The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's Grocery Stores

Grocery shopping in Iceland may seem expensive, but knowing where to shop can make a big difference to your budget. Discover our money-saving tips, favorite Iceland grocery stores, and advice on what to avoid while in Iceland.

Knowing the local supermarket is one of the easiest ways to save money in Iceland. Whether you are embarking on self-drive tours or joining day tours in Iceland, stocking up on snacks or simple meals can help stretch your budget.

If your accommodation in Iceland has a kitchen, even cooking just breakfast and lunch keeps daily costs manageable. Those renting a campervan have it even easier, as a single supermarket run covers most meals on the road.

Iceland's supermarket landscape shifts the further you travel from Reykjavik. Budget chains like Bonus and Kronan cover major towns, like Selfoss, Vik, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, and Isafjordur. If you're traveling by rental car, knowing this ahead of time matters.

In this guide, you’ll know everything you need when shopping in Iceland. From budget grocery stores like Bonus and Kronan to 24/7 convenience stores, you’ll get tips on how to spend a week in Iceland on a budget and how to grocery shop for a Ring Road trip.

Key Takeaways

• Bonus and Kronan are the cheapest grocery stores in Iceland and the best choice for budget travelers.

• Kronan carries a wider range of fresh produce and organic items.

• Hagkaup is a large store that sells food, clothing, and household goods, though prices are higher than at the budget chains.

• Grocery stores in Iceland do not sell alcohol. You buy beer, wine, and spirits at Vinbudin, the state-run liquor stores.

• For an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine, look for Icelandic lamb, skyr, and rye bread, which are affordable and available in most supermarkets.

• Cooking your own meals with groceries saves you a lot of money compared to eating at restaurants in Iceland.

• Stock up in Reykjavik before you travel, because rural areas have fewer and smaller stores.

• Outside of the capital region, store hours can be even shorter. Always check schedules in advance when road-tripping

10 Tips for Grocery Shopping in Iceland

Reykjavik offers a relatively large selection of supermarkets, varying in size, selection, and price. Planning and doing most of your shopping before you leave Reykjavik is helpful if you want to stick to a tight budget.

Some general tips for shopping in Iceland are as follows:

• Google Translate is your friend: Most product packaging and labels are in Icelandic. Use the camera feature on the Google Translate app to scan labels, so you don't confuse terms like milk (mjólk) with buttermilk (súrmjólk).

• Bring your own bag: Iceland banned single-use plastic bags in January 2021. Stores charge for paper or biodegradable bags, so bringing a reusable bag is the best choice.

• Skip bottled water: Buying bottled water is one of the worst tourist traps in Iceland. Iceland's tap water is some of the freshest in the world, so bring a reusable bottle and refill it from the taps.

• Read the meat labels carefully: Meats like foal and reindeer often sit next to standard cuts. Check the label if you want only beef, pork, chicken, or lamb.

• Look for Icelandic lamb: For authentic Icelandic food, check the package origin. Icelandic lamb has a Protected Designation of Origin, and packaging should clearly state its origin.

• Grocery stores only sell beer at 2.25% or below. You can buy affordable Icelandic liquor and spirits at duty-free shops at Keflavik International Airport or at Vinbudin, which is a state-owned store.

• Credit cards are common: Icelanders rarely use cash. Contactless payments and credit cards work everywhere, and self-checkout lanes do not accept cash.

• Expect limited variety at cheaper stores: Cheaper supermarkets offer a limited selection, while higher-end stores cost more but carry a wider range of international products.

• Take advantage of local staples: Seasonal produce includes berries, mushrooms, and root vegetables, alongside local staples like skyr (thick yogurt), rye bread, and lamb.

• Unlock your Guide to Iceland VIP perks: Book your vacation package, accommodation, or car rental through Guide to Iceland to join the VIP Club. You get discounts at partner establishments when you switch from cooking to dining out.

Ethical Grocery Shopping in Iceland

Iceland’s supermarkets place a strong focus on sustainability, with many stores reducing plastic packaging, cutting food waste, and supporting local producers. Many fruits and vegetables are grown in heated greenhouses, harnessing the abundant geothermal power in Iceland, while much of the country’s meat and dairy come from free-range farming.

