10 Issues to KNOW About Iceland Grocery Shops & Supermarkets

Speaking about Icelandic supermarkets and Iceland grocery shops just isn’t essentially the most thrilling topic. Nonetheless, earlier than our journey to Iceland, we discovered ourselves performing some analysis concerning the costs within the supermarkets in Iceland. We discovered that we weren’t the one ones questioning and that many individuals really ask concerning the costs of Iceland grocery shops.

It’s an vital a part of budgeting. Given the recognition of camper vans, Airbnb, and tenting, many individuals discover themselves cooking their very own meals to keep away from the loopy excessive meals prices in Iceland. This vacationer information ought to assist save and price range accordingly for procuring in Iceland grocery shops.

A Information to Iceland Grocery Shops

Icelandic Grocery store Chains To Store At

There are a number of totally different chain markets you may look forward to finding in Iceland. Right here’s a quick overview of the totally different grocery shops and that are our favorites.

Iceland Grocery Retailer #1: Bónus

That is essentially the most distinguished grocery retailer in Iceland. They’ve a number of areas all through Iceland, and you could find a number of alongside the ring highway. The overwhelming majority of their shops and Iceland markets are in Reykjavik.

Bónus is a price range grocery store in Iceland. The outlets are the Icelandic equal of a Lidl or Aldi. They provide a restricted variety of merchandise and shrink back from title manufacturers.

Regardless of having a extra restricted choice, they nonetheless have greater than sufficient for anybody’s fundamental wants. Until you’re a gourmand, Bónus will likely be greater than sufficient for you. That is our choose for the finest grocery retailer in Iceland and is what we have now at all times sought to search out.

When you’re having a tricky time discovering a Bonus, simply bear in mind their emblem is the cartoon pig with a black eye. Don’t ask us why the pig has a black eye. Possibly he bought right into a combat with one other pig.

Iceland Grocery Retailer #2: Krónan

Krónan is the closest competitor to Bónus. They carry a bigger choice of merchandise, extra produce, and a number of other wholesome meals choices. Their costs are an in depth second to Bónus, however we did discover Krónan to be barely greater priced.

They do provide a big contemporary meat and fish part, however since we eat principally vegetarian, we will’t touch upon the costs. This Iceland grocery retailer carries specialty merchandise like natural well being meals and gluten-free bread.

Their emblem is a smiling yellow-colored orange. If that’s too complicated, it’s like somebody painted a yellow smiley on an orange.

Iceland Grocery Retailer #3: Nettó

Nettó is one other low cost store based mostly in Akureyri, and we noticed a number of different shops all through Iceland. They promote a wide array of merchandise, together with issues like garments and youngsters’s video games. When you want a random family merchandise, we suggest trying inside.

For some cause, their emblem is a hole orange apple. If there’s a gifted graphic artist in want of labor, I imagine Iceland has some openings!

Iceland Grocery Retailer #4: Víðir

Víðir might be the nicest meals market in Iceland. The brand new chain has a number of areas round Reykjavík. They’ve a pleasant choice of contemporary fruit and greens. In addition they carry a variety of wholesome meals and high quality merchandise. It’s dearer than the price range Iceland supermarkets however carries the highest quality of meals merchandise in Iceland.

Iceland Grocery Retailer #5: 10-11

The primary time we walked into one of many shops, we had been simply looking for some Nescafe. That was till we noticed the value at a staggering $13… Even our favourite habit of Haribo was $6 a bag.

The costs listed here are obscene, and it’s unlikely any locals use the outlets if they’ll keep away from it. Our recommendation is to steer clear as they’re not less than double the usual Icelandic value.  Though, we did discover the tour buses conveniently made their cease…

Iceland Grocery Retailer #6: Costco

I can’t touch upon this one. Nonetheless, it was an enormous deal when Costco opened a retailer in Iceland. Even a number of locals we talked to had been excited concerning the prospect of the megastore. When you’re already a member, we’d counsel giving the shop a cease as their memberships are good worldwide.

The place To Purchase Meals In Iceland?

You shouldn’t look forward to finding a grocery retailer in each little city, however the locals do must eat, and most main cities include some type of an Iceland grocery store.

We had been in a position to drive everything of the Ring Highway and solely shopped at Bónus each couple of days. We discovered an Iceland grocery retailer within the following cities Stykkishólmur, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, and Reykjavik.

What Are The Meals Costs in an Iceland Grocery Retailer?

The meals costs in Iceland range relating to merchandise within the markets. We discovered many meals merchandise affordable, after which we’d discover produce objects like an aubergine (eggplant) for $6. That’s like the most cost effective vegetable subsequent to potatoes! Iceland is among the world’s most costly nations, and even the meals costs replicate that.

You possibly can nonetheless get by on a price range, however will probably be restricted. We discovered merchandise like milk, bread, rice, frozen greens, and apples to not be ridiculous. We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch as a budget-saving technique. (What American doesn’t love that?) For snacks, we ate apples and peanuts, at all times strong choices which can be wholesome and hold you full.

What to Price range For Meals in Iceland

We ate very modestly and fully vegetarian whereas cooking our personal meals in Iceland. Nonetheless, in 10 days of tenting, we spent $225 on meals. That’s simply over $11 a day in meals per individual.

It might be simple to spend extra on meals; I suppose we may have spent rather less. We by no means went hungry and had loads of snacks all through the day.  When you’re attempting to work out a price range, it might be protected to price range $15-$20 a day per individual, because it’s at all times higher to return in beneath price range than over!

