What Do Dutch Inmates Eat? Inside Prison Cuisine in the Netherlands

When you picture prison food, bland and boring meals probably come to mind. But the reality in Dutch prisons tells a more layered and unexpected story. Curious about what Dutch inmates eat? Spoiler alert—it’s not all bad. From daily menus to cooking their own meals, here’s a closer look at life behind bars through the lens of food.

The Daily Menu

Dutch prisons are serious about balanced nutrition, even for inmates. Here’s what typically makes it to their plates in a day.

Breakfast and Lunch

Bread is the star of the show. Think slices of bread paired with spreads like cheese, cold cuts, peanut butter, or jam—your classic Dutch staples. To make it more wholesome, fresh fruit and dairy options like milk or yogurt are added to the mix. It’s simple but checks the nutrition box.

Dinner

Dinner brings a bit more variety. The evening meal is a warm dish, and depending on the prison, it might be centrally prepared and delivered, or inmates might actually cook it themselves. (Yep, really—more on that in a bit.)

Cooking Their Own Meals

Here’s where things get interesting. Some Dutch prisons allow inmates to cook their own meals. Why? Not only does it give them a sense of independence, but it also builds practical skills that can be a game-changer for life after release. Plus, cooking helps break the monotony of prison life.

Of course, this isn’t available to everyone. Access to kitchen facilities matters, and so does the budget—ingredients aren’t free, and inmates typically use modest prison wages or support from family to buy them. Still, for those who do get to cook, it’s a chance to take control of one small part of their daily lives.

What About Taste?

Now, is the food any good? Opinions vary. While prison authorities maintain meals meet health standards, many inmates find them lacking in flavor or variety. Some have even called the food, shall we say, less than amazing. This has led to groups of inmates pooling resources to cook meals that better reflect their cultural preferences and probably taste a lot better.

Budget and Costs

Feeding inmates in the Netherlands doesn’t come cheap. The country spends an average of €202.65 per prisoner per day, one of the highest rates in Europe. And before you assume that’s all going into their meals, remember this also covers staffing, utilities, and maintaining the facilities. Still, the system works to balance costs and ensure inmate needs are met.

A Taste of Sustainability

Dutch prisons are making strides in sustainability, even with food. Reducing waste is a big focus, and inmates are given meal choices to reduce leftovers. Some prisons even involve inmates in food-related activities, which helps develop responsibility and life skills while tackling environmental concerns. It’s a forward-thinking approach that combines the practical with the rehabilitative.

Read Also: Choosing a Meal Delivery Kit in The Netherlands: An Expat’s Guide

If you’ve been wondering, “what do Dutch inmates eat,” the answer is more than just bread and pre-packaged meals. The Dutch prison system is trying to go beyond basic nutrition by integrating variety, autonomy, and even sustainability into the food it serves. Sure, the flavor might still need some work, but initiatives like self-cooking and waste reduction show they’re thinking ahead.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple—feed people well, teach them skills, and prepare them for a better life outside. Not a bad start for a system trying to turn things around, one meal at a time.