Plan your grocery shopping for your road trip around Iceland. Grocery stores in Iceland make it easy to buy affordable meals, snacks, and drinks for long travel days along the Ring Road and beyond. Knowing where to shop, how payment works, and what foods are easy to pack can help you save money and stay prepared during a road trip.
Grocery shopping is especially useful for travelers on self-drive tours, where long distances between towns make it important to plan food stops ahead of time. Buying groceries allows visitors to prepare quick breakfasts, picnic lunches, and simple dinners without relying on restaurants during every stop along the route.
This is particularly helpful for travelers using campervan rentals, where cooking simple meals is often part of the trip. Groceries are also convenient for visitors staying in cottages or guesthouses, where shared kitchens or small kitchenettes make it easy to prepare food after a day of sightseeing.
Keep reading to learn where to stop for groceries in Iceland, what foods travelers commonly buy, and helpful tips for shopping during a road trip. This guide will also explain how grocery stores work in Iceland and what travelers should know before shopping.
Key Things To Know for Grocery Shopping in Iceland
-
Use grocery apps: Some Iceland supermarkets, such as Kronan, offer mobile apps that let you scan items while shopping. Kronan’s Smart Store feature allows you to scan products with your phone and see a running total in Icelandic Krona (ISK). When finished, scan a QR code at a Smart Checkout lane, pay, and leave.
-
Cashless and card-friendly payments: Iceland is a cashless society, and supermarkets accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
-
Know the store hours: Many grocery stores in Iceland open around 9 AM and close around 9 PM, though hours vary by location. Some stores close during major holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
-
Bring a reusable grocery bag: Reusable bags are standard when grocery shopping in Iceland, and plastic bags are rarely free. If you forget to bring one, most stores sell durable reusable totes at checkout.
-
Don’t look for alcohol: Supermarkets in Iceland can only sell very low-alcohol beer (under 2.25% ABV). For regular beer, wine, or spirits, visit Vinbudin, the state liquor store. You can save money by buying alcohol at the Keflavik Airport duty-free shop when you arrive, where prices often are lower.
-
Look for Kronan’s Odyrt products: Kronan offers a budget-friendly product line called Odyrt, which means “cheap” in Icelandic. Items with the Odyrt label are usually the store’s lowest-priced options and can help travelers save money when grocery shopping during an Iceland road trip.
-
Enjoy complimentary fruit for children: Some Kronan locations offer free fruit for children near the entrance or checkout area. It is usually apples, bananas, or small fruit portions that kids can grab while families shop.
Why Grocery Shopping in Iceland Saves You Money on a Road Trip
Grocery shopping in Iceland is one of the easiest ways to save money during an Iceland road trip. Restaurants can be expensive, especially in popular tourist areas. A simple restaurant meal often costs 3,000 ISK to 5,000 ISK (about 22 USD to 36 USD) per person, which can add up quickly when you have multi-day itineraries.
Gas stations and convenience stores typically have fewer choices and higher prices. Many locations mainly sell hot dogs and packaged snacks, and these items often cost more than similar foods at supermarkets. While convenient during quick stops, relying on gas station food throughout a trip can significantly increase daily travel costs.
In comparison, grocery stores in Iceland provide better value and more meal options. Buying groceries allows you to assemble simple breakfasts, picnic lunches, and easy dinners that work well during long driving days.
Buying groceries also gives you more flexibility during budget self-drive tours. Having food in the car makes it easier to stop and appreciate the scenic Icelandic landscapes without needing to search for restaurants or wait for the next town with services.
Where To Stop for Groceries on the Ring Road
You will find supermarkets in larger towns along the Ring Road, where many travelers stop to buy food before continuing to the next region. The most common grocery store chains are Bonus, Kronan, Netto, and Hagkaup. Many locals and travelers prefer Kronan for its wide selection, modern stores, and convenient ready-made food options.
Distances between towns can be hundreds of kilometers, so missing a grocery stop may mean relying on limited gas station food for the next stretch of the journey. Planning grocery stops ahead of time is especially helpful if you are a budget traveler who wants to save money during a trip in Iceland.
-
Reykjavik: As the starting point for most Ring Road trips, Reykjavik has the largest selection of grocery stores in Iceland. Many travelers stop at Kronan Grandi before leaving the capital because it offers a wide range of groceries, a Tokyo Sushi counter, and hot rotisserie chicken in the prepared food section.
-
Selfoss: One of the busiest service towns in South Iceland, Selfoss is a common stop if you are heading toward the Golden Circle or the South Coast. The Kronan Selfoss location includes a Tokyo Sushi counter and sits near the town’s popular New Old Town district.
