Top 10 BEST Supermarkets in Iceland to Save Money

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Here is a comprehensive list of the best supermarkets in Iceland. Iceland may not be known as a shopping destination, and tourists often find it challenging to find one.

This holds especially true when they visit remote communities or rural areas. But here is the thing. There’s a lot of supermarkets in the country, and visitors just have to learn how to look. After all, not all supermarkets are created equal.

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, has a wide selection of supermarkets in various price ranges. With the growth of tourism, the government has also been improving the country’s shopping options and experiences.

Many of the supermarkets offer common household groceries, but there are also those dedicated to selling authentic Icelandic items or souvenirs.

Since supermarkets in Iceland are not as fancy as those found in other mainstream countries, don’t hesitate to ask locals for tips and directions. Here we go.

Top 10 BEST Supermarkets in Iceland to Save Money

Bonus

The best-known budget supermarket in Iceland is Bonus, which also sells the cheapest listings. The selection may not be as extensive, but it is sufficient to meet the basic needs of both locals and tourists.

Expect to see a Spartan-like interior. Although the options are limited, visitors will save a lot because of the incredibly cheap rates.

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Kronan

Kronan is also among the cheapest supermarkets in Iceland, just like Bonus. Most Kronan stores are bigger with a wider set of offerings, especially in terms of seafood and meat products.

It is also an ideal option for vegetarians since many of the products sold are gluten-free and grown locally and organically.

Health-conscious visitors will find their basic necessities here. What’s the good thing about it? These healthy items are sold at very cheap rates, unlike in foreign supermarkets.

Netto

Netto Supermarkets in Iceland
Netto Supermarket in Iceland via Wikimedia Commons|Mahnas 92

Considered as a budget shop, Netto opened its first store in Akureyri and has since then expanded to other major towns and cities.

Aside from the basic commodities, the shop also sells boards, games, and yarn. The stores are open 24/7, and people can order their products online. Just check out their website, and you’ll find a variety of cheap items. They also offer delivery for every product purchased online.

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Super1

When looking for the best low-cost supermarkets in Reykjavik, look no further than Super1, which is a new hub on the list. Many of its stores were formerly occupied by Bonus and other competitors.

It’s partly-owned by a Danish company. Based on online customer reviews, visiting one of its branches is cost-effective. It is also one of the most frequented Icelandic supermarkets.

Hagkaup

Considered as a kind of an upscale supermarket, Hagkaup is the place to go for visitors who can’t find what they need in other shops. They offer a more extensive listing, including products that are normally found abroad.

It’s the ideal spot for buying the iconic Icelandic Lopi, especially for visitors who run out of reserve in the middle of the night or those who cannot visit the Alafoss outlet.

That’s because some of the stores of Hagkaup are open 24/7. They also have a section offering both classic and traditional clothing options. Here is an insider tip for tourists. It’s best to have your stomach filled already before visiting Hagkaup stores since foods there are quite expensive.

10-11

10-11 is one of the most expensive stores in Iceland, and it’s found in almost all major towns and cities in the country. They also have an outlet at Keflavik Airport.

They sell the most basic commodities and items for tourists, so it pays to drop by when looking for authentic Danish souvenirs. Most of its stores are dominated by snack shelves and are open 24/7. 10-11 is one of the locally-popular Iceland groceries.

Samkaup Strax

Samkaup Strax Iceland
via Wikimedia Commons|Marek Slusarczyk

Samkaup Strax is part of the same supermarket chain that owns Kjorbuoin, Krambuo, and Netto. They used to have stores in major cities and towns, but there are now three branches left. Most have been rebranded under a different name. The prices and selection of items are much better here compared to many other supermarkets.

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Kjorbudin

Kjorbudin best represents the shopping experience in rural areas or more remote communities and towns. It has dozens of stores, but these can only be found in small or medium-sized towns. They don’t have a branch at Reykjavik or other bigger towns and major cities.

Proponents of Kjorbudin made a survey among the countryside locals before forming the store to meet their needs and expectations.

Many rural inhabitants often have difficulties or struggles visiting mainstream supermarkets. That’s where the role of Kjorbudin comes to play – providing a shopping experience for countryside settings.

Krambuo

Krambuo is one of the small grocery stores that open 24/7 in Skolavordustigur near Hallgrimskirja. Although their listings are rather expensive, they are a lifesaver in many cases since they offer the most products sold in cheaper stores.

Krambuo was previously managed by an independent businessman, but he later sold it to Netto/Samkaup chain. Today, it has branches in major towns and cities throughout the country. It is one of the ideal grocery shopping in Iceland hubs for those with an extra budget.

Iceland

Iceland is not only the name of a country but also of a supermarket. It has fewer stores compared to other major supermarkets. Prices here are higher than those in Kronan and Bonus but are way cheaper compared to many other smaller shops.

During the weekend, the store opens its main attraction – a huge mix and pick candy station that comes with a 50% discount. It’s a fun getaway, especially for families traveling with kids. Who would not love the shower of delightful sweets at cheap rates?

So those are just some of the must-visit supermarkets in Iceland. Make sure to prepare enough cash since most of these offer expensive items.

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