Groceries in Iceland: How to Eat Well and Save Money on Your Trip
Eating out in Iceland can get expensive fast, but buying groceries in Iceland lets you enjoy good food while keeping your budget in control. If you are traveling in a campervan, cooking your own meals is the easiest way to save money and experience Iceland like a local.
Foxie CampersIceland campervan deskChecked by Endri Shoshi, Head of Operations
· Updated · 4 min read
Eating out in Iceland can get expensive fast, but buying groceries in Iceland lets you enjoy good food while keeping your budget in control. If you are traveling in a campervan, cooking your own meals is the easiest way to save money and experience Iceland like a local.
Restaurants often charge high prices, but Iceland’s supermarkets offer everything you need for affordable and delicious meals. With a little planning, you can eat well, enjoy Icelandic specialties, and avoid spending your entire budget on food. Compare vehicles in our campervan fleet.
Why Buy Groceries in Iceland Instead of Eating at Restaurants?
Supermarkets in Iceland offer a wide selection of fresh food, snacks, produce, and Icelandic specialties at much lower prices than restaurants. Cooking in your campervan or using campsite kitchens is fast, easy, and helps you stretch your travel budget.
Save money meals at restaurants can cost 2, 3 times more than cooking your own groceries in Iceland.
Eat healthier: supermarkets offer fresh produce and local items instead of only fast food.
More variety: mix Icelandic classics with quick campervan meals.
Perfect for campervans: cook anywhere, anytime, with your own groceries.
Best Places to Buy Groceries in Iceland
Budget Grocery Stores in Iceland: Bónus and Krónan
These two chains offer the lowest grocery prices in Iceland and are ideal for stocking up before a campervan trip.
Both are found in most major towns across Iceland and are perfect for a full grocery run before you leave Reykjavík or Akureyri.
Nettó and Hagkaup (Mid-Range Grocery Options)
Nettó: often open late or 24/7, good variety, mid-range prices.
Hagkaup: upscale supermarket with a large selection, but more expensive; good for special treats.
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
These shops are usually open late and sometimes 24/7, but:
Prices are higher than regular grocery stores in Iceland.
Selection is limited to snacks, drinks and basic items.
Best used only when needed or in very remote areas.
Tips for Grocery Shopping in Iceland
Plan Ahead for Groceries in Iceland
Stock up on groceries in Reykjavík or larger towns where prices are lower and store hours are longer. This is especially important before driving into the Westfjords, Eastfjords or Highlands.
Buy Essentials in Bulk
Pasta, rice, canned foods, bread, frozen veggies and soup mixes are ideal for campervan cooking. They store well, cook quickly and work with small campervan kitchens.
Try Icelandic Specialties from the Grocery Aisle
Skyr: thick, creamy yogurt, high in protein.
Rúgbrauð: traditional dark rye bread, often baked with geothermal heat.
Hangikjöt: smoked lamb, sold sliced or as a roast.
Plokkfiskur: delicious fish stew, sometimes ready-made in the chilled section.
Harðfiskur: dried fish snack, perfect with butter.
Hákarl: fermented shark (only if you’re brave!).
Check Store Hours
Most supermarkets close at 7–8 PM, especially in smaller towns. Plan ahead so you don’t get stuck shopping at expensive convenience stores. In winter, shorter daylight hours also make planning more important.
Icelandic Food Highlights You Should Try from the Grocery Store
Skyr: healthy, protein-packed yogurt available in many flavors.
Hangikjöt: sliced smoked lamb, great in sandwiches or with potatoes.
Plokkfiskur: creamy fish and potato dish you can heat in your campervan.
Rúgbrauð: sweet, dense rye bread that pairs well with fish and butter.
Harðfiskur: nutritious dried fish snack, a classic Icelandic road snack.
Hákarl: fermented shark; try a small pack from the fridge section if you are curious.
Groceries in Iceland Map for Easy Shopping Stops
We created a custom Google Map with the best supermarkets, discount stores and late-night convenience stores all around Iceland. This helps you plan your meals and know exactly where to shop for groceries in Iceland along your campervan route.
Make the Most of Your Campervan Trip With Groceries in Iceland
With smart grocery shopping, you can enjoy Icelandic flavors, stay on budget and cook delicious meals from your campervan anywhere in the country. Start by planning your route, then stock your fridge in Reykjavík or another major town, and top up as you drive.
When you are ready to hit the road, choose the right vehicle in our Iceland campervan fleet and use this groceries in Iceland guide to plan your meals. The more prepared you are, the more time you can spend enjoying waterfalls, hot springs and fjords instead of worrying about food prices.
