Is it expensive to buy groceries in Sweden?

Living in Sweden has become more expensive, especially when it comes to groceries. The Swedish krona is weak, and since about half of all food in our stores is imported, prices are rising fast. Between 2022 and 2023, food prices increased by a whopping 20% according to Statistics Sweden (SCB), the largest increase since the 1950s. Between August 2021 and May 2024, food prices surged by approximately 25%. Certain staples like salmon, cauliflower, milk, cream, and sugar have seen even sharper price hikes.However, there are ways to save money on groceries if you plan smartly. Here are some tips!

Willys is the cheapest grocery store

According to a survey by Matpriskollen, which compared over 2,500 grocery items, Willys is the cheapest supermarket in 2024. Whether you live alone or with a family, you can save money by shopping there instead of at other stores.

What about Lidl?

Lidl is also known for its low prices, but they offer a smaller selection of products and lack many well-known brands. This makes it harder to compare prices between Lidl and other supermarkets.

Cheapest online grocery store

Willys maintains the same prices both in-store and online, making it the cheapest option for online grocery shopping as well. Another option is Matsmart, where you can buy food that can’t be sold in regular stores due to overproduction or short expiration dates. Prices are often very low, but the selection varies.

Tips for cheaper grocery shopping

Want to keep your grocery costs down? Here are 7 tips:

1. Check Offers – Take time to browse ads and apps to find the best deals.
2. Become a Member – Many stores offer loyalty programs that give exclusive discounts.
3. Buy in Bulk – Buying larger quantities is often cheaper per unit.
4. Stop Small Shopping Trips – Plan your shopping and avoid impulse buys by making fewer, larger trips.
5. Don’t Shop When Hungry – A hungry stomach often leads to unnecessary purchases!
6. Buy Seasonal – Fruits and vegetables in season are usually cheaper.
7. Buy Short-Dated Items and Freeze – Items with short expiration dates are cheaper and can often be frozen.

Despite the challenges, experts like Arturo Arques from Swedbank expect that food prices in Sweden will stabilize for the remainder of 2024, aligning with general price trends and inflation falling close to the central bank’s target of 2%.

Cirkly can help you save money

There’s no doubt that living in Sweden can be expensive, but there are smart ways to manage your money. With Cirkly, you can save with others, helping you avoid expensive loans and build savings faster. Learn more about how we can help you take control of your finances and reach your goals!