Chains like Kronan and Bonus also stock organic and locally sourced products. For a lower-waste option, check out Matarbudin Nandin in Hafnarfjordur, a plastic-free grocery store promoting sustainable tourism in Iceland through a zero-waste shopping experience.

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free foods are increasingly popular in Iceland, so many supermarkets and restaurants cater to such diets. Travelers looking for kosher or halal food should plan ahead, as options are more limited, especially outside larger towns.

Iceland Supermarkets at a Glance

Best Budget Supermarkets in Iceland

Food costs in Iceland can add up quickly. The best budget grocery stores help travelers save on snacks and groceries, leaving more room in the budget for meals at Iceland’s top restaurants.

Cheaper grocery stores in Iceland often have limited staff assistance, but most now use self-checkout, making payment quick and easy. Using a translation app or learning a few common Icelandic product names can also help when shopping.

With smart shopping, many travelers save hundreds without missing out on the local food scene in Iceland. Read on to discover the best budget supermarkets in Reykjavik and where to find restock your supplies before exploring Iceland’s top attractions.

Kronan

Best For: Affordable selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, organics, and healthy options.

Good to know: Many locations have self-checkout and nearby food options like Tokyo Sushi or Domino’s. You can use the Kronan app to pay on your phone, skip checkout lines, and arrange grocery pickup or home delivery.

Kronan is a popular nationwide supermarket chain in Iceland for its affordability and variety of organic and preservative-free options. Kronan has stores throughout the Reykjavik area, making it one of the most accessible grocery stores in the capital region. All their 26 stores proudly feature the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, ensuring environmentally friendly products.

With locations across Reykjavik, Akureyri, Selfoss, and along the South Coast, it is easy to stock up before heading to the rural areas. On Ring Road tours, this is especially helpful, since Iceland itineraries are busy and finding time for a proper grocery stop isn’t always simple.

If you need a grab-and-go option before heading out on day trips in Iceland, Kronan Grandi is a reliable stop in Reykjavik. You can find ready-made sushi, rotisserie chicken, pastries, and sandwiches during your grocery shopping at Kronan.

Kronan also actively supports local farmers and small producers by featuring specialty products from Iceland’s vibrant agricultural scene. They frequently host farmers' markets and other community events, making it a fun stop during your travels.

Savings Tip: Look for yellow “Tilboð” (deal) tags for discounts, especially on seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, Gardabaer, and Mosfellsbaer

• Reykjanes: Njardvik

• South Iceland: Thorlakshofn, Hvolsvolur, and Selfoss

• South Coast: Vik, Hofn

• West Iceland: Borgarnes, Akranes, Egilsstadir, and Stykkisholmur

• East Iceland: Reydarfjordur

• North Iceland: Akureyri

• Westman Islands: Vestmannaeyjar

Bonus

Best For: Cheap prices on staples, dry goods, snacks, frozen food, and dairy.

Good to Know: Stores are well spread across the country, making it one of the most accessible grocery stores in Iceland for road trips. Bonus does not offer free bags, so bring your own or pick up their reusable bags, which double as a handy souvenir.

Bonus is Iceland’s go-to supermarket for budget travelers. Known for its bright yellow stores and iconic pink pig logo, it offers some of the cheapest groceries in Iceland. It is useful for road trips in Iceland, campervan travel, and travelers staying in guesthouses or apartments in Iceland with kitchen facilities.

At Bonus, you’ll find a selection of fresh produce, dairy, meats, frozen goods, and pantry staples, many of which are Icelandic brands. Though the focus is on value, there are still options for health-conscious travelers, with organic, vegan, and gluten-free products.

Savings Tip: Look for budget-friendly house brands like Euro Shopper for even lower prices, especially on pantry basics and snacks.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, Gardabaer, and Mosfellsbaer

• South Iceland: Hveragerdi and Selfoss

• South Coast: Vik, Hofn

• West Iceland: Borgarnes, Akranes, and Stykkisholmur

• Southwest: Keflavik

• East Iceland: Egilsstadir

• North Iceland: Akureyri

• Westman Islands: Vestmannaeyjar

• Westfjords: Isafjordur

Pris

Best For: Low prices on pantry staples and everyday essentials in Iceland

Good to Know: Pris has only one location at Smaratorg next to the Smaralind Shopping Mall in Kopavogur, just outside Reykjavik. The store is open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Pris is one of Iceland’s most affordable grocery stores. It is a good option for budget travelers staying in Reykjavik who do not mind making an extra stop to save money on groceries.

