Speaking about Icelandic supermarkets and Iceland grocery shops shouldn’t be probably the most thrilling topic. Nevertheless, earlier than our journey to Iceland, we discovered ourselves doing a little 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 for Iceland. Given the recognition of Iceland 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 funds accordingly for buying in Iceland grocery shops.
A Information to Iceland Grocery Shops
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Icelandic Grocery store Chains To Store At
There are a number of totally different chain markets you possibly can look forward to finding in Iceland. Right here’s a short overview of the totally different grocery shops and that are our favorites.
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Iceland Grocery Retailer #1: Bónus
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That is probably the most outstanding grocery retailer in Iceland and our private favourite. They’ve a number of areas all through Iceland, and yow will discover a number of alongside the ring street. The overwhelming majority of their shops and Iceland markets are in Reykjavik.
Bónus is a funds grocery store in Iceland. The retailers are the Icelandic equal of a Lidl or Aldi. They provide a restricted variety of merchandise and shrink back from identify 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 shall be greater than sufficient for you. That is our choose for the finest grocery retailer in Iceland and is what now we have all the time sought to search out.
For those who’re having a tricky time discovering a Bonus, simply bear in mind their brand is the cartoon pig with a black eye (not too long ago modified in order that most of the pigs don’t sport a black ring round their eye anymore). Don’t ask us why the pig has a black eye. Possibly he obtained right into a battle with one other pig.
Iceland Grocery Retailer #2: Krónan
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Krónan is the closest competitor to Bónus. They carry a bigger number 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 increased priced.
They do provide a big recent meat and fish part, however since we eat largely vegetarian, we are able to’t touch upon the costs. This Iceland grocery retailer carries specialty merchandise like natural well being meals and gluten-free bread.
Their brand 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 primarily based 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 kids’s video games. For those who want a random family merchandise, we advocate wanting inside.
For some cause, their brand is a hole orange apple. If there’s a gifted graphic artist in want of labor, I consider 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 number of recent fruit and greens. Additionally they carry a variety of wholesome meals and high quality merchandise. It’s dearer than the funds Iceland supermarkets however carries the very best 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 in search of some Nescafe. That was till we noticed the value at a staggering $13… Even our favourite dependancy of Haribo was $6 a bag.
The costs listed below are obscene, and it’s unlikely any locals use the retailers if they will keep away from it. Our recommendation is to steer clear as they’re at the least double the usual Icelandic value. Though, we did discover the tour buses conveniently made their cease…
Iceland Grocery Retailer #6: Costco
I cannot touch upon this one. Nevertheless, 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. For those who’re already a member, we’d recommend 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 should eat, and most main cities comprise some type of an Iceland grocery store.
We had been in a position to drive the whole lot 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?
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The meals costs in Iceland fluctuate concerning merchandise within the markets. We discovered many meals merchandise affordable, after which we’d discover produce gadgets like an aubergine (eggplant) for $6. That’s like the most affordable vegetable subsequent to potatoes! Iceland is among the world’s most costly international locations, and even the meals costs mirror that.
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You may nonetheless get by on a funds, however it will likely 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, all the time stable choices which can be wholesome and preserve you full.
Product | Value | Product | Value |
---|---|---|---|
Rice (kg) | $3.50 | Apples (kg) | $3.25 |
Bread | $4.00 | Tomato (kg) | $2.75 |
Eggs (12) | $6.00 | Bananas (kg) | $2.50 |
Cheese (kg) | $16.00 | Onion (kg) | $1.50 |
Hen (kg) | $20.00 | Lettuce (kg) | $3.00 |
Milk | $1.50 | Potato (kg) | $2.75 |
What to Price range For Meals in Iceland
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We ate very modestly and fully vegetarian whereas cooking our personal meals in Iceland. Nevertheless, in 10 days of tenting, we spent $225 on meals (2017 costs). That’s simply over $11 a day in meals per particular person.
Replace: On our 2023 Iceland journey we ate a bit extra luxuriously and even obtained meat for a number of meals. We spent 59,777 ISK, or $447 for 14 days within the campervan. Inflation man.
It will be simple to spend extra on meals; I suppose we might have spent rather less. We by no means went hungry and had loads of snacks all through the day. For those who’re attempting to work out a funds, it could be secure to funds $15-$20 a day per particular person, because it’s all the time higher to return in beneath funds than over! The primary takeaway is, you possibly can eat affordably in Iceland.
