Iceland Grocery Shopping: Your Guide to Save Money
Save money on your Iceland road trip with our grocery shopping guide. Discover the cheapest supermarkets, current price breakdowns, and expert tips.
Exploring Iceland during a road trip is the ultimate freedom, but it also means you’ll need to manage your own supplies. You might notice that food can be expensive in Iceland, that’s why knowing where to get the best prices often comes in handy to keep your travel budget under control.
In this guide, we’ll show you the recommended supermarkets, what to buy for the road, and practical tips to make your journey smoother without breaking the bank.
Grocery Shopping in Iceland: Key Takeaways:
- Bónus and Krónan are the most budget-friendly grocery stores in Iceland. They usually open at 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- You won’t find alcohol in Icelandic supermarkets. You must go to Vínbúðin, the state-run liquor store.
- Be cautious of convenience stores like 10-11 or Krambúðin. While they are convenient due to their long opening hours, they are usually more expensive than budget supermarkets.
Top Budget-Friendly Grocery Stores in Iceland
Where you shop can make a massive difference in how much you spend on groceries, and prices can vary significantly between places. Knowing the cheapest alternatives is ideal for visitors who wish to travel around Iceland on a budget.
Bónus
You’ll easily recognize Bónus by its famous pink piggy bank logo. It is the most popular discount store in the country and usually the cheapest place for bulk basics. You can find pretty much everything at Bónus: pasta, snacks, frozen goods, and basically everything you need for a road trip around the Ring Road
Krónan
Krónan is another local grocery store with affordable prices. While it is a bit more expensive than Bónus, Krónan often has a larger selection of products, from vegetables to meats, and many vegan and gluten-free options.
Nettó
While pricier than Bónus and Krónan, Nettó is another great alternative for budget-conscious travelers. You can find pretty much everything there, from kitchen utensils to board games, which could come in handy if you forgot something important at home.
Iceland Grocery Price Breakdown
To help you budget for your adventure, here are the approximate prices for common staples at Iceland's budget supermarkets. Keep in mind that convenience stores like 10/11 or Krambúðin usually charge more for these same items.
|
Product |
Budget Store Price (Approx. ISK) |
|
Milk (1 Liter) |
230 – 250 ISK |
|
Eggs (12-pack) |
850– 1,000 ISK |
|
Loaf of Bread |
550 – 600 ISK |
|
Skyr (500g) |
480 – 500 ISK |
|
Chicken Breast (1kg) |
2,000 – 2,800 ISK |
|
Cheese (Gouda, 700g) |
1,700 – 1,800 ISK |
|
Pasta (1kg) |
250 – 350 ISK |
|
Rice (1kg) |
250 – 500 ISK |
Tips for a Highland Adventure
If you are planning on heading into the Highlands or the Westfjords, you’ll need to be strategic with your food supplies. There are no supermarkets on the F-roads, and space in your 4x4 should be used wisely. Here are some tips to be well-prepared for your adventure:
- Bring enough food and water for your planned trip, plus at least one extra day. In Iceland, the weather and river levels can change quickly, which could potentially delay your return.
- Bring high-energy foods that do not require refrigeration. Oats, peanut butter, dried fruits, and nuts are great examples of items you can carry with you for a quick snack before hitting the road. You can also bring along some traditional Icelandic treats for an authentic taste of the island while you travel.
- There are almost no gas stations in the Highlands, and your car needs “food” too! Make sure to fill your tank before your journey. If you want to know about the latest cost of gas, read our comprehensive guide to fuel prices in Iceland.
Shopping at Gas Stations
All around the Ring Road, you will find gas stations like N1, Olís, and Orkan. These are great stops to grab a quick coffee or an Icelandic hot dog on the go. While they do offer basic groceries like milk, bread, sandwiches, and snacks, they are significantly more expensive than supermarkets. We recommend using gas stations for fuel and emergency snacks, but doing your shopping at Bónus or Krónan before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you get ready for your trip we have answered some common questions first-time travelers often have about shopping for supplies in Iceland.
- Is there a Costco in Iceland?
There is one Costco. It is located in Garðabær, which is just a short drive from Reykjavík. If you have a Costco membership and are planning a long trip with a large group, it’s a great place to stock up before heading out.
- Are there grocery stores open 24/7 in Iceland?
Most Bónus and Krónan stores open at 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. In Reykjavík, you can find a few 24/7 Hagkaup or Nettó locations, but once you hit the Ring Road, you’ll need to watch the clock to make sure you don't arrive after closing.
- Where to buy alcohol in Iceland?
You won't find beer, wine, or spirits in regular grocery stores. If you want to buy alcoholic beverages you’ll have to go to Vínbúðin, the Icelandic state-run liquor store. These stores have limited opening hours, they often close at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays (they are closed on Sundays).
If you want to enjoy a drink during your camping trip after a long day of hiking, we recommend visiting Vínbúðin during the day. Alternatively, a cheaper option is to stock up on everything you need at the Duty-Free shop at Keflavík Airport right when you arrive.
Ready to Explore Iceland?
Planning a stress-free and affordable road trip starts with smart supply management. By shopping at budget-friendly grocery stores and stocking up before you start your journey or enter remote regions like the Highlands, you can prepare your meals without overspending and keep your itinerary on track.
Of course, a budget-conscious adventure also requires choosing the right vehicle. From compact SUVs to rugged explorers, our fleet offers reliable and affordable cars for every type of traveler. Book your 4x4 rental in Iceland today and start your adventure with confidence.
