Grocery prices and supermarkets in Sweden in 2026
The Swedish Consumer Agency (Konsumentverket) has calculated a nutritious 30-day menu. According to its calculation, food for one adult costs about SEK 2,730 a month, and for a family of two adults and two children about SEK 8,440. These are modelled budgets for food cooked at home, not statistics on what Swedish households actually spend.
How much might one person spend on food in 2026?
According to Konsumentverket, buying everything on a 30-day model menu costs about SEK 2,730 for one adult. For a family of two adults and two children (aged 4 to 6 and 7 to 10) the figure is about SEK 8,440. The menu is designed to meet energy and nutrition needs. The figures show what nutritious food may cost, but not a fixed amount for everyone, because actual costs depend on age, whether you cook at home and what you choose to cook.
Why is the 2026 calculation lower?
Konsumentverket changed its method and assumptions for 2026. The menu is new and follows the 2023 Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and the Swedish Food Agency's 2025 dietary guidelines. Adult energy needs are calculated with a lower physical activity level, which gives smaller portions. Prices are also collected in more stores, in more places and over a longer period. According to the agency, costs fell mainly because of the method changes, not because food prices are expected to drop that much. Do not compare the 2026 amounts directly with older tables.
Lower VAT on food in 2026 and 2027
VAT on food is cut from 12 to 6 percent from 1 April 2026 to 31 December 2027. According to Konsumentverket, citing the Statistics Sweden (SCB) consumer price index, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages fell 5.5 percent from March to April 2026, and then stayed at roughly the April level from May to September 2026. Keep the budget's modelled amounts and the actual price index apart.
Where can you shop in Sweden?
ICA, Coop, Willys and Lidl use different assortments, store formats and offers. One chain can be cheap on one product and more expensive on another. Compare the same brand, package size and price per kilogram or litre, not just the advertised unit price. Check loyalty discounts and whether a promotion applies in your own store.
How do you compare stores properly?
Write your own shopping list with exact quantities of bread, milk, eggs, vegetables and staples, and compare the same week in two or more stores. Divide the price by kilograms or litres when packages differ. Count transport, delivery fees and discounts that require membership.
What about opening hours?
Opening hours vary by store and location, and public holidays can change them. Check the store's own page before you go and do not assume the same hours across the country. See also Are shops open at Christmas and New Year?.
Sources: Konsumentverket, what food costs each month; Konsumentverket, household costs 2026; Konsumentverket, food VAT assignment (checked 2026-11-10).
Frequently asked questions
No. It is a modelled food budget for one adult, based on a 30-day model menu.
No. It is a calculated cost for a family of two adults and two children, not what an average family actually pays.
None can be guaranteed to be cheapest without comparing a current basket.
Yes. The unit price shows what a product costs when packages differ in size.
Not always. Check whether the price requires membership and whether it applies in your store.
No. Konsumentverket changed the menu, activity assumption and price measurement, so the amounts are not directly comparable with earlier years.
No. Hours vary by store and location, and public holidays can change them.
Related guides
Grocery stores in the directory: Grocery stores in Stockholm, Grocery stores in Gothenburg and Grocery stores in Malmö.
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