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Groceries (pre-cooked meats)

We're considering a trip to Iceland in the semi-near future (2 parents, 2 teens) with several food allergies. One teen will not eat fish or seafood and we do not eat pork. We tend to self-cater but may be bringing along a friend so a camper/caravan would be out of the question. My wife has been watching videos of Iceland grocery stores but the cinematography leaves a bit to be desired in terms of seeing what is really there. We will probably stay a place with a kitchen for about half of the nights but would prefer a bit more flexibility to stay in other types of accommodations if possible.

As an example of our normal travel style, we just returned from a week in Ireland and ate mostly from Tesco Super or Express where we could get plain or tikka chicken, salmon etc and the ingredients and allergens were all clearly labeled. It was fantastically easy and everyone was pleased with their options. The few restaurants we ate at were fabulous too but we mostly preferred the DIY picnic.

Our top question, are pre-cooked meats (rotisserie chicken, ready-to-eat smoked salmon) etc available at most stores in Iceland? Preferably not American-style lunch meat?

Any information on availability of those types of items that wouldn't require much/any cooking would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by
2598 posts

Look for Kronan and Costco ( Yes—Costco, so bring your Costco membership card) supermarkets for roasted chicken and smoked salmon.

Posted by
3020 posts

Yes, there is a Costco, but only one and it is near the airport.

Bonus and Kronan are the grocery stores we normally go to, but there is Netto as well. We do a lot of cooking as we prefer to self cater. The grocery stores have the same things we have and the labels are good, so no worries at all.

There isn't much pork at all in Iceland, but fish and lamb are everywhere. Bonus has some wonderful lamb that is pre marinated which makes it super easy in a rental since you don't need spices etc. We have also purchased lamb soup and just heated it up in the rental. So yes, there are premade foods, but not as much as here at home, but you won't have to hunt for them.

Don't forget that the gas stations actually have good food.

Posted by
16989 posts

It really depends on where you are. Within the center of Reykjavik the supermarkets are smaller.

I've shopped at two Bonus supermarkets in Reykjavik. They all have smoked salmon. Their sliced packaged meats are of better quality than in the US with no additives.

I have never seen Rotisserie Chicken but it may be available. Some have prepared sandwiches and salads.

There are also convenience stores such as Extra and 10-11. They usually have prepared foods as well as grocery items. Their prices are slightly higher.