Supermarkets in Norway: A Guide to shopping groceries

The supermarkets in Norway not only cater to the needs of the local population but have also evolved to meet the diverse needs of the ever-growing expatriate community.

As we delve deeper into this article, we’ll explore some of the most prominent supermarket chains in the country, their offerings, and the features that make them stand out.

Major Supermarket Chains

Several major supermarket chains dominate the market in Norway, each offering its unique blend of products and services. Understanding the strengths and offerings of each can simplify the shopping experience and help in making informed choices.

REMA 1000

One of the most recognizable names in Norway’s supermarket landscape, REMA 1000 stands out for its emphasis on affordability without compromising on quality.

Originating in Trondheim, this chain has expanded extensively across the country, ensuring that most residents have easy access to its outlets. REMA 1000 tends to focus on a limited assortment of products, which allows them to offer competitive prices to their customers.

KIWI

Another major player in the Norwegian supermarket realm, KIWI is known for its green logo and commitment to providing customers with both value and quality. With stores sprinkled generously throughout Norway, KIWI focuses on fresh produce, dairy, and other essentials, often highlighting their organic and local product range.

Coop

Coop is not just a single supermarket chain but a conglomerate of various stores tailored to different shopping needs. Some of its well-known formats include Coop Mega, catering to a more upscale market with a wider product selection, and Coop Prix, a more budget-friendly option. The Coop membership system is also a significant draw, offering members exclusive discounts and benefits.

MENY

For those who prioritize a vast selection and gourmet options, MENY is the go-to supermarket. Known for its extensive product range, MENY often sources unique and hard-to-find ingredients, making it a favorite among those who enjoy global cuisines or are looking for specific items. Their emphasis on quality and customer service has garnered them a dedicated customer base.

REMA 1000

Amidst the diverse supermarket landscape of Norway, REMA 1000 stands as a beacon for many who prioritize quality combined with affordability. Its approach to grocery retail has made it a household name, ensuring that both locals and foreigners find value and reliability within its aisles.

Background and History

Established in 1979 by the Reitan family in Trondheim, REMA 1000’s name reflects its initial business model: aiming to stock a limited range of 1000 products to ensure competitive pricing.

Over the years, while the product range has expanded, the core principle of providing customers with a cost-effective shopping experience remains intact. Nowadays, it boasts hundreds of stores across Norway, becoming an integral part of the nation’s retail fabric.

Product Range

REMA 1000, in alignment with its core principles, tends to offer a streamlined selection of products. This limited assortment approach enables the chain to negotiate better deals with suppliers, which in turn results in savings passed on to the customers. Shoppers can expect to find:

Essentials: Basic grocery items such as fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples are always in stock.

REMA Brands: Over the years, REMA 1000 has introduced its private-label products, ensuring both quality and affordability.

Seasonal Offerings: Aligned with Norwegian festivities and seasons, the chain often introduces limited-time products to cater to the evolving needs of its customers.

Loyalty Programs and Special Features

One of REMA 1000’s strengths lies in its commitment to rewarding loyal customers. Their loyalty program, Æ, is a testament to this dedication. By using the Æ app, customers can:

Personal Discounts: Avail discounts on items they purchase frequently.

Digital Receipts: Keep track of their purchases and maintain a digital record, reducing the need for paper receipts.

Exclusive Offers: Get access to deals and offers tailor-made for them based on their shopping habits.

KIWI

Bright, inviting, and synonymous with value for money, KIWI is another heavyweight in Norway’s supermarket arena. Its distinct green logo and customer-centric approach have cemented its position as a top choice for daily grocery needs for both locals and expatriates.

Background and History

The KIWI story began in the 1970s, but its real journey as a prominent supermarket chain started in the 1990s. Over the decades, KIWI has grown significantly, both in terms of its store count and its reputation.

With a clear mission of being the cheapest grocery store while maintaining quality, KIWI has managed to strike a chord with the budget-conscious Norwegian shopper.

Product Offerings and Distinctive Characteristics

KIWI is not just about affordability; it’s about creating a balanced shopping experience where price and quality go hand in hand. Here’s what customers can anticipate when walking into a KIWI store:

Fresh Produce: KIWI prides itself on its fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring they are of the highest quality.

Diverse Range: From pantry staples to household items, the range is comprehensive, catering to everyday needs.

Organic Options: Reflecting Norway’s increasing inclination towards sustainable and organic produce, KIWI has a dedicated section for organic products, making healthy choices accessible.

Local and Global: While KIWI offers a plethora of local Norwegian goods, it also stocks international products, making it easier for foreigners to find familiar brands and items.

