Find the Cheapest Grocery Stores for Travelers in Oslo

Oslo remains one of the most expensive cities for tourists in 2026. Finding the cheapest grocery stores for travelers in Oslo helps save significant money. Eating out daily in Norway quickly drains your limited travel budget. Grocery shopping allows you to experience local flavors without the high price tags.

Preparing your own meals is essential for anyone on a budget winter travel in Oslo trip. Most local apartments and hostels offer kitchen facilities for their guests to use. Buying staples at discount chains can reduce your daily expenses by sixty percent. This guide highlights the best places to shop for affordable food and supplies.

Norwegian supermarkets are modern, clean, and filled with high-quality local dairy products. You do not need to sacrifice nutrition to stay within your spending limits. Knowledge of the local retail landscape will make your Norwegian adventure much more affordable. Let us explore the most cost-effective grocery chains located throughout the capital city.

REMA 1000: The Best Value for Budget Travelers

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REMA 1000 is widely considered the king of low-price shopping across all of Norway. This chain focuses on a simple philosophy of providing high quality at low prices. Most stores are large and easy to find near major city transit hubs. You will recognize them by their distinct blue and white signage near the streets.

Prices for basic items like bread and milk are often lower here than elsewhere. A standard loaf of bread can cost as little as 10 to 15 NOK. This is much cheaper than buying lunch at a cafe or a restaurant. You can also find a comprehensive budget winter dining guide for Oslo for more ideas.

The store layout is designed for efficiency and quick shopping for busy local residents. Most locations offer a wide selection of frozen meals and fresh sandwich ingredients. Their private label products offer the best value for your hard-earned travel money. Always look for the REMA 1000 brand for the most competitive pricing available.

Travelers should visit the REMA 1000 near the Oslo Central Station for convenience. It is perfect for grabbing snacks before heading out on a long train journey. The staff usually speaks excellent English and can help you find specific Norwegian items. Store hours are generally generous, staying open until 11 PM on most weekdays.

Kiwi: Fresh Produce and Competitive Prices

Kiwi is another major player in the Norwegian discount grocery market today. You will easily spot their bright green stores while walking through downtown Oslo. They are famous for their "First Price" brand which offers the lowest costs. This brand covers everything from pasta and eggs to soap and toilet paper.

One major advantage of Kiwi is their focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. They often have special deals on seasonal produce during the winter months of 2026. You can buy individual items rather than large pre-packaged bags to save money. This helps travelers who only need enough food for one or two days.

The Kiwi stores in Grunerlokka are particularly convenient for those staying in local hostels. These locations are well-stocked and cater to a younger, more budget-conscious demographic. You should check the weekly flyers near the entrance for current special offers. These discounts can save you an additional twenty percent on your weekly bill.

Kiwi also participates in a popular loyalty program called Trumf for regular local shoppers. While tourists might not join, the competitive base prices still offer great value. Many Kiwi locations have self-checkout machines with English language options for easier transactions. This makes the shopping experience smooth for international visitors who do not speak Norwegian.

Coop Extra: Convenient Shopping for Smart Travelers

Coop Extra provides a middle ground between extreme discount and premium supermarket experiences. These stores are often larger than Kiwi or REMA 1000 locations in the suburbs. They carry a massive variety of international goods alongside traditional Norwegian staples. This variety is helpful if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.

The prices at Coop Extra remain very competitive with other major discount retail chains. Look for the "Xtra" brand to find the most affordable items in every aisle. A large pack of pasta or rice from this brand costs very little. These staples provide the foundation for many cheap and filling travel meals.

Many Coop Extra stores feature a small cafe or a hot food counter. You can often find roasted chicken or warm pasta dishes for a reasonable price. This is a great alternative to expensive sit-down restaurants during your winter stay. It allows you to eat a warm meal while keeping your budget intact.

The Coop chain is a cooperative owned by its members across the entire country. While you might not be a member, you still benefit from their scale. Their stores are usually located near residential areas where many Airbnb rentals are found. Shopping here gives you a true taste of how local families manage their budgets.

Grønland: Affordable Produce and International Flavors

The Grønland neighborhood is the best-kept secret for budget-conscious travelers in Oslo. This multicultural area is home to many independent vegetable shops and small markets. Prices for produce here are significantly lower than in the large national supermarkets. You can find exotic spices, fresh herbs, and bulk grains at great prices.

Shopping at Grønland Fruit and Vegetables is an experience every traveler should try once. The aisles are narrow and crowded but filled with colorful and affordable food. You can often find bags of onions or potatoes for just a few crowns. It is the perfect place to stock up for a long stay.

Many shops in this area also sell cheap snacks and imported canned goods. You will find brands from across Europe and Asia that are quite affordable. These items offer a nice change from the standard Norwegian grocery store selection. Grønland is only a short walk from the main city center area.

The atmosphere in Grønland is vibrant and much different from the rest of Oslo. It feels more like a traditional market than a sterile modern grocery store. Be sure to bring cash as some smaller vendors may prefer it. Most larger shops in the area will still accept international credit cards.

Tips to Save More on Your Oslo Grocery Bill

Understanding local shopping habits can help you learn how to save money on Oslo travel. One of the best tips is to use the bottle deposit system. You pay a small fee for every plastic bottle or aluminum can. You get this money back by returning them to a "Pant" machine.

Always bring your own reusable shopping bag when you go to the store. Supermarkets in Norway charge several crowns for a single plastic or paper bag. These small costs add up quickly over a week-long trip in 2026. Carrying a compact foldable bag in your pocket is a smart move.

Check the "Too Good To Go" app for discounted food from local grocers. Many stores sell bags of surplus items at the end of the day. You can get a large amount of food for a tiny price. This is a fantastic way to support sustainability while saving your money.

Remember that most grocery stores in Oslo are closed on Sundays by law. Only very small "Bust" stores are allowed to stay open on that day. These smaller shops are always more expensive than the regular full-sized supermarkets. Plan your shopping on Saturday to avoid paying higher prices on Sunday.

Essential Private Label Brands for Frugal Shoppers

Private label brands are the secret weapon for any budget traveler in Norway. "First Price" is the most famous brand found at Kiwi and Meny stores. They offer everything from frozen pizza to shampoo at the lowest prices. The quality is surprisingly high despite the very plain white packaging used.

REMA 1000 has its own line of products that compete directly with big brands. These items are often placed on the lower shelves of the grocery aisles. You should always compare the price per kilogram rather than the total price. This ensures you are getting the absolute best value for your money.

Coop has several tiers of private brands including the very cheap "Xtra" line. They also have a premium line called "Smak" for slightly higher quality items. For a traveler, the "Xtra" line is usually more than sufficient for daily needs. It covers all the basics like cheese, ham, and crackers.

Buying these house brands can save you up to fifty percent on groceries. Many travelers are hesitant to try unknown brands in a foreign country. However, Norwegian food regulations are very strict for all products sold. You can trust that these budget items are safe and healthy to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Oslo does not have to break your bank account if you shop wisely. By choosing the cheapest grocery stores for travelers in Oslo, you can enjoy Norway affordably. Stick to REMA 1000, Kiwi, and the markets in Grønland for the best deals. We hope this guide helps you have a wonderful and budget-friendly trip in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Shop at REMA 1000 or Kiwi for the lowest everyday prices.
• Look for First Price and Xtra brands to save fifty percent.
• Visit Grønland for the cheapest fresh fruits and vegetables available.
• Avoid shopping on Sundays to prevent paying higher convenience store prices.
• Use the 'Pant' system to get money back from your drinks.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, oslo winter travel guide 2026, free winter activities to do in oslo.