Shopping for food in Norway can be surprisingly confusing at first. The country has several major grocery groups, but each group operates multiple chains with different prices, product ranges and locations. A small Kiwi may look very different from a large Meny, even though both belong to the same wider supermarket system.
This guide explains the main grocery stores in Norway, what each chain is known for, and how to choose the right shop for your needs. Whether you are visiting Norway, moving here or simply trying to understand the difference between Kiwi, Rema 1000 and Coop, the basics are easier than they first appear.
How the Norwegian grocery market is organised
Most Norwegian supermarkets belong to one of three large grocery groups: NorgesGruppen, Coop Norge and Rema 1000. These groups operate several different brands. There are also smaller chains and independent shops, but the three major groups dominate everyday food shopping.
The chain name usually tells you more about the shop’s format than its ownership. Some stores focus on low prices and a limited range. Others are designed as full-service supermarkets with fresh fish, delicatessen counters and international products. Many towns have a mixture of both.
- NorgesGruppen: Includes Kiwi, Meny, Spar, Joker and some other brands.
- Coop Norge: Includes Extra, Coop Prix, Coop Mega and Coop Marked, as well as larger Obs stores.
- Rema 1000: A major discount chain operating under one main brand.
- Bunnpris: A separate chain with a mixture of discount and convenience-style stores.
Norwegian grocery prices are generally high compared with many other European countries. The cheapest shop is not always the same everywhere, and promotions change regularly. Still, understanding the different formats can make a noticeable difference to your weekly budget.
Kiwi: a popular low-price supermarket
Kiwi is one of the best-known Norwegian supermarkets and is part of NorgesGruppen. It is usually positioned as a discount supermarket, with a relatively simple layout, a practical product range and competitive prices.
Kiwi stores are common in cities, suburbs and smaller communities. They typically carry the basics: milk, bread, eggs, cheese, meat, frozen food, snacks, cleaning products and a selection of fruit and vegetables. Larger branches may have a broader range, but Kiwi is not normally the place to look for an extensive delicatessen counter or a large selection of specialist imported food.
Kiwi is known for regular campaigns on fruit and vegetables, and its loyalty programme is connected to NorgesGruppen’s Trumf system. If you live in Norway and shop there regularly, registering for Trumf can provide savings or bonuses over time.
For many shoppers, Kiwi is a good first choice when the priority is keeping costs down without visiting a very small convenience store. It is also often open for relatively long hours, although opening times vary by location.
Rema 1000: simple shopping and low prices
Rema 1000 is another major discount chain and one of the most recognisable grocery stores Norway has to offer. Unlike Kiwi, Rema 1000 is not one of several brands under NorgesGruppen. It operates under its own name and has stores throughout the country.
The name comes from the idea of a large range of everyday products at low prices, although the actual selection is more limited than in a full-service supermarket. Rema 1000 stores tend to focus on products that sell quickly. You will find the usual staples, fresh produce, dairy products, meat, frozen food and household essentials.
Rema 1000 has many own-brand and exclusive products, which can help keep prices lower. Store layouts are often straightforward, making it easy to shop quickly. However, the exact range can vary significantly depending on the size of the branch and the local manager.
Rema 1000 uses a loyalty app that can offer discounts on selected products and other benefits. It is worth checking the current terms because offers and app features can change. Rema 1000 is often compared directly with Kiwi and Extra, and the cheapest option depends on the products in your basket rather than a permanent ranking.
Coop: one group with several different store types
Coop is both a major grocery group and a name used on several kinds of stores. This is one reason the Norwegian supermarket landscape can be confusing. An Extra, Coop Prix and Coop Mega are not identical shops, even though they are connected to Coop.
Extra
Extra is Coop’s main discount format and competes directly with Kiwi and Rema 1000. It sells everyday groceries at relatively low prices and often has a larger product range than a very small discount shop.
Extra stores can be found in urban areas and smaller towns. Many have a useful selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, packaged food, dairy products, meat and household goods. Coop members can earn bonuses through the Coop membership programme, so regular customers may benefit from joining.
Coop Prix
Coop Prix is generally a smaller local supermarket. It is often found in residential areas or communities where a compact store is more practical than a large shopping centre branch. Prices and selection can be reasonable, but the range is usually narrower than at Extra or Coop Mega.
Coop Prix can be convenient for a quick shop, especially when you need basic groceries close to home. It may not be the best option for a large weekly shop if you want the lowest possible price or a wide choice of brands.
Coop Mega
Coop Mega is a larger, more traditional supermarket. It usually offers a broader selection than discount chains, including more fresh food, speciality items, organic products and international ingredients.
These stores are useful when you are cooking something specific and need more choice. You may find a larger cheese selection, fresh bakery products, better seafood options or products from different parts of the world. The trade-off is that prices are often higher than at Extra, Kiwi or Rema 1000.
Coop Marked and Obs
Coop Marked stores are small local shops and are particularly useful in rural areas. Their prices can be higher than those at the large discount chains, but they provide an important everyday service where a larger supermarket may be far away.
Obs is a larger hypermarket-style format associated with Coop. Depending on the location, an Obs store may sell groceries alongside clothing, electronics, homeware, sports equipment and other products. It can be convenient for a major shopping trip, although it is not necessarily the cheapest place for every grocery item.
Meny: a full-service supermarket
Meny is part of NorgesGruppen and sits at the higher end of the Norwegian grocery market. It is aimed at shoppers who want variety, fresh food and specialist products rather than the lowest possible total.
Meny stores often have fresh fish, meat counters, bakery sections, delicatessen foods and a substantial selection of cheese. Many branches also carry organic products, international ingredients and premium brands. The range can be especially useful if you are preparing a special meal or looking for ingredients that discount stores do not stock.
