Beverages

Where to Buy Beverages in Denmark: A Practical Guide to Supermarkets, Specialty Shops and Online Options

Why choosing the right store for drinks matters

Buying beverages might sound like a simple errand, but it’s where taste, price and convenience meet. Whether you’re stocking the fridge for a weekend BBQ, hunting down that limited-edition craft beer, or picking wine for a cozy night in, the store you choose can make a big difference. In Denmark you’ll find a range of options: discount chains that save your kroner, full-service supermarkets with broad selections, and specialist shops that treat beverages like art. Want to save money or discover something new? The choice of store answers both.

Big chains: where everyday drinks are affordable and available

For most Danes, the weekly beverage run happens at the big supermarket chains. These stores combine price, selection and convenience in a way that keeps shoppers coming back. If you’re after household staples — soft drinks, bottled water, basic beers, juices and coffee — this is where you start.

Netto — the discount go-to for budget-friendly drinks

Netto is synonymous with low prices. If stretching your grocery budget is the plan, Netto is a reliable pick. You’ll find mainstream beers, cola, mineral water and seasonal offers that rotate quickly. The assortment is no-frills but solid, and special promotions often give you a chance to try new drinks at a low price.

Rema 1000 — consistent prices, handy selection

Rema 1000 balances affordability with a tidy product range. Expect popular soft drink brands, everyday wine and a selection of Danish beers. It’s the kind of store that serves families who want value without hunting for deals on every aisle.

Lidl and Aldi — discount internationals with surprising finds

Aldi and Lidl bring continental flair to Danish neighborhoods. Both rotate special offers that sometimes include premium or imported beverages — craft sodas, seasonal wines and single-origin coffees. Think of them as treasure chests: most trips are budget-friendly, but every few weeks you might find a delightful surprise.

Full-service supermarkets: variety and specialty options

If selection matters, full-service supermarkets shine. They offer wider wine selections, craft beers, premium soft drinks and better coffee and tea ranges. These stores are the happy middle ground between discount chains and specialist retailers.

Føtex and Bilka — big stores, big beverage aisles

Føtex and Bilka (both owned by Salling Group) are ideal when you want choice. Look here for specialty soft drinks, a deeper wine section, and international beers. Bilka’s extra-large format is great for bulk buys, while Føtex often focuses on a mix of everyday products and higher-end options.

Meny — for curated wine and gourmet drinks

Meny positions itself toward the food-enthusiast shopper. That extends to beverages: you’ll find curated wines, interesting craft beers and imported sodas. Want a sommelier-style recommendation or a special bottle for dinner? Meny is a smart stop.

Irma and Kvickly — premium choices and Danish classics

Irma is a bit of a Copenhagen classic — known for quality and thoughtfully sourced products. Kvickly offers a similar upper-tier experience in many towns. Both stores tend to stock higher-end drinks and local Danish brands, making them good for finding regional specialties and organic beverages.

Specialty wine and beer shops: explore beyond the grocery aisle

When your tastes wander toward the unique — limited vintage wines, rare craft beers, barrel-aged oddities — specialty shops are the playground. These retailers live and breathe beverages, and the sales staff often know the stories behind each bottle.

Skjold Burne and independent wine merchants

Skjold Burne is a well-known chain of wine shops across Denmark, focused on curated wine selections and knowledgeable staff. Alongside them, independent wine merchants and boutique stores offer handpicked collections and advice. If you’re looking for a particular grape, vintage or a bottle to pair with a gourmet meal, these shops are priceless.

Mikkeller, To Øl and the craft brewery scene

Denmark punches well above its weight in craft beer. Breweries like Mikkeller and To Øl have transformed beer culture with innovative brews and collaborations. Many breweries run their own shops or taprooms where you can buy bottles directly. These spots are great for tasting first and buying later — like a live concert followed by a souvenir that lasts.

Online stores: buy drinks from your sofa

Never underestimate the convenience of ordering drinks online. Danish online grocery services and dedicated beverage shops bring selection to your door — handy for heavy packs of water, crates of beer or fine wines you’d rather not juggle on the bike.

Nemlig.com and full-grocery delivery services

Nemlig.com and similar grocery delivery services have become part of everyday life in Denmark. They stock a wide range of beverages, from daily staples to premium wine and soft drinks. The online interface makes it easy to compare prices and brands without wandering aisles — and you can schedule deliveries at times that suit your life.