Loyalty Programs and Special Features

KIWI understands the importance of rewarding its regular shoppers. The KIWI+ loyalty program is a testament to this understanding. Members of the program can enjoy:

Bonus Points: A percentage of the purchase amount is returned as bonus points, which can be used for future shopping.

Price Guarantee: KIWI guarantees its prices to be competitive. If a customer finds a product cheaper in another store, KIWI promises to match the price.

Digital Initiatives: With their app, customers can easily track their purchases, and savings, and access exclusive digital deals.

Coop

When discussing supermarket chains in Norway that offer both variety and depth, Coop invariably finds a mention. Distinctive in its approach and broad in its reach, Coop isn’t just a single entity but an amalgamation of several formats, each designed to cater to different segments of the shopping population.

Background and Brief

Coop’s roots in Norway stretch back over a century, making it one of the oldest and most established names in the retail sector. Originating from the cooperative movement, Coop’s ethos revolves around member benefits, community focus, and democratic principles. Today, it stands as a robust conglomerate, with multiple store formats under its umbrella.

Variety of Stores Under the Coop Umbrella

Coop’s strength lies in its diversity, allowing it to cater to a vast array of customer needs. Some of its notable store formats include:

Coop Mega

This is Coop’s high-end supermarket format. With a focus on quality and an extensive range of products, Coop Mega is designed for those who seek gourmet items, a vast selection of brands, and a premium shopping experience.

Coop Prix

Tailored for the budget-conscious shopper, Coop Prix offers a more limited range but ensures affordability. It’s the go-to choice for daily essentials without any frills.

Coop Extra

Striking a balance between variety and value, Coop Extra is a versatile format catering to a broad spectrum of shoppers. From fresh produce to household goods, it covers all bases.

Coop Obs

In a hypermarket format, Coop Obs is more than just a grocery store. It encompasses a wide variety of products, from electronics to clothing, making it a one-stop shopping destination.

Loyalty Programs and Special Features

Being rooted in the cooperative movement, Coop places significant emphasis on its members and their benefits. The Coop membership system is central to its operations. Members can look forward to:

Dividend Returns: A part of Coop’s profit is returned to its members based on their purchases throughout the year.

Exclusive Discounts: Members often enjoy exclusive deals and offers, ensuring their loyalty is rewarded.

Democratic Rights: True to its cooperative principles, members have a say in Coop’s operations and can participate in decision-making processes.

MENY

In the vast tapestry of Norwegian supermarkets, MENY emerges as a destination for those who appreciate an extensive selection, gourmet choices, and a shopping environment that emphasizes quality and sophistication. For locals and foreigners alike, MENY offers a culinary journey that goes beyond the ordinary.

Background and Genesis

MENY’s inception marked a shift in the Norwegian grocery landscape, catering to those who sought more than just the basics. As part of the Norges Gruppen, MENY has leveraged its backing to ensure that its offerings are both diverse and of premium quality. Over the years, it has positioned itself as the supermarket for food enthusiasts, families, and anyone with a penchant for culinary diversity.

An Array of Offerings

Stepping into a MENY store is akin to entering a food lover’s paradise. The aisles showcase:

Extensive Fresh Produce: One of MENY’s hallmarks is its commitment to fresh and quality produce. Be it fruits, vegetables, or dairy, freshness is guaranteed.

Global and Gourmet Selection: Recognizing the evolving palate of Norwegians and catering to the diverse expatriate community, MENY stocks a range of international foods and gourmet items. From Asian spices to Mediterranean delicacies, it’s a global culinary tour under one roof.

In-House Bakery and Butchery: Many MENY outlets boast their bakery, offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and confectioneries. The in-house butchery ensures that meats are fresh, well-cut, and of the highest quality.

Seafood Selection: Reflecting Norway’s rich seafood tradition, MENY’s seafood section is unparalleled. Fresh catches, marinated options, or even exotic seafood, the variety is expansive.

Loyalty Programs and Special Features

MENY understands the importance of nurturing and rewarding its customer base. Its loyalty initiatives are designed keeping in mind the preferences and habits of its shoppers:

MENY Loyalty App: This digital platform allows customers to avail personalized offers, keep track of their purchases, and even get recipes tailored to their buying patterns.

Taste Guarantee: In a bold move to underscore its commitment to quality, MENY offers a taste guarantee. If a customer isn’t satisfied with the taste of a product, they can return it and get a refund or a replacement.

Sustainable Choices: MENY is also a front-runner in promoting sustainable choices, offering a range of organic and eco-friendly products, and ensuring customers can shop responsibly.

Specialty Stores and International Supermarkets

While the major chains cater to a broad audience, Norway’s retail landscape is further enriched by specialty stores and international supermarkets. These establishments often offer unique products, cater to specific tastes, or provide familiar items for the diverse expatriate community in Norway.