Some products at Meny may cost similar amounts to comparable items elsewhere, especially during promotions. However, a full weekly shop can become noticeably more expensive if you choose premium products throughout. A common strategy is to use Meny for specialist ingredients and a discount chain for basic staples.
Spar: local selection and a broader range
Spar is another NorgesGruppen chain. It is usually positioned between a discount store and a premium full-service supermarket, although the exact character depends on the branch.
Spar stores often offer a broader range than Kiwi, with more emphasis on fresh food, local products and ready-to-eat meals. Some locations have bakery or delicatessen sections. In smaller communities, Spar may function as the main local supermarket, so its prices and selection can reflect the needs of that area.
Spar is a useful option when you want more choice than a discount shop but do not need the full specialist range of a large Meny. As with other chains, checking current offers can make a significant difference.
Joker and Bunnpris: convenience and local shopping
Joker is part of NorgesGruppen and is best known for small convenience-style stores. Many Joker shops are located in villages, neighbourhoods and transport hubs. Some have long opening hours, and selected stores may open on Sundays.
The convenience comes at a cost. Joker stores often have higher prices and a smaller range than discount supermarkets. They are excellent for milk, bread, snacks, basic dinner ingredients or an emergency purchase, but less suitable for a large budget-conscious shop.
Bunnpris is a separate chain with stores that vary considerably in size and format. Some are close to discount supermarkets in style, while others feel more like local convenience shops. Bunnpris can be particularly useful in areas where there is no nearby Kiwi, Rema 1000 or Extra.
When comparing prices, remember that a small local shop may charge more because it offers convenience and longer hours. That does not necessarily mean it is poor value for every product, especially when a longer journey or public transport costs are involved.
Which Norwegian supermarkets are cheapest?
Kiwi, Rema 1000 and Coop Extra are usually regarded as the main low-price options. In practice, there is no single winner for every shopping basket. Prices can differ by region, store size, promotions, loyalty discounts and product brand.
Norwegian shoppers often compare weekly offers rather than committing to one chain. A household might buy basic groceries at Rema 1000, use a Kiwi offer for fruit and vegetables, and visit Meny for fresh fish or a specialist ingredient.
Own-brand products are often a useful way to reduce the bill. Discount chains typically have their own labels, while Coop and NorgesGruppen also offer several private-label ranges. The cheapest product is not always displayed at eye level, so it pays to check the top and bottom shelves as well.
Important things to know when shopping for food in Norway
Opening hours
Opening hours vary by municipality, shop size and day of the week. Many supermarkets are open late on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday opening is more restricted, and only smaller shops or specially approved stores commonly open on Sundays. Always check the individual store online or on a map before relying on it.
Alcohol sales
Supermarkets can sell beer and some low-strength alcoholic drinks, but there are strict rules about when alcohol sales are allowed. Wine, spirits and stronger beer are normally sold through Vinmonopolet, the state alcohol retailer, rather than ordinary grocery stores. Alcohol sections may also be closed before the rest of the shop.
Fruit and vegetables
Fresh produce is available in all major chains, but quality and range can differ between branches. Larger Meny, Coop Mega and Spar stores generally offer more variety. Discount supermarkets can still be perfectly good for everyday fruit and vegetables, especially when products are in season.
Shopping bags and packaging
Plastic and paper shopping bags are usually sold separately at the checkout. Bring a reusable bag if you can. Norway also has a well-established deposit system for many cans and plastic bottles. Look for the pant symbol, return eligible containers at a reverse-vending machine and collect a refund or store credit.
Self-checkout and payment
Self-checkout is common in Norwegian supermarkets, especially in larger branches. Card payment is widely accepted, and contactless payment is normal. Some stores also support mobile payment solutions. If you buy age-restricted products, a member of staff may need to approve the transaction at a self-checkout.
How to choose the right grocery store
For a low-cost weekly shop, start with Kiwi, Rema 1000 or Coop Extra. Compare the current offers and choose the branch with the most convenient location. If you need fresh fish, a larger cheese selection, international food or premium ingredients, try Meny or Coop Mega.
For a quick purchase near your accommodation, Joker, Bunnpris or Coop Prix may be the easiest option. In rural areas, Spar, Coop Marked or a local independent shop may be the only practical choice. The most sensible store is not always the one with the lowest shelf price if reaching it takes an hour.
Many visitors also make the mistake of assuming that every branch of a chain has the same range. Norwegian supermarkets can differ in size, especially outside major cities. A small Extra or Kiwi may have fewer products than a large branch in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.
Frequently asked questions about grocery stores in Norway
What are the main Norwegian supermarkets?
The main grocery groups are NorgesGruppen, Coop Norge and Rema 1000. Their best-known chains include Kiwi, Meny, Spar, Joker, Extra, Coop Prix, Coop Mega and Rema 1000. Bunnpris is another important chain.
Is Kiwi cheaper than Rema 1000?
Neither is always cheaper. Kiwi and Rema 1000 are both discount supermarkets, but prices vary by product, promotion, location and loyalty programme. Comparing the items you actually buy is more useful than relying on a permanent ranking.
What is the cheapest supermarket in Norway?
Kiwi, Rema 1000 and Coop Extra are usually among the cheapest supermarkets Norway has to offer. The best choice depends on local prices and current offers. Shopping own-brand products and using loyalty discounts can reduce your total at any of these chains.
Where can I buy wine in Norway?
Wine is normally sold at Vinmonopolet, the state alcohol retailer. Grocery stores generally sell only beer and other lower-strength alcoholic drinks, and those sales are subject to time restrictions.
Are Norwegian grocery stores open on Sundays?
Some smaller shops open on Sundays, including selected Joker, Bunnpris and other convenience-style stores. Large supermarkets are usually closed on Sundays, although there are exceptions. Check the opening hours of the specific branch before travelling.