The store carries a practical selection of groceries, including dry goods, frozen foods, dairy, snacks, and basic household items. While the selection is more limited than at larger chains, many travelers and locals visit Pris for its low prices on everyday grocery items.

Pris operates exclusively using self-checkout, making it road trip-ready. Pick up easy picnic foods like deli meats, cheese, spreads, and snacks for affordable meals between sightseeing stops at top attractions along the Ring Road.

Savings Tip: Pris often has the absolute lowest prices in Iceland on specific items, making it ideal for those planning to cook for themselves while staying in Reykjavik.

Store Location:

• Capital Region: Kopavogur

Midrange Supermarkets in Iceland

When you need a larger selection, specialized goods, or need to shop outside standard daytime business hours, mid-range and premium grocery stores in Iceland fill the gap. They can also be an excellent option for picky eaters, as they carry more familiar products from home than the stores at either end of the price range.

Netto

Best For: Late-night shopping and wider selection of popular brand-name foods

Good To Know: Netto also offers online ordering directly on their website for delivery or pickup.

Netto is a grocery store in Iceland that offers a variety of everyday items. You can buy fresh produce, dairy, meat, and non-food items like knitting supplies, kitchen utensils, camping gear, and lopapeysa sweater.

The store carries an assortment of Icelandic products that cater to a range of budgets, making it a great option for travelers seeking affordable essentials.

With 20 locations nationwide, Netto is easy to find during your stay in Iceland. Six stores are located in the Capital region. The remaining 14 stores are spread across major towns along the Ring Road.

Unlike many grocery stores in Iceland that close early, the Netto in Mjodd, Reykjavik, is open 24/7. Its extended operating hours make it handy for travelers arriving on late flights, leaving early in the morning, or picking up a few last-minute supplies before hitting the road.

While slightly more expensive than the discount grocery stores in Iceland, Netto offers reasonable prices and runs frequent promotions on Icelandic dairy, bread, and frozen goods.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, and Mosfellsbaer

• South Iceland: Selfoss

• South Coast: Hofn

• West Iceland: Borgarnes

• Southwest: Keflavik and Njardvik

• East Iceland: Egilsstadir

• North Iceland: Akureyri and Husavik

• Westfjords: Isafjordur

Hagkaup

Best For: Selection of dietary-friendly products, including vegan meats, cheeses, and yogurts.

Good to Know: More expensive than Bonus or Kronan, but offers everything from clothing and cosmetics to a massive cheese selection and American imports.

Hagkaup is Iceland's only chain of upscale hypermarkets that offers a convenient one-stop shop for groceries, cosmetics, clothing, and household items. While prices are higher than those of budget chains like Bonus or Kronan, the wider selection makes it practical for travelers in Iceland.

There are currently seven Hagkaup stores in Iceland, with locations mainly in the capital area and key suburban hubs. Locations in Skeifan (Reykjavik) and Gardabaer are open 24 hours.

Savings Tip: While prices can be higher than others, look for seasonal promotions on fresh produce and local items.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, Gardabaer

• North Iceland: Akureyri

Expensive Supermarkets in Iceland

Reykjavik’s pricier supermarkets can still be a practical choice, especially when convenience matters more than sticking to a budget. Many stay open later, are easy to find in central areas, and carry a wider range of international products and English-labeled items.

You’ll find many higher-priced convenience stores in downtown Reykjavik and busy tourist areas. They are often the easiest option for quick snacks, forgotten essentials, or late-night grocery runs after a day of sightseeing in Iceland.

10-11

Best For: Late-night emergencies, grabbing quick snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or buying items like a SIM card without waiting in long queues.

Good to Know: There is also a 10–11 grab-and-go store in the arrivals hall (landside) at Keflavik International Airport, open 24/7, for quick essentials as soon as you arrive in Iceland.

10-11 is Iceland’s equivalent to a convenience store like 7-Eleven, built around accessibility rather than low prices. You’ll find branches in Laugavegur Street in Reykjavik and even inside the arrivals hall at Keflavik Airport, making it an easy stop for quick essentials.