-
Vik: This small South Coast village is a key stop before continuing toward Vatnajokull National Park, as services become more limited beyond this point. It may be the last convenient place to buy groceries before driving east along the South Coast.
-
Akureyri: The largest town in North Iceland, Akureyri is the main resupply point after the long drive through the northern mountains and offers a full range of grocery stores and services. If you stop at Kronan Akureyri, you can find takeaway sushi prepared by Rub 23, one of the best restaurants in Akureyri.
-
Reydarfjordur: Located along the winding roads of the Eastfjords, Reydarfjordur provides a convenient grocery stop before continuing toward Egilsstadir. Krona Reydarfjordur is near the start of the Budara Hiking Trail, which makes it a practical place to pick up snacks or picnic supplies before hiking in Iceland.
Build Your Personal Road Trip Grocery List in Iceland
Planning your grocery list ahead of time can make food stops quicker and help you choose items that fit your travel plans. As you read through the sections below, keep a quick note of foods you may want to add to your grocery list. These practical questions can help you decide which foods will work best during Iceland road trips:
-
Will you have access to a kitchen? If you are staying in guesthouses, cottages, or campervans with cooking equipment, you may want ingredients for simple meals. Without a kitchen, ready-to-eat foods may be more practical.
-
How long are your driving days? Long stretches between towns can mean several hours without restaurants or grocery stores. Packing enough snacks, drinks, and easy meals can help you stay comfortable during those drives.
-
What activities are planned during the day? Hiking, sightseeing, and scenic stops often leave little time for full meals. Foods that are easy to eat during short breaks or picnic stops can be more practical.
-
How much time do you want to spend preparing food? If you prefer minimal effort, ready-made meals, sandwiches, and packaged snacks may be the most convenient choices. Travelers who enjoy cooking can choose simple ingredients for quick dinners at campsites or accommodations.
-
How often do you plan to eat at restaurants? Take note of how many times you plan to dine out and how many meals you will need to prepare yourself. This can help you estimate how many breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks to buy when grocery shopping for an Iceland road trip.
-
Are there dietary preferences or restrictions to keep in mind? Icelandic supermarkets offer a selection of vegan, gluten-free, and organic foods, which makes it easy to find suitable options. Most larger grocery stores carry multiple choices, so you can shop with confidence during your trip.
-
How many people are in your group? Larger groups may need foods that are easy to share. If you are traveling in Iceland with children, simple snacks, fruit, and familiar foods can also make long driving days more comfortable.
The sections below organize common grocery items into categories such as bread, sandwich fillings, ready meals, snacks, drinks, and fresh ingredients. They include both practical road trip foods and popular Icelandic items, allowing you to try traditional flavors while preparing meals during your journey.
Bread and Sandwich Bases
Bread is one of the most practical foods to buy when stocking up at grocery stores in Iceland for a road trip. It travels well in rental cars or campervans, pairs easily with deli meats and spreads, and can quickly turn into a filling meal during long drives or scenic picnic stops near attractions along the Ring Road.
Most supermarkets in Iceland carry both traditional Icelandic breads and packaged bakery items that hold up well during travel. Kronan, in particular, offers its own line of organic breads, some of which are also vegan or gluten-free.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flatkokur (rye flatbread) | Thin, round Icelandic rye flatbreads that are sold in sealed packs. They are commonly used for simple sandwiches with butter or smoked lamb. | breakfast, picnic stops, hiking, long drives |
| Rugbraud (Icelandic rye bread) | Dense and slightly sweet Icelandic rye bread, sometimes called “lava bread.” It is filling and pairs well with butter, smoked lamb, or cheese. | breakfast, cooking at accommodation, picnic stops |
| Snudur (Icelandic cinnamon roll) | Cinnamon rolls typically sold pre-packaged in clear plastic trays or individual wrappers. They are often topped with chocolate, caramel, or icing. | breakfast, long drives, hiking |
| Skuffukaka (Icelandic chocolate cake) | Moist chocolate sheet cake that is cut into squares and sold in sealed containers. It travels well and works as a quick dessert. | breakfast, long drives, picnic stops |
| Heimilisbraud (sandwich bread) | Local sliced bread that is commonly used for sandwiches in Iceland. It holds up well during travel. | breakfast, budget-friendly travel, picnic stops, campervan meals |
| Lifraent (organic bread) | Organic bread made with certified organic ingredients, sold at Kronan. Some options may also be vegan or gluten-free. | breakfast, picnic stops, campervan meals, dietary-friendly travel |
Cold Cuts and Sandwich Fillings
Cold cuts, sandwich toppings, and tube-based spreads are some of the most practical foods to buy during an Iceland road trip. They let you assemble quick meals without a full kitchen and easily turn bread or crackers into a filling snack while driving around Iceland.