Our Ideas for Saving on Iceland Grocery Purchasing

Decide and Select Greens

Some greens are inexpensive, whereas others are simply ridiculous. Contemporary produce, typically, is excessive. That being mentioned, the essential staples are inside anybody’s price range. Issues like tomatoes, apples, and potatoes had been low cost.

Our saving grace for greens got here within the type of frozen greens. They aren’t nice, and we often keep away from them when cooking at residence; nonetheless, Iceland doesn’t develop most of its produce, so the most effective costs come from frozen meals.

Overlook the Prepared-Made Meals in Icelandic Supermarkets

After we’re on the highway, we love to select up ready-made meals at grocery shops. It’s often an inexpensive and wholesome method to eat lunch. Nonetheless, in Iceland, we discovered the ready-made choices to be costly or downright dangerous. Anticipate a white bread sandwich with a hefty serving of mayo to value between $8-$9.

Deliver The Proper Stuff From Residence

That is actually geared for campers and people doing the Ring Highway. Nonetheless, bringing the suitable merchandise from residence can prevent a buck and make your journey far more satisfying.

• AeroPress: Chopping again on useless prices like espresso is a straightforward method to save a price range, particularly in a spot like Iceland. I’d additionally counsel choosing up a bag of your favourite brew as will probably be cheaper than in Iceland. (*Full disclosure: We’re espresso addicts)
• Depart the freeze-dried meals at residence. The fast-cooking meals is pointless until you propose a multi-day hike. I’ve seen a number of folks suggest bringing the stuff, don’t do it.
• When you plan to camp or use a campervan, ensure to convey a multi-functional tenting set. Though our van got here with some cooking gear, it’s a little restricted by itself. It doesn’t harm to select up one thing like this set is an excellent choice.
• When you can, we suggest carrying a jet boil for each campers and people in a campervan. Whereas our van got here with one burner having an extra backpacking stove could make life far more comfy. Like cooking breakfast and low within the morning!

Keep away from Fuel Station Meals

Be warned, gasoline stations are costly in Iceland! That extends past the whopping gasoline costs ($8/gallon)! We’ve seen a sizzling canine or cheeseburger meal in a gasoline station go for $15 a meal. The restricted meals merchandise they carry are usually double the usual value in Iceland. Keep away from! 

Don’t Miss the Iceland Regional Specialties

You don’t must eat out to get pleasure from native meals while you journey. One among our favourite issues is choosing specialty merchandise in nations after which cooking them on our personal.

Our two favourite merchandise we present in Iceland had been skyr and smoked char. Smoked char is just like salmon however approach higher, and it’s definitely worth the excessive value.

Plan Your Journey to Iceland

E book a Camper!

A campervan is the best way to get around Iceland on a price range. Whereas a camper is barely dearer than a automotive, you may sleep and prepare dinner in it! You don’t must seek for accommodations or take care of costly eating places in Iceland.

Plus, you sleep in nature and nonetheless use a heater if you want! If you wish to journey with a Happy Campers van as we did (and you need to. They’re the BEST!) ensure to read our full review. You possibly can simply e-book using this link, however ensure to e-book nicely upfront throughout the excessive season.

When is the Finest Time to Go to Iceland?

For my part, the most effective instances to go to Iceland are June, July, September, October, and December – nevertheless it all relies on what you need! June-August is the excessive season, however it’s also summer season in Iceland when you can see essentially the most nice temperatures.

It’s additionally when you’ll expertise essentially the most quantity of daylight and get essentially the most out of your journey. December is nice as a result of it’s winter, you stand a robust likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s off-season, and the temperatures haven’t gone to finish freezing but. 

Nonetheless, my private favourite time to journey to Iceland is throughout the fall months. It’s September and October when you will note the leaves change vibrant colours across the nation. Temperatures are nonetheless gentle, and tourism is slowing down. You possibly can see the complete month-by-month breakdown for Iceland travel here. 

Issues to do in Iceland

There are actually so many issues to do in Iceland I may write a e-book about it. Sadly, I don’t have that type of time so I’m exhibiting you the last word Iceland bucket list here. Some issues which can be a should do are go to an Iceland swimming pool, soak in a pure sizzling spring, stand beneath a waterfall, and see the Northern Lights.

Is Iceland Costly?

Iceland is mega costly. Probably the most costly nations in the complete world really. Just remember to plan accordingly and in keeping with your price range. It’s actually potential to do Iceland on a price range of lower than $100 if you’re tenting, cooking all your individual fundamental meals, and touring by public transport or rating deal on a rental.

The excellent news is that nature is free, and also you’ll be capable to see Iceland’s magnificence with out paying for it. So sure – it’s fully doable to have an inexpensive Iceland trip. When you plan on ingesting be sure you choose up responsibility free alcohol earlier than you permit the airport. A pint of beer can simply run you $15-$20!

Useful Iceland Journey Ideas

• Icelanders converse Icelandic, however each single individual I got here throughout spoke English.
• The native foreign money is the Icelandic króna (ISK). ATMs are discovered all through the nation
• Iceland is among the most secure nations on this planet; nonetheless, it’s at all times vital to make use of widespread sense when strolling alone at night time.
• Tipping is not customary in Iceland.
• Iceland has a robust web infrastructure and you need to be capable to simply keep linked.
• To really feel extra at residence we use Airbnb you may try some suggestions and skim extra about getting an Airbnb coupon code here. Or just take this coupon for your first stay!
• Generally it’s good simply to have an actual e-book in your palms when touring. We suggest Lonely Planet to get you thru these wi-fi nights.