25-10-2024
Visiting an Iceland grocery store is a must if you want to experience the land of fire and ice without breaking the bank! With the high cost of living comparable to other Nordic countries, eating out in Reykjavik can be quite expensive.
But don't worry—smart grocery shopping is your ticket to enjoying Iceland on a budget. We'll guide you through everything you need to know for the best deals and food options, sharing top tips, favorite stores, and which stores to avoid. Shopping at grocery stores will help you save money while still enjoying the fantastic local flavors.
When shopping at an Iceland grocery store, you'll notice a growing concern about the origins of food among travelers and locals alike. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are locally grown in heated greenhouses using the island's abundant geothermal energy. Most livestock is free-ranging, ensuring high-quality meat products.
Grocery stores have eliminated plastic bags, so remember to bring reusable bags, or you'll have to purchase paper ones. Vegetarian and vegan diets are well-catered for, with a wide array of fruits and vegetables available in leading supermarket chains.
While kosher and halal foods can be found, especially at Krónan, Bónus, and Nettó, they might require a bit more effort to locate, particularly kosher and halal meats. For a deeper dive into traditional food, check out this guide on Icelandic cuisine.
You can save a pretty penny or two by purchasing your food at budget-friendly grocery stores. Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó are top choices for affordable groceries in Iceland, offering competitive pricing and a variety of products.
While these stores can help you stick to your budget, they do have fewer staff members, which can mean longer lines and difficulty finding assistance. However, recent improvements, such as the introduction of self-checkout lanes, have streamlined the payment process, making it quicker and more convenient for shoppers.
Bónus is the most popular and affordable supermarket chain in Iceland, instantly recognizable by its iconic little pink pig logo. This chain is a favorite among both locals and travelers for stocking up on essentials at low prices. Known for its basic items at lower costs, Bónus avoids branded products to keep prices down.
Predominantly found in Reykjavik, these stores typically open at 11 am. As a pioneer in green and sustainable shopping in Iceland, Bónus was the first supermarket in Iceland to eliminate plastic carrier bags, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives.
The store's pig mascot is considered a bit of a national icon, and a small update to its appearance recently sparked a nationwide conversation.
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Krónan is another great Iceland grocery store for budget-conscious shoppers, often used interchangeably with Bónus due to its variety of items. It offers a unique selection of meat and seafood, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Vegans will love the range of vegan food items available. Krónan is also praised for its environmental efforts and for promoting a healthier lifestyle, with healthier alternatives at cash registers instead of sweets. You can find Krónan in Reykjavík and select areas in the south of Iceland.
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Nettó is an excellent Iceland grocery store offering affordable options for buying groceries in Iceland. Not only does it stock various household essential items, but some locations are even open 24/7 to accommodate your shopping needs anytime. Nettó is also a pioneer in modern shopping, being the first grocery store in Iceland to offer online shopping, making it easy and convenient for everyone to shop.
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Yes, you heard that right: Costco is here in Iceland! This popular US franchise offers a fantastic range of grocery and household items, just like back home. If you've got a Costco Card in Iceland, you can score some extra perks in various places around the island. It's definitely worth checking out those perks to see if getting a card could benefit your Icelandic adventures!
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For those seeking budget-friendly grocery stores in Reykjavik, Super1 is a fantastic option. Similar to Bónus in terms of pricing and product variety, this Danish-origin store is highly recommended for its affordability. You'll find most Super1 locations around the capital city, Reykjavík, making it super convenient for travellers and locals alike to shop without stretching the budget.
Mid-range supermarkets in Iceland offer a fantastic variety of items beyond just foodstuffs, which makes them a super convenient choice for travellers. These stores are more likely to carry familiar products from home, so you can find your favourite snacks and brands.
With an extensive selection of brands and imported goods, they cater to picky eaters. They provide a balance between cost and variety, making them ideal for those who want more choices without breaking the bank.
Hagkaup is generally perceived to be more expensive than other grocery stores in Iceland, but it's perfect if you're looking for unique and hard-to-find items. Ideal for purchasing upmarket picnic supplies, this store offers a more diverse range than your average market. Plus, with longer opening hours—some locations are even open 24/7—Hagkaup makes it super convenient to shop for groceries in Iceland, no matter the time.
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Iceland, the British supermarket chain famous for its frozen goods, has a decent selection of essential food items and opened its first store in Iceland in 2012. Now operating five stores in the Capital Region, it's a quirky addition to the grocery stores in Reykjavik.
Known for its strained legal battles with Iceland (the country) over the trademark rights to the name, an EU court ruled in favour of the country in 2019. Despite this, some people enjoy the novelty of shopping at Iceland in Iceland.
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Iceland's pricier supermarkets are numerous and easy to find, often in convenient locations. These Iceland grocery stores are inviting with glowing signs and English labels, making shopping straightforward.
However, they can often lead to an unpleasant surprise for the wallets of unsuspecting tourists due to higher prices. Budget-conscious travellers should avoid these stores to save money.
10-11 is like a popular convenience store in the US, but with a twist—it's significantly more expensive! Prices here can be double what you'd find in more affordable stores. Shopping at 10-11 is generally for those with a higher budget, so locals rarely shop at this supermarket in Iceland due to the high prices. However, you can find 10-11 stores scattered throughout Iceland, making them handy in remote regions.
Among the last corner shops in Reykjavik are Melabúðin, Pétursbúð, and Kjötborg. These grocery stores in Reykjavik represent remnants of the family-owned stores' era, offering a more personal customer experience. Each shop has its unique charm, with friendly service and an authentic atmosphere.
They tend to be more expensive than most supermarkets, though not as pricey as 10-11. Shopping at these stores supports the local economy and is ideal for those with more budget flexibility seeking sincerity, fair trade, and Icelandic cultural history.
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When navigating an Iceland grocery store, there are some key strategies to keep your budget in check. Here are some handy tips to make your shopping experience smoother and more affordable:
Grocery shopping at an Iceland grocery store is a budget traveler's best friend. It helps stretch your travel dollars and ensures you can enjoy local flavors without a hefty price tag. Remember to hit Bónus and Krónan stores, stick to local brands, and grab duty-free alcohol at the airport. Renting a car in Reykjavik is highly recommended, as it makes hauling groceries much easier and gives you access to stores beyond bus routes.