Swedish food prices drop after VAT cut but shopping trips may still cost Danes more

Danes could save money on groceries by shopping in Sweden after the country halved its VAT on food from 12% to 6%, but transport costs may offset the savings, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

While food prices in Sweden are now significantly lower—such as salmon selling for around 95 Danish kroner per kilo compared to 130 kroner in Denmark—cross-border shopping trips may not always pay off. A round-trip over the Øresund Bridge alone costs between 182 and 470 kroner for a standard car, with fuel adding another 400 to 700 kroner, according to Jacob Have, chief consultant at Danish Industry.

“It’s expensive to cross the bridge, and the distance to Sweden varies depending on where you live. So the savings often end up being smaller than expected,” Have said.

Experts suggest bulk purchases are key to making the trip worthwhile. Jakob Steensen Nielsen, press officer at consumer advocacy group Forbrugerrådet Tænk, estimates that spending at least 2,000 kroner (around €270) in Sweden—while also refuelling there, where petrol is about 3 kroner cheaper per litre—could make the trip cost-effective.

“If you take the train, it can be worth it from as little as 1,000 kroner, though you’ll have to carry your groceries yourself,” Nielsen added.

Cross-border shopping is already common among Danes, with around a third shopping in Sweden last year and two-thirds in Germany, where food VAT is 7% compared to Denmark’s 25%. Jannick Nytoft, CEO of De Samvirkende Købmænd, a trade association for Danish retailers, warned that the wider price gap could push even more consumers abroad.

“Food prices are the biggest financial concern for many Danes. Politicians should consider whether VAT on food should be lowered here too,” Nielsen said.