Most grocery stores in Iceland carry deli products from well-known local brands such as SS (Slaturfelag Sudurlands) and Kjarnafaedi, along with convenient spreads that store well in a cooler or campervan fridge. These foods pair naturally with breads, which makes them ideal for quick breakfasts, picnic lunches, or simple campervan meals.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hangikjot (smoked lamb slices) | Traditional Icelandic smoked lamb sliced thin for sandwiches. It is usually labeled Hangikjot alegg in the refrigerated deli section and pairs well with butter on rye bread. | breakfast, picnic stops, hiking, long drives |
| Pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs) | Iceland’s famous hot dogs made from lamb, pork, and beef. Add crispy fried onions and SS pylsusinnep (sweet brown mustard) for the classic Icelandic topping combination. | campervan meals, budget-friendly travel |
| Kaefa lamb pate | Traditional Icelandic spread made from finely ground lamb mixed with spices. It is commonly spread on rye bread or flatbread. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Braudsalat (sandwich salad spread) | Creamy sandwich spreads sold in small tubs in the refrigerated deli section. Common varieties include skinkusalat (ham salad), raekjusalat (shrimp salad), and kjuklingasalat (chicken salad). | picnic stops, campervan meals |
| Mysingur (whey spread) | Traditional Icelandic sweet spread made from concentrated whey, with a smooth texture and caramel-like flavor. | breakfast, long drives, hiking |
Ready-To-Eat and Instant Meals
After a day of driving between waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal areas, you may appreciate meals that require little preparation. Quick foods are especially helpful during road trips when your Iceland itineraries are busy and time for cooking is limited.
Grocery stores in Iceland offer a variety of ready-made dishes and instant meals that can be eaten on the go or reheated quickly. These options are often much cheaper than eating at restaurants and provide a convenient way to stay fueled during long travel days.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 ready meals | Popular brand of prepared meals that only need reheating, with options that include traditional Icelandic dishes and pasta meals. | campervan meals, cooking at accommodation |
| Kronan ready-made meals | Prepared meals from the Kronan grab-and-go section, including options such as pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, and vegan meals. | budget-friendly travel, campervan meals, long drives |
| Rotisserie chicken | Whole roasted chicken sold at some Kronan branches. One chicken can provide multiple servings, which makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for groups. | budget-friendly travel, campervan meals |
| Tokyo Sushi | Fresh sushi prepared daily at select Kronan stores, offering individual items like sushi rolls and rice bowls, as well as group options such as party trays. Vegan options are often available. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Langloka sandwiches | Popular sub-style sandwiches made with soft white bread and filled with ingredients such as ham, cheese, vegetables, or salad spreads. They are commonly sold pre-made in grocery store deli or grab-and-go sections. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Skyr | Thick Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product sold in individual cups, squeeze pouches, and larger tubs. Flavors range from vanilla to dessert-style varieties like creme brulee. | breakfast, long drives, hiking |
| Grjonagrautur rice pudding | Traditional Icelandic rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar. It can be eaten cold or warmed and is often topped with cinnamon or sugar. | budget-friendly travel |
Chocolate and Sweets
Sweet snacks are widely available in grocery stores across Iceland and are often picked up during road trips as quick treats between sightseeing stops. Icelandic candy is known for combining creamy milk chocolate with licorice flavors, a unique pairing that many visitors try during their trip.
Chocolate bars, licorice candies, and packaged sweets travel well in the car and provide a quick energy boost during long driving days. Keeping a few snacks on hand can help you stay energized as you find your way in Iceland while driving between towns and scenic viewpoints.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Thristur | One of the classic Icelandic chocolate candies. Thristur combines soft chocolate fudge with small pieces of licorice. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Draumur | A milk chocolate bar with two soft licorice sticks inside. Recommended as a beginner-friendly option for travelers trying Iceland’s chocolate and licorice combination for the first time. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Eitt Sett | A classic candy that pairs milk chocolate with a piece of licorice that is meant to be eaten together in one bite. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Djupur | Small licorice balls coated in chocolate and a thin sugar shell. | long drives, hiking, picnic stops |
| Noa Kropp | Crunchy cereal-based chocolate bites commonly sold in large bags. | long drives, picnic stops |
| Hraun | Wafer-style chocolate bar with puffed rice for a light crunchy texture. | hiking, long drives, picnic stops |
Drinks and Beverages
Staying hydrated is important during long drives and adventure excursions in Iceland. Keeping drinks in the car helps you stay refreshed during sightseeing stops and breaks along the road.