The stores carry drinks, ready-made meals, hot dogs, pizza, and convenience foods that are useful after late-night activities, like northern lights tours. While convenient, prices are noticeably higher, so it is best used for small purchases rather than full grocery shopping.

It's not uncommon to spot unknowing travelers exiting 10-11 with full grocery bags for their trip. Locals generally recommend it only as a last resort, as prices can be up to double those of standard supermarkets.

Savings Tip: While convenient, prices are noticeably higher, so it is best used for small purchases rather than full grocery shopping.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik (Laugavegur 116 and Austurstraeti 17)

• Reykjanes Peninsula: Keflavik International Airport

Krambudin

Best For: Shopping for a few items and for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of crowded grocery stores.

Good To Know: Krambudin stores are scattered throughout smaller towns and neighborhoods across Iceland, making them highly accessible. Prices are usually a bit lower than 10–11, but they don’t always offer 24/7 opening hours. They’re great for quick stops, but not ideal for full grocery runs.

With locations across Iceland, Krambudin competes with 10/11 for convenience and extended hours. Some Krambudin stores open early in the morning, making it popular for picking up quick breakfast meals and coffee before Iceland excursions.

It’s a convenient stop for quick breakfast items, late-night snacks, and everyday essentials when traveling in Iceland. In larger towns, you'll find fresh bread and pastries baked in the morning.

When you are driving around Iceland between waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal areas, it’s easy to grab snacks without detours. You’ll even find branches in smaller towns like Fludir and Laugarvatn, making it a perfect stop during Golden Circle tours. It is also a convenient option when exploring North Iceland, with locations in Akureyri, Husavik, and the Myvatn area.

Store Locations:

• Capital Region: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Njardvik, and Hafnarfjordur

• South Iceland: Laugarvatn, Fludir, and Selfoss

• West Iceland: Budardalur and Akranes

• Southwest: Keflavik

• North Iceland: Akureyri, Myvatn, and Husavik

• Westfjords: Holmavik

Corner Stores in Reykjavik

If you want an authentic shopping experience, look out for Melabudin, Petursbud, and Kjotborg in the residential neighborhoods of Reykjavik. These are some of the last remaining independent corner shops in the city.

They offer a nostalgic look at Iceland’s traditional retail culture before large supermarket chains became dominant, and often still serve as small community hubs. Prices are generally higher than in major supermarkets, but shopping here directly supports local businesses.

These corner shops are great for picking up fresh Icelandic lamb, skyr, and classic treats like chocolate-covered licorice. For travelers exploring the city with a 48-hour Reykjavik City Card, they also offer a simple way to experience a more local side of everyday life in Iceland.

Essential Grocery Strategy for Road Trips & The Ring Road

If you are renting a campervan or embarking on a self-drive road trip around Iceland's Ring Road, plan your grocery stops ahead. Stock up on snacks, sandwich ingredients, and easy meals to avoid expensive gas stations and restaurants.

• The Airport Landing Strategy: Avoid buying food at Keflavik International Airport. Instead, make your first stop in the nearby town of Reykjanesbaer on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which features Bonus and Kronan to kick off your trip.

• Stock up in Reykjavik before you leave. Bonus and Kronan are your cheapest options and won't reappear until you're in service towns like Akureyri, Egilsstadir, and Selfoss.

• Akureyri is your northern base. It has the best supermarket selection outside Reykjavik, including Bonus, Kronan, Netto, and Hagkaup.

• Selfoss and Hveragerdi are good stocking-up points. When heading to the South Coast and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, it’s best to stock up here before continuing into more remote stretches with fewer services.

• Identify the major hubs in remote areas. Map out key hubs like Egilsstadir in the Eastfjords and Isafjordur in the Westfjords, and save stops in Google Maps so you always know where to grab groceries on your route.

• Gas stations in Iceland are a last resort. N1, Orkan, and Olis all sell food, but prices run higher than those in supermarkets. Use them for emergencies, not a full shop.

• Cooler bags are worth it. Many travelers buy a cheap insulated bag at Bonus or Kronan at the start of their trip. Iceland’s cool temperatures make it easy to keep fresh food in the car for a day or two.

• Opening hours shrink fast. Plan your shopping during typical hours (usually 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM). Always check local hours before assuming a small-town store is open.