When the Host Family Is Away: Groceries & Food Budget Guide

By Sunshine Au Pair · Published April 2026 · 5 min read

When your host family is on holiday and you remain in the home, it's important that you feel comfortable, well-fed, and able to maintain a normal daily routine. At the same time, it helps both sides to have clear expectations about grocery spending. This guide offers practical, realistic guidance for au pairs and host families in the Netherlands.

Our General Approach

At Sunshine Au Pair, we recommend a simple and transparent approach that keeps things fair for everyone:

• Host families should leave basic staples in the home where possible.
• Au pairs should buy fresh items as needed.
• Au pairs should keep all receipts for groceries bought during the family's absence.
• Host families should reimburse actual grocery costs based on those receipts.

We generally do not recommend leaving a fixed daily or weekly amount of money. While it may seem like a simple solution, in practice it can lead to misunderstandings — about what the money is for, whether it must always be fully used, or whether it applies regardless of actual needs. Every situation is different: an au pair may spend time with friends, travel, or eat differently than expected. For this reason, providing groceries in advance or reimbursing actual expenses is the clearest and fairest approach.

What May Already Be in the House

Before shopping, always check what is already available. Depending on how long the family is away, they may leave behind:

• Pasta, rice, noodles
• Cooking oil, herbs, and spices
• Sauces such as tomato sauce or soy sauce
• Tea, coffee, and sugar
• Breakfast basics like cereal or frozen bread
• Milk, cheese, and fruit for the first couple of days
• Toiletries such as toothpaste or shampoo

If these are available, your grocery costs will be lower. If not, it's reasonable to buy them — just keep in mind that these items often last longer than your stay.

Suggested Grocery Budget (Netherlands, 2026)

Based on current pricing at supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo, here's a realistic guideline. Costs may be slightly higher in the first few days if you need to buy items like oil, spices, or toiletries.

Example Grocery Prices (2026)

These are realistic price ranges for commonly purchased items, grouped by meal.

A Note on Treats

Food is not only about basic nutrition — it also affects your mood and wellbeing. It's completely reasonable to include chocolate, ice cream, nuts, dried fruit, and sauces or spices that make meals more enjoyable. These are considered normal grocery items, not luxuries.

What Is Considered Reasonable?

Practical Tips for Au Pairs

• Check what's already in the house before shopping.
• Plan meals for a few days ahead.
• Cook efficiently — preparing extra portions saves time and money.
• Shop at regular supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, or Aldi.
• Always keep your receipts for reimbursement. The Dutch word for receipt is "bonnetje" or "kassabon".

Practical Tips for Host Families

• Leave basic staples where possible.
• Clearly explain what the au pair can use.
• Reimburse grocery costs promptly.
• Avoid fixed budgets that may not reflect real needs.