Organic food costs 66 % more than non-organic in Dutch supermarkets, survey finds

The price difference between organic and non-organic food products in Dutch supermarkets has increased again after shrinking in recent years, the Consumentenbond reported.

Shoppers now pay an average of 66 percent more for organic items, according to the consumer organization’s latest price survey of 166 organic products across 13 supermarket chains. A 2024 survey had shown the gap narrowing from 63 percent to 48 percent. The rise “means that you often have to pay significantly more for a more sustainable choice,” the Consumentenbond said.

Price gaps are especially large for some categories. Organic vegetables, fruit, chips, sauces and tea often cost more than twice as much as their non-organic counterparts. A pack of 20 bags of organic black tea, for example, costs 2.27 euros on average — seven times the 0.32 euros charged for the non-organic version.

Gaps are smaller for pasta, rice and dairy products. In some cases organic versions are cheaper: a 500-gram package of organic whole-wheat spaghetti costs about one-third less than the non-organic alternative. The Consumentenbond published a full list of average price differences for each item.

Lidl offered the lowest prices for organic products in the comparison. Odin and Ekoplaza were relatively the most expensive but provide the most complete organic assortments.

Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Plus each stock more than 1,000 organic products. ALDI and Nettorama lag far behind with fewer than 50 organic items each.

Products may be labeled organic only if they are produced according to European Union rules. Growers of fruit and vegetables, for instance, may use only pesticides and fertilizers of natural origin. Qualifying products receive the EU organic label.

Discounts can reduce the price differences. Albert Heijn’s Premium subscription gives 10 percent off organic products. Picnic offers discounts on larger purchases, and Odin members receive 15 percent off through a membership. Whether the savings are worthwhile depends on the volume of purchases.