Delving into Specialty Stores

Specialty stores often focus on a particular type of product or cater to a specific culinary tradition. Whether you’re hunting for the finest cheeses or searching for rare spices, these stores are often the go-to destinations.

Cheese Boutiques

Norway’s love for cheese is well-represented in specialty cheese shops scattered across cities. These stores often house rare and artisanal cheeses from both Norway and around the world.

Seafood Stalls

Given Norway’s coastline and fishing tradition, seafood specialty stores are a common sight. Here, shoppers can find everything from the freshest salmon to marinated herring and other local delicacies.

Bakeries and Patisseries

While many supermarkets have in-house bakeries, standalone bakeries often offer a range of specialty breads, pastries, and sweets, catering to specific local or international tastes.

International Supermarkets in Norway

With a growing expatriate community, international supermarkets have found a place in the Norwegian retail scene. These stores cater to those seeking the flavors of home or those wanting to explore global cuisines.

Asian Markets

For staples like rice, noodles, spices, and sauces from the East, Asian supermarkets offer an array of products catering to Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines.

Middle Eastern Stores

Offering products like halal meats, dates, various grains, and spices, these stores cater to the Middle Eastern community and anyone keen on exploring the flavors of the region.

Latin and South American Shops

As homes to unique flavors, spices, and products, these shops provide Norwegians and expatriates alike with ingredients essential for dishes from Latin and South American cuisines.

A Note on Accessibility

While specialty and international supermarkets might not be as widespread as major chains, they are often located in city centers or neighborhoods with a high concentration of expatriates. Major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger have a more significant number of these stores, but with the growing diversity in Norway, even smaller towns are beginning to see their presence.

Online Supermarket Shopping

The digital age has left no stone unturned, and the realm of supermarket shopping in Norway is no exception. The convenience of online shopping, combined with the pace of modern life, has propelled the growth of online supermarket platforms. For those who prefer the comfort of their homes or are pressed for time, these platforms offer an efficient and often expansive shopping solution.

Embracing the Digital Shift

The transition to online shopping isn’t just a trend but a reflection of Norway’s tech-savvy populace and the nation’s emphasis on innovation. From major supermarket chains to specialty stores, many have integrated online platforms to cater to this growing demand.

Features and Benefits of Online Shopping

Shopping online for groceries might be a departure from the traditional, but it comes with its own set of advantages:

Wide Product Range

Online platforms often offer a broader product range than physical stores. This is especially beneficial for those seeking specialty or international products that might not be available in local stores.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether it’s a late-night shopping spree or a quick order during a lunch break, online supermarkets operate around the clock, allowing customers to shop at their convenience.

Delivery Options

Many online supermarkets offer home delivery, ensuring that even bulky purchases are hassle-free. Some even provide same-day delivery or allow customers to select a preferred time slot.

Exclusive Online Deals

Shopping online can also be cost-effective, with many platforms offering exclusive discounts, bundle deals, or loyalty points for online purchases.

Popular Online Supermarket Platforms in Norway

While many physical chains have their online platforms, some platforms cater exclusively to the online audience:

Online Platform	Description
Kolonial.no	One of Norway’s leading online grocery stores, known for its vast range and efficient delivery
Marked.no	A premium online supermarket offering a curated range and emphasizing fresh produce
Meny Nettbutikk	The online counterpart of MENY, offering a comprehensive range with the convenience of digital shopping

Kolonial.no

As one of Norway’s leading online grocery stores, Kolonial.no boasts a vast range of products. Their efficient delivery system and user-friendly interface make it a favorite among many.

Marked.no

Catering to the premium segment, Marked.no offers a curated range of products, emphasizing quality and gourmet choices. They also focus on fresh produce, ensuring that even online shoppers don’t compromise on freshness.

Meny Nettbutikk

The online counterpart of the MENY chain, it offers the same wide range and quality, but with the added convenience of digital shopping.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices

Emphasizing Norway’s commitment to sustainability, many online platforms offer eco-friendly packaging, reducing plastic usage, and options to return packaging for reuse or recycling. This ensures that while shopping is digital, it doesn’t come at an environmental cost.

Environment and Sustainability Practices

Norway’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability is deeply ingrained in its culture, policies, and practices. This ethos extends to its retail sector, particularly supermarkets, which play a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and ensuring the country’s environmental footprint is minimized.

A Nationwide Commitment

Norwegian supermarkets, both large chains and local stores, actively participate in national and local initiatives to promote sustainability. This commitment is evident in various practices they’ve integrated into their operations and the choices they offer to consumers.

