If you are new to Norway, grocery shopping in Norway might be a daunting task – that alone is a cultural experience in itself. We help you decode it with a list of stores, food terms in Norwegian, supermarket etiquette and more!

These are the common grocery stores that you will find in Norway:

• Bunnpris
• Coop
• Joker
• Kiwi
• Meny (Helgø/Meny in Rogaland)
• Nærbutikken
• Rema 1000
• Spar

Quick Tips:

• Find the closest grocery store: key in your address on https://kart.finn.no and you can see a map of all the amenities in the area.
• Kiwi and Rema 1000 are generally the cheapest for everyday items.
• Meny/ HelgøMeny are more expensive but they have more imported items.
• Check out our list Food Terms in Norwegian below so you know what you are looking for at the supermarket.
• Learn about different cuts of meat and their Norwegian terms here.
• One can find a list of all the various offers and discounts from this app Mattilbud.
• You can download apps for most of the grocery stores (available on Apple Store and Google Play).
• Look out for products with the green ‘keyhole’ – foods labelled with the keyhole symbol contain less fat, sugars and salt and more fibre than food products of the same type not carrying the symbol. More information here.
• Recycling bins may be present in some stores, as well as bottle and can recycling machines. One can opt to donate the money or to receive a cash voucher which can be claimed at the cashier.
• There may be drop off points for batteries and lightbulbs.
• Bread slicer – most stores have one (usually located in or near the bread section). You will need to open the top of the bread machine, remove the bread loaf from its bag, set it in and close the lid. The machine will automatically start slicing the bread. You then collect the bread and set it on a metal plate above the lid. Bag your bread and you’re done! Remember to bring along the original packaging to the cashier for payment (sometimes, there are separate plastic bags available for keeping the bread in).
• Some people might do their shopping in several shops based on what they need.

Supermarket etiquette

• Trolleys usually available but sometimes a 10 kr coin is required to use it. There may also be children’s trolleys available and/or toy cars which may or may not require a 10 kr coin. You are able to retrieve your coin after usage.
• For trolleys without coin deposits, please return the trolleys to collection points after shopping and refrain from simply leaving it in the parking lot. Also refrain from pushing the trolley home and just leaving it outside your home.
• Grocery store cashiers are usually seated.
• The customer is expected to bag their own groceries. You will be asked if you need a bag (pose?). In some supermarkets, the cashier will give you the plastic bags. In others, the plastic bags are available under the counter so you can pick the number of bags you need and put it on the counter.
• Plastic bags are not free. People are encouraged to use reusable bags.
• Some stores have electronic coin boxes where you have to insert coins and receive change from.

Food Terms in Norwegian

Below is a long list of ingredients, however it is not extensive. We hope that this helps in your grocery shopping and cooking.

Beverages

Baking Products & Breads

Dairy, Fat, Oil

Fish & Shellfish

Fruits & Vegetables

Spices & Dressings

Grains & Nuts

Meats & Poultry