Local’s Guide to Shopping at Kronan: Icelandic Supermarket Tips

When it comes to grocery shopping in Iceland, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning a visit and wondering what to fill your basket with, let me take you on a journey through my favorite supermarket, highlighting the must-try Icelandic foods, road-trip snacks, and local staples that truly capture the essence of this unique culinary landscape.

Every time friends visit Iceland and embark on self-driving adventures, I always recommend making a vital pitstop at an Icelandic supermarket before setting off from Reykjavik. This is not merely a shopping requirement; it’s an essential experience that offers a glimpse into everyday Icelandic life. With dining out often costing a pretty penny, supermarkets serve as a budget-friendly way to stock up on supplies and immerse yourself in the local cuisine.

As you navigate Iceland, you’ll find several supermarket chains, including Bónus, Nettó, and Krónan. Each store has its own unique flair, but for many, including myself, Krónan strikes the perfect balance between affordability, variety, and quality. It’s my go-to for weekly grocery shopping.

With a commendable selection of organic and eco-friendly products, Krónan has one of the best vegan offerings in the country, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

If you and I were to stroll into Krónan together before embarking on an Icelandic road trip, here’s exactly what I would recommend tossing into your basket!

Noteworthy Highlights of Krónan

• Krónan stands out as one of the premier grocery stores in Iceland for travelers seeking affordable prices and a diverse array of local products.

• You can find a plethora of Icelandic snacks, candy bars, and beverages that are easiest to discover in supermarkets.

• Skyr, flatbreads, volcanic rye bread, and smoked lamb represent simple yet quintessential Icelandic foods.

• Stockfish is a traditional hiking snack beloved for its protein-rich goodness.

• If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, look for the yellow “Ódýrt” labels that indicate the most affordable items in each category. Krónan also features rotating monthly discounts on select products.

• Bags of mixed fruit and discounted produce nearing expiration offer great value.

• Many locations boast a surprisingly good cosmetic section, featuring brands like e.l.f., Maybelline, Rimmel, and Max Factor.

• Krónan proudly carries the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, a testament to its commitment to sustainability.

• With multiple locations across Reykjavik and beyond — including Keflavik, Selfoss, Vik, and Akureyri — Krónan is an easy stop during your Ring Road adventures.

• Most Krónan locations open between 8 and 9 AM and close by 8 or 9 PM.

Why Shopping at Supermarkets is Your Best Bet for Saving Money in Iceland

It’s no secret that food costs in Iceland can add up, especially if you’re dining out frequently in Reykjavik. A pragmatic solution is to shop at local supermarkets, where you can prepare simple meals or hearty picnic lunches.

Travelers typically stop by grocery stores like Krónan, Bónus, or Nettó to stock up on breakfast items, snacks, and easy foods ideal for long journeys. Quick meals can include skyr, sandwiches, or fruit, making for effortless dining between sightseeing adventures.

If a grand road trip around Iceland is in your plans, stocking up at the supermarket before hitting the road is one of the most economical ways to manage your travel budget.

For those curious about grocery prices before making the journey, Krónan has an online store where you can browse their full selection and see real Icelandic prices. Although the website is currently only in Icelandic, a simple browser translation tool will help you navigate it with ease.

Discovering Skyr: Iceland’s Culinary Jewel

So, do Icelanders actually consume skyr, or is it merely a tourist novelty?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Skyr, often compared to a rich, thick yogurt, is a cultured dairy delight that is high in protein and not overly sweet. Its convenience makes it an ideal travel companion; a small tub of skyr serves as a filling snack while exploring the breathtaking sights of the Ring Road or during rewarding hikes.

It’s a staple in my own week-to-week shopping — perfect for breakfast, a road trip snack, or even a midnight treat when the craving strikes. When I’m readying for a day out, I simply toss a tub into my backpack. Although it’s wise to keep dairy products cool, in Iceland’s generally cooler climate, skyr can stay fresh for several hours.

My go-to flavors include strawberry and white chocolate, crème brûlée, and coffee-vanilla, all of which are dangerously good. Alternatively, plain skyr, tangy and unsweetened, pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey. Traditionally, it’s served with a touch of sugar and a splash of cream or milk, ideally topped with fresh blueberries — and if you’re visiting in the fall, you might even be able to forage for your own berries!

After savoring the array of skyr in the dairy section, our next stop leads us to an Icelandic delicacy: the iconic hot dog.

Icelandic Hot Dogs: Supermarket Style

Icelandic hot dogs, crafted from a mix of lamb, beef, and pork, deliver a distinctive taste that sets them apart from their counterparts elsewhere. While indulging at the famed Reykjavik hot dog stand is a must-do for many travelers, you can recreate the experience at a fraction of the cost right from the grocery store.

If you have access to a fridge and basic cooking tools, simply pick up a pack of Icelandic hot dogs and buns. I often do this before weekend getaways, stopping at an N1 gas station en route for a single-use travel grill to make them just right.

There’s something special about enjoying a homemade Icelandic hot dog in a stunning scenic backdrop.

To emulate the quintessential Icelandic hot dog experience, be sure to grab the classic toppings: crispy fried onions, sweet brown mustard, remoulade sauce, and ketchup. For an authentic taste, seek out “Vals Tómatsósa,” the famous ketchup served at Reykjavik’s iconic hot dog stands.

With hot dogs and toppings in hand, don’t forget to swing by the bakery section for a pack of buns to complete the meal.

Breads and Baked Goods Worth Exploring

Krónan’s fresh-baked section is a treasure trove of pastries, cookies, and breads. Personally, I can’t resist their chocolate chip cookies, which are conveniently tempting.