Sustainable Packaging and Waste Reduction

Packaging plays a pivotal role in sustainability efforts, and supermarkets in Norway are at the forefront of these changes:

Plastic Bag Fee

To discourage single-use plastics, many stores charge a fee for plastic bags. This initiative has significantly reduced plastic bag consumption and has encouraged shoppers to bring their reusable bags.

Return Deposit Systems

One of the longstanding practices in Norway, the ‘panteordning’ or deposit system, allows customers to return drink containers like bottles and cans for a small refund. This system ensures a high recycling rate and keeps litter to a minimum.

Bulk Buy Sections

Some supermarkets, recognizing the waste generated from packaged goods, have introduced bulk buy sections where consumers can purchase products like grains, nuts, and spices in their containers, cutting down on packaging waste.

Organic and Local Produce

Norwegian supermarkets also prioritize the sourcing and sale of organic and locally produced goods:

Organic Sections: Many stores have dedicated sections for organic products, ranging from fruits and vegetables to dairy and meat. These products adhere to stringent organic farming practices, ensuring they’re free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Promotion of Local Produce: By prioritizing local producers, supermarkets not only support the local economy but also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.

Energy Efficiency and Green Operations

Beyond product offerings, supermarkets are also optimizing their operations to be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly:

Energy-Efficient Refrigeration: With refrigeration being one of the largest energy consumers in supermarkets, many stores have transitioned to energy-efficient refrigeration systems and practices, reducing their overall energy consumption.

Green Building Standards: New supermarkets and renovations often adhere to green building standards, ensuring that stores are insulated properly, utilize natural lighting, and employ other energy-saving techniques.

Consumer Education and Involvement

Recognizing that sustainability is a collective effort, supermarkets often engage in campaigns and initiatives to educate consumers:

In-Store Signage and Information

From explaining the benefits of organic produce to tips on reducing food waste, supermarkets use in-store signage to inform and guide shoppers toward sustainable choices.

Workshops and Community Initiatives

Some supermarkets collaborate with local organizations to conduct workshops on sustainable living, composting, and other eco-friendly practices.

Tips for Shopping

Navigating the Norwegian supermarket landscape, especially as a foreigner, can be both an exciting adventure and a challenge. The wide range of products, unique store layouts, and cultural nuances might be different from what many are accustomed to. To help simplify the experience and make the most of your shopping trips, here are some handy tips to keep in mind.

Understand Store Layouts

While each supermarket might have its unique layout, there are some general patterns:

Fresh Produce First: Many supermarkets in Norway start with the fresh produce section, showcasing fruits, vegetables, and often a florist section.

Dairy and Meat Sections: These are typically located towards the back or sides, ensuring they remain cooler and products stay fresh.

Center Aisles: These usually house packaged goods, cereals, snacks, and other non-perishable items.

Seasonal Produce is Key

Norwegian supermarkets often prioritize seasonal produce, ensuring freshness and supporting local farmers:

Look for Seasonal Discounts: Fruits and vegetables that are in season often come with discounts. This not only ensures you get fresh produce but also helps in cost savings.

Be Open to Discovering New Items: Every season brings unique Norwegian produce to the forefront. Embrace this by trying out new vegetables, fruits, or local specialties during different times of the year.

Familiarize Yourself with Norwegian Brands

While international brands are available, diving into local Norwegian brands can be rewarding:

Taste the Local Dairy: Norwegian dairy products, especially cheeses like Brunost or Jarlsberg, are worth exploring.

Explore Local Snacks: Knekkebrød (crispbread) or Lefse (soft Norwegian flatbread) are some of the many local delights available in the snack aisles.

Embrace the Deposit System

Remember the ‘panteordning’ or deposit system when purchasing drinks:

Check for the ‘Pant’ Label: Bottles and cans with this label carry a small additional charge, which can be refunded when you return the empty container to the store’s reverse vending machine.

Consider Shopping During Off-Peak Hours

Norwegian supermarkets can get busy, especially during weekends or late afternoons:

Weekday Mornings are Quieter: If you prefer a more leisurely shopping experience, consider visiting stores on weekday mornings.

Utilize Night Shopping: Some supermarkets in major cities are open until late, offering a quieter atmosphere for those night owls.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Assistance

Norwegians are known for their helpful nature:

English is Widely Spoken: If you’re unsure about a product or need directions within the store, most staff speak English and are more than willing to assist.

Utilize Information Desks: Larger supermarkets often have information desks where you can seek assistance, get store maps, or inquire about specific products.

Shopping in Norwegian supermarkets can be a delightful experience, offering a glimpse into the country’s culture, preferences, and culinary delights. With these tips in hand, each visit can become smoother, more enjoyable, and a chance to discover something new.