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Our Ideas for Saving on Iceland Grocery Buying
Decide and Select Greens
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Some greens are inexpensive, whereas others are simply ridiculous. Contemporary produce, usually, is excessive, however it may be price it. That being mentioned, the essential staples are inside anybody’s funds. Issues like tomatoes, apples, and potatoes had been low cost.
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Our saving grace for greens got here within the type of frozen greens. They aren’t nice, and we normally 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
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Once we’re on the street, we love to select up ready-made meals at grocery shops. It’s normally an affordable and wholesome option to eat lunch.
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Nevertheless, 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 $10-12.
Protein Bars
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As a result of we had a lot of Iceland hikes deliberate, we picked up loads of protein bars and fast snacks in Iceland for only a couple hundred kroner a chunk.
Deliver The Proper Stuff From House
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That is actually geared for campers and people doing the Ring Highway. Nevertheless, bringing the suitable merchandise from residence can prevent a buck and make your journey far more gratifying.
- AeroPress: Chopping again on useless prices like espresso is a simple option to save a funds, particularly in a spot like Iceland. I’d additionally recommend choosing up a bag of your favourite brew as it will likely be cheaper than in Iceland. (*Full disclosure: We’re espresso addicts)
- Go away the freeze-dried meals at residence. The fast-cooking meals is pointless except you propose a multi-day hike. I’ve seen a number of folks advocate bringing the stuff, don’t do it.
- For those who plan to camp or use a campervan, be certain to convey a multi-functional tenting set. Though our van got here with some cooking tools, it’s a little restricted by itself. It doesn’t harm to select up one thing like this set is a wonderful selection.
- For those who can, we advocate carrying a jet boil for each campers and people in a campervan. Whereas our van got here with one burner having a further backpacking range could make life far more comfy. Like cooking breakfast and low within the morning!
Keep away from Fuel Station Meals
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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 $15-20 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
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You don’t should eat out to get pleasure from native meals once you journey. Considered one of our favourite issues is choosing specialty merchandise in international locations 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!
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A campervan is one of the best ways to get round Iceland on a funds. Whereas a camper is barely dearer than a automotive, you possibly can sleep and prepare dinner in it! You don’t should seek for accommodations or cope with 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 Blissful Campers van as we did (and it’s best to. They’re the BEST!), be certain to learn our full overview. You may simply ebook utilizing this hyperlink, however be certain to ebook nicely upfront through the excessive season.
When is the Finest Time to Go to Iceland?
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In my view, the most effective instances to go to Iceland are June, July, September, October, and December – but it surely all relies on what you need! June-August is the excessive season, however additionally it is summer season in Iceland when you will see that probably the most nice temperatures.
It’s additionally when you’ll expertise probably the most quantity of daylight and get probably the most out of your journey. December is nice as a result of it’s winter, you stand a powerful probability of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s off-season, and the temperatures haven’t gone to finish freezing but.
Nevertheless, my private favourite time to journey to Iceland is through the fall months. It’s September and October when you will notice the leaves change vibrant colours across the nation. Temperatures are nonetheless gentle, and tourism is slowing down. You may see the complete month-by-month breakdown for Iceland journey right here.
Issues to do in Iceland
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There are actually so many issues to do in Iceland I might write a ebook about it. Sadly, I don’t have that type of time so I’m exhibiting you the last word Iceland bucket record right 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?
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Iceland is mega costly. Some of the costly international locations in the whole world really. Just remember to plan accordingly and in step with your funds. It’s definitely doable to do Iceland on a funds of lower than $100 if you’re tenting, cooking all your individual fundamental meals, and touring by public transport or rating a superb deal on a rental.
The excellent news is that nature is free, and also you’ll be capable of see Iceland’s magnificence with out paying for it. So sure – it’s fully doable to have an inexpensive Iceland trip. For those who plan on consuming 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 communicate Icelandic, however each single particular person 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 international locations on the planet; nonetheless, it’s all the time vital to make use of frequent sense when strolling alone at evening.
- Tipping shouldn’t be customary in Iceland.
- Iceland has a powerful web infrastructure and it’s best to be capable of simply keep related.
- To really feel extra at residence we use Airbnb you possibly can try some suggestions and skim extra about getting an Airbnb coupon code right here. Or simply take this coupon in your first keep!
- Generally it’s good simply to have an actual ebook in your palms when touring. We advocate Lonely Planet to get you thru these wi-fi nights.