Specialist online wine shops and beer clubs

Besides grocery retailers, the web hosts specialist wine and beer shops that ship across Denmark. Many run subscription boxes or clubs that introduce you to seasonal bottles and limited releases. If you like the idea of discovering new drinks curated by experts, these subscriptions are like a guided tour through beverage territory.

Danish beverage brands worth knowing

Whether you prefer craft or classic, Denmark has brands that define its drinking culture. Local beers and drinks carry stories about place and craft — and stocking up on them feels like taking a mini-tour through Danish taste.

Beers: Carlsberg, Tuborg and craft names

Carlsberg and Tuborg are the household names, found in every supermarket and corner shop. But Denmark’s craft scene — led by players like Mikkeller, To Øl and numerous microbreweries — adds adventurous flavors. Looking for a hoppy IPA or an experimental sour? The craft aisle is where traditions meet boundary-pushing experiments.

Juices, dairy and soft drinks

Brands like Rynkeby for juices and local dairies for milk-based drinks bring Danish agricultural flavors to the table. Don’t forget classic Danish chocolate milk or boutique tonic waters that elevate a simple gin and tonic into something memorable. These local labels often appear at supermarkets and specialized stores alike.

How to choose the right store for your needs

Picking a store is about matching needs with strengths. Quick answer: if price is king, head to Netto, Rema 1000 or Lidl. If selection matters, choose Føtex, Bilka, Meny or Kvickly. If you’re hunting rare bottles, specialty wine shops and brewery stores are your best bet. And if you prefer not to leave the house, online shops will do the legwork.

Consider frequency, budget and occasion

Ask yourself a few simple questions before you shop: Is this a weekly restock or a one-off party? Do you need a crate for a gathering or a single bottle for a dinner? Your answers will narrow the store choices quickly — like a flashlight that finds the aisle you actually need.

Smart tips for saving money and discovering new favorites

Shopping for beverages can be fun and frugal at the same time. A few habits can save cash and expand your palate, turning routine purchases into small adventures.

Watch weekly offers and bulk deals

Discount chains and large supermarkets often rotate offers. Watch newsletters or apps for weekly specials on beers, wines and soft drinks. Buying in bulk (when it makes sense) can lower the price per unit, especially for non-perishables like bottled water and soft drinks.

Try seasonal and private label options

Seasonal drinks — think summer lemonades or holiday beers like julebryg — can become instant favorites. Also, don’t overlook store brands: private labels at Rema 1000, Netto or Føtex can offer similar quality for less cash. Think of them as the understudies who often outshine the star.

Sustainability and packaging: the Danish “pant” system

Sustainability matters in the beverage world. Denmark’s deposit-return system (“pant”) incentivizes recycling: many bottles and cans carry a deposit that’s returned when you bring the container back. This system makes eco-friendly shopping easier — and it’s a handy way to recoup a few kroner after a party.

Glass vs. plastic vs. cans

Each format has pros and cons. Glass often looks and tastes premium but is heavier to transport. Cans are recyclable and pack-friendly for outdoors. Plastic is lightweight but raises environmental questions. Choosing packaging is like picking the right tool for the job — match format to occasion and values.

Trends in the Danish beverage market

What’s changing in Denmark’s drink aisles? Think less sugar, more local, and a boom in craft and low-alcohol alternatives. Consumers are curious, health-aware and eager for sustainable choices — and retailers respond fast. That means you’ll find a richer selection of non-alcoholic beers, premium mixers and organic options than ever before.

Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol innovations

Non-alcoholic beers and sophisticated alcohol-free wines have improved dramatically. They’re no longer “just an alternative” — they’re crafted with flavor in mind. Whether you’re cutting back or simply exploring, these options make it easy to stay social without the hangover.

Final checklist before you head out (or click order)

Before you shop, run this quick mental checklist: what’s the occasion, how many guests, do you prefer local or international, and how much fridge space do you have? A short plan turns chaotic trips into focused missions, and saves time and money in the long run.

Plan, compare, and enjoy

Compare prices online, glance at weekly catalogs, and decide whether a physical store visit, a specialist shop or online ordering best suits your needs. With a little planning you’ll not only get the drinks you need — you’ll discover new favorites along the way.

Conclusion: In Denmark the beverage marketplace is rich and varied — from discount supermarkets that keep your budget intact to specialty shops and online platforms that nourish curiosity. Whether you’re stocking up on basics or hunting rare bottles from local breweries, there’s a right place to buy for every taste and occasion. So go ahead: mix practicality with a dash of exploration, and let your next drink discovery be part of the fun.