When it comes to traditional Icelandic breads, I always recommend two classics: flatkökur and rúgbrauð.

Flatkökur are thin rye flatbreads best enjoyed with butter and smoked lamb (hangikjöt) — a combination that, while simple, never fails to please.

Meanwhile, rúgbrauð, often dubbed Icelandic rye bread or “volcano bread,” is dense, dark, and subtly sweet. Historically, it was baked underground with geothermal heat, a technique still showcased on geothermal rye bread tours in the Golden Circle area.

Don’t overlook skonsa, a thick, pancake-like bread. When I head out for shorter hikes, a pack of skonsa, paired with skyr and a banana, makes for a perfect lunch.

For those in search of ready-to-eat lunches, let’s venture to the refrigerated section, where pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and other travel-friendly options await.

Quick Lunch Options for Your Road Adventures

On longer outings, I often grab one of the ready-made sandwiches from the fridge. There’s usually a delightful range of wraps, subs, and sandwiches, including some vegan choices.

The smoked lamb and bean salad sandwiches are particularly Icelandic, while the tikka masala wraps, created in collaboration with the Reykjavik restaurant Hraðlestin, are a personal favorite.

I like to snag one of these before leaving Reykjavik so I can stop wherever I fancy to enjoy a leisurely lunch on the road.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you’ll often find fresh sushi trays and onigiri, although these are best consumed right away.

No supermarket excursion would be complete without a sweet indulgence. Next up: the candy aisle!

Must-Try Icelandic Candies, Chips, and Sweet Delights

If you’re looking for a true cultural experience, grab a chocolate bar with licorice filling. Icelanders have a deep affection for licorice, especially when married with chocolate.

Supermarkets serve as an excellent venue to explore Icelandic candies and snacks, and here are several recommendations — whether or not you’re a fan of licorice:

• Eitt Sett – A beloved chocolate and licorice combo recognized by nearly every Icelander. The new bagged versions with chocolate-covered licorice pieces are dangerously snackable — a personal go-to for road trips and cozy movie nights.

• Prins Póló – An iconic chocolate wafer bar that’s been a staple in Iceland for decades. Though it originated in Poland, it’s become so entangled in Icelandic culture that many mistake it for a local treat.

• Póló Kex – Thin, chocolate-topped coconut biscuits that are light, crispy, and almost impossible to resist — especially with a cup of coffee during a midday break.

• Freyju Rís and Draumur – The former is a crispy chocolate bar with puffed rice, an excellent choice for those hesitant about licorice, while Draumur fully embraces the chocolate-and-licorice pairing.

• Hraun – Chocolate-covered crunchy bites, aptly named after Icelandic lava, provide an irregular snack that is ideal for road trips, packaged in a convenient inner bag.

• Þristur – A nostalgic chocolate-and-licorice candy bar cherished by many Icelanders, especially when enjoyed in mini bags during travels.

• Omnom Chocolate – For those seeking premium Icelandic chocolate, Omnom is where to turn. This Reykjavik-based brand is renowned for its innovative flavors and beautiful packaging, making their bars a sought-after souvenir.

• Partý Mix – No Icelandic gathering feels complete without a generous bag of this chip assortment, featuring flavors like paprika and salt-and-pepper.

• Paprikustjörnur – These star-shaped paprika snacks are yet another Icelandic classic, light and crunchy with an instantly recognizable taste.

Drinks to Savor in Iceland

As you make your way to the drink aisle, you’ll discover a range of unique beverages that may be hard to find elsewhere. Krónan stocks both classic sodas and more specialty drinks, and you’ll inevitably find yourself lingering in this section longer than planned.

It’s worth noting that you won’t find alcohol in any Icelandic supermarket; beer, wine, and spirits are exclusively sold at government-run Vínbúðin stores. However, alcohol-free beers, wines, and ciders, such as Bríó and Bóndi, are readily available.

Here’s a selection of drinks that I recommend you try:

• Appelsín – Iceland’s beloved orange soda, a must-experience for visitors. Having delighted taste buds since the mid-20th century, it’s a staple. If you visit around Christmas, locals mix it with malt to craft the traditional holiday beverage Malt og Appelsín.

• Kristal – A popular Icelandic sparkling water, available in several fruit flavors, with classic lemon and lime being the most common.

• Collab – A lightly sparkling Icelandic beverage infused with collagen, marketed as a healthier alternative to soda and available in an array of fruity flavors.

• Yuzulaði – A refreshing soda crafted with Japanese yuzu citrus, one of my personal favorites. Although not found everywhere, larger Krónan locations usually carry it, making it worth the hunt.

• Kókómjólk – Iceland’s cherished chocolate milk, instantly recognized by its carton featuring a cartoon cat. Many Icelanders grew up drinking this childhood favorite, making it a perfect option for families visiting Iceland.

Final Thoughts: A Supermarket Stop Enhancing Your Iceland Experience

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Shopping at grocery stores like Krónan may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your Iceland itinerary, but it could very well be one of the most valuable experiences you have. These supermarkets allow you to sample local snacks, delve into the food culture, and transform your Icelandic adventure into a more affordable endeavor.

So, before embarking on those epic summer road trips, consider a stop at the supermarket to stock up on road snacks and sample Icelandic staples. It not only makes for a more pleasant journey but also brings you a little closer to the everyday life of the Icelandic people.

Conclusion: A quick visit to Krónan opens the door to experiencing authentic Icelandic food culture. From skyr and Icelandic hot dogs to local sweets and refreshing drinks, peruse the aisles and try something new — you just might uncover a favorite Icelandic snack even before you leave the parking lot!