Grocery Stores in Iceland: Complete Guide

💰 Budget Supermarkets (Cheapest)

Bónus 🐷

The cheapest supermarket in Iceland. Look for the pink pig logo. Limited selection but great for basics: bread, cheese, skyr, pasta, and snacks.

• Locations: Multiple—Hallveigarstígur (downtown), Laugavegur, Kringlan mall
• Pro tip: Stock up before weekend—they close early and some close Sundays

Krónan

Slightly more expensive than Bónus but better selection and longer hours. Good produce section. The best balance of price and quality.

• Locations: Fiskislóð (Grandi area), Skeifan, Kringlan
• Pro tip: Their bakery section has cheap fresh bread

Nettó

Similar to Bónus in price. The Barónsstígur location downtown is convenient for travelers.

🛒 Mid-Range & Upscale

Hagkaup

Iceland's upscale supermarket. Best selection of international products, good deli counter, and bakery. Worth it for specialty items.

• Locations: Skeifan (largest), Smáralind mall

Costco Iceland

Yes, there's a Costco in Iceland. Great for groups, families, or long stays. Day passes available for tourists—just ask at the entrance.

• Location: Kauptún 3, Garðabær (15 min from downtown)
• Pro tip: Their food court has the cheapest hot dogs in Iceland

🌙 Late Night & Convenience

10-11

Convenience stores open late (some 24/7). More expensive but lifesavers when everything else is closed. Multiple downtown locations.

• Note: Prices are noticeably higher than supermarkets

🍜 Asian & International Groceries

Mai Thai Market

Best Asian grocery store in Reykjavík. Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean products. Essential if you're cooking Asian food.

• Location: Laugavegur 118

Melabúðin

Middle Eastern and South Asian groceries. Great spice selection, halal meat, and international products.

• Location: Hagamel 39

💡 Money-Saving Tips

• Bring an empty water bottle — Tap water in Iceland is pure glacier water. No need to buy bottled.
• Buy Icelandic skyr — It's cheaper here than anywhere else and incredibly filling for breakfast.
• Look for "tilboð" signs — Means "offer" or sale items.
• Bread + cheese + ham — Classic Icelandic lunch combo, very affordable.
• Pylsur (hot dogs) — Sold at all grocery stores for very little. Cheapest quick meal.
• Stock up before remote areas — Prices in small towns and gas stations are much higher.

🍺 Alcohol Note

You cannot buy alcohol at regular grocery stores in Iceland. Beer, wine, and spirits are only sold at Vínbúðin, the state-run liquor stores. They have limited hours (closed Sundays). Many travelers buy duty-free at Keflavík airport on arrival.