You will find a wide range of beverages in grocery stores and supermarkets across Iceland that are easy to pack for road trips, including coffee, sodas, and fermented drinks. Many are sold in single-serve bottles or cans that are convenient to bring during a day of exploring.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Icelandic coffee | Wide variety, including ground coffee for drip machines, instant coffee, and convenient coffee bags that can be brewed with just hot water. Coffee brands include Te & Kaffi, one of Iceland’s best-known local roasters, which also operates cafes in Reykjavik. | breakfast, long drives |
| Collab energy drink | Icelandic energy drink that contains caffeine and marine collagen and is sold in several fruit-flavored varieties. | long drives, hiking |
| Appelsin soda | Classic Icelandic orange soda. Many locals mix it with malt soda to create Malt og Appelsín, a traditional Icelandic drink. A pre-mixed version called Jolabland (Christmas mix) is also sold in supermarkets. | picnic stops, long drives, campervan meals |
| Ab-mjolk (probiotic drink) | Fermented Icelandic milk drink with a mild, tangy flavor and probiotic cultures, similar to kefir. | breakfast, campervan meals, cooking at accommodation |
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-cook proteins are widely available year-round in grocery stores across Iceland. For a road trip, it helps to choose produce that travels well and can be stored in the car for several days as quick snacks during long drives.
If you plan to cook during your trip, you can find pre-marinated meats and fish that are easy to prepare in a campervan, guesthouse kitchen, or at campsites using portable stoves or grills. These ingredients make it simple to prepare fresh meals while camping in Iceland or traveling without a full kitchen.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers | Crisp vegetables that are refreshing and easy to snack on during travel days. | breakfast, picnic stops, long drives |
| Apples, pears, bananas | Durable fruits that hold up well in a car and provide natural energy. | breakfast, hiking, long drives |
| Forsodnar kartoflur (pre-cooked potatoes) | Vacuum-packed pre-boiled potatoes that can be easily reheated in a pan or pot. | campervan meals, cooking at accommodation |
| Pre-marinated meats and fish | Ready-to-cook cuts pre-seasoned with herbs and spices. Packages may be labeled lambakotilettur (lamb chops), grisakotilettur (pork chops), or lax (salmon). | campervan meals, cooking at accommodation |
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still find a wide range of food choices in grocery stores across Iceland during a road trip. Larger supermarkets often have dedicated health sections that focus on plant-based, organic, and allergen-friendly products.
These sections make it easier for you to stock up on vegan and gluten-free foods before long drives between towns. Buying groceries in advance helps you prepare simple meals and snacks while exploring Iceland’s top attractions.
| Food Item | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Promise gluten-free bread | One of the most widely available gluten-free bread brands in Iceland. | breakfast, picnic stops, campervan meals |
| Heida oat milk | Icelandic oat milk known for its smooth texture and mild flavor. The Barista version is especially popular for coffee because it foams well and blends easily. | breakfast, cooking at accommodation |
| Alpro plant-based milk and yogurt | Widely available plant-based products including Sojamjolk (soy milk), Mondlumjolk (almond milk), and Greek-style vegan yogurt, a common skyr alternative. | breakfast, campervan meals |
| Naturli vegan products | Danish plant-based brand commonly found in refrigerated or frozen sections. Popular items include Naturli Pylsur (vegan hot dogs) and vegan ice cream. | campervan meals, cooking at accommodation |
| Kronan vegan wraps and ready meals | Some larger Kronan locations sell vegan wraps or hummus sandwiches in the refrigerated grab-and-go section. | picnic stops, long drives, campervan meals |
Plan Ahead for Grocery Shopping on an Iceland Road Trip
Grocery shopping is one of the easiest ways to manage your budget during an Iceland road trip. Supermarkets across the country offer a wide range of foods that are easy to pack for long drives, including bread and sandwich fillings, ready-made meals, snacks, and drinks.
This is especially helpful if you are planning a budget-friendly trip or following a 10-day itinerary, where food costs can add up quickly. If you are taking a camping tour of Iceland, grocery stores are also a convenient place to pick up simple ingredients and snacks during the journey.
Stocking up at grocery stores in Iceland lets you prepare quick breakfasts, picnic lunches, and simple dinners while exploring the country’s natural attractions and landmarks. Planning grocery stops in larger towns such as Reykjavik, Selfoss, Vik, and Akureyri also makes it easier to restock supplies before heading into areas with fewer services.
Knowing what items to look for, what foods travel well in the car, and how to pay at Icelandic supermarkets can make your road trip smoother and more flexible. A simple grocery list and a basic plan will help you stay organized throughout your journey.
What groceries would you include on your Iceland road trip shopping list? Share your favorite snacks or grocery tips in the comments to help other travelers plan their trip.
