, the cost of living in Sweden is expensive. This means finding cheap food is a challenge.

So, where can you buy cheap food in Sweden? Where can you get a cheap meal?

Sweden on a budget – best places to buy cheap food has the answers.

To get cheap food in Sweden and keep your costs down, visit any of the local discount supermarkets. These supermarkets will help you manage your budget. So what are the cheapest supermarkets in Sweden?

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Here is a list of the cheapest supermarkets in Sweden.

Some say Willy’s is the top choice of all the supermarket chains in Sweden. It has a wide range of products at the cheapest prices.

The supermarket is a mix of fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, frozen food, pantry staples, and high quality organic products. If you have one nearby, stock up on your favourite food items.

Lidl is a reliable budget option for supermarket shopping in Sweden. You’ll save some serious money in Lidl as well. This iconic European discount supermarket has brands that are Lidl preferred and not the well-known ones but still do the job.

Products on offer in Lidl are: fruit and vegetables, bread and bakery goods, eggs, cheese, dairy, frozen meals, meat and fish, seafood, and a range of other food products.

There is a large chain of Lidl stores in Sweden, so there is sure to be one close by no matter where you are.

ICA

ICA is a smaller supermarket which has the food necessities at a fraction of the cost of larger ones. Depending on your location, your ICA could be a hypermarket, a hybrid-supermarket and retail store model.

ICA products sold are: fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, frozen food, pantry staples and other foodstuffs.

This supermarket, ICA Malmborgs in Malmo, Sweden, is quite a large supermarket similar in size to a Lidl.

COOP

Coop is a hypermarket/supermarket chain which features prominently throughout Sweden. There are many Coop supermarkets around so there’s a big chance you’ll have one near you.

When I visited Sweden recently, I saw 3 Coops within a few kilometres of each other.

Coop products are: fruits and vegetables, dry and frozen foods, bakery items, and more. Coop also has a good range of organic products, which can be a little more expensive.

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The leading convenience store chain in Sweden is Pressbyran.

Pressbyran sells mainly quick, convenience or ready to go meals.

If you are after a quick hot meal, snacks, drinks, chocolate and other convenience items, this store is the place. With over 300 Pressbyran stores in Sweden, there will be one close to you.

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There are some things to know when visiting supermarkets in Sweden.

Most supermarkets in Sweden open at 7am and close at 10pm. This can vary depending on the supermarket you’re visiting.

People rarely use cash in Sweden. It’s mainly a cashless society where credit cards and mobile payments are the main way to pay.

If you’re fortunate enough for them to accept cash, you’ll need Swedish Krona because they don’t accept Euros.

You won’t be given free plastic bags in supermarkets in Sweden like other Scandinavian countries. You will need to pay extra if you need one. To save money, be prepared and bring your own.

In many supermarkets in Sweden, especially the self-service ones, you will need to scan the barcode on your receipt to exit the supermarket. If you don’t buy anything, you’ll need to see a staff member to exit.

What if you are longing for a meal instead of supermarket food? Where do you go to buy a cheap one?

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Sweden has a wide range of dining options catering to everyone’s budget. The cost of a restaurant meal can be on the pricey side.

To get an enjoyable meal at a cheaper price, why not buy some Swedish street food or go to a food court?

There is also a “Lunch of the day” or a Dagen’s Lunch. It comprises a main meal, salad, bread, water or a light beverage (drink) at a highly discounted price.

If you want a quick bite to eat, Swedish hotdogs are also a great option. A yummy, bite-sized meal that will really hit the spot. No one does hot dogs like the Scandinavians. Go to a food kiosk for this icon meal.

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