On a recent trip to Iceland, one Canadian shared her experience shopping for common grocery items in the country.
In a video shared in May, TikToker @brooklxnn.p documented her experience food shopping while on vacation. Browsing the aisles of Bónus, a supermarket chain, she shared the cost of basic groceries such as yogurt, bread, and produce and was surprised by the prices, which she converted into Canadian dollars.
“Grocery shopping was way more reasonable!” she states. “Totally worth it to make most of your meals to fit the budget; Iceland was seriously the most amazing country. But just be aware that you’ll be cooking, and Bónus will be your best friend.”
Watch the video below:
@brooklxnn.p Replying to @x.x grocery shopping was way more reasonable!! Totally worth it to make most of your meals to fit the budget, iceland was seriously the most amazing country. But just be aware that youll be cooking, and Bonus will be your best friend haha #iceland #travel ♬ Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
We’ve previously compared the cost of groceries in France, Mexico, and Australia, and this time, we’re checking out food prices in the land of fire and ice.
According to a report by Euronews, Iceland’s average annual salary is $119,929.08, among the highest in the world. The high salary is due to labour agreements that have seen salaries increase to keep up with inflation rates. In comparison, Canada’s federal minimum wage went up to $17.30 per hour in April this year.
If you’re a Canadian between 18 and 30 years old and you’re considering moving to Iceland, you’re in luck. In 2023, the Canadian government announced that it’s offering certain citizens the opportunity to explore Iceland’s rugged terrain and charming towns while they work under International Experience Canada (IEC). You can learn more about it here.
As for food price comparisons, where possible, we tried to find similar package sizes and, in some cases, found substitutes. With that in mind, browse the aisles of a supermarket in Iceland to see how prices of common food items differ.
Frozen blueberries
Bónus (Iceland): $4.76
Walmart Canada: $13.63/1.75kg
Frozen strawberries
Bónus (Iceland): $5.34
Walmart Canada: $5.38/600g
Bananas
Bónus (Iceland):$3.25/kg
Walmart Canada: $4.80/dozen
Ham sandwich meat
Bónus (Iceland): $5.74
Walmart Canada: $3.47
Chicken sandwich meat
Bónus (Iceland): $7.01
Walmart Canada: $5.97/175g
Carrots
Bónus (Iceland): $5.03
Walmart Canada: $3.97/3lb bag
Cup noodles
Bónus (Iceland): $1.75
Walmart Canada: 97 cents
Hotdogs
Bónus (Iceland): $2.85
Walmart Canada: $3.97/375g
Premade pasta
Bónus (Iceland): $7.37
Walmart Canada: $1.34/215g
Sliced cheese
Bónus (Iceland): $10.11/330g
Walmart Canada: $4.97/230g
Yogurt
Bónus (Iceland): $5.35
Walmart Canada: $3.47/630g
Banana yogurt drink
Bónus (Iceland): $2.56
Walmart Canada: $1.27/200ml
Yogurt cup
Bónus (Iceland): $2.56
Walmart Canada: $3.48/4 cups
Oatmilk
Bónus (Iceland): $3.45/1l
Walmart Canada: $2.97/946ml
Apples
Bónus (Iceland): $3.66/kg
Walmart Canada: $7.97/3lb bag
Tomatoes
Bónus (Iceland): $5.89/kg
Walmart Canada: $5.18/bag
Bread
Bónus (Iceland): $5.50/loaf
Walmart Canada: $3.67/570g
Hotdog buns
Bónus (Iceland): $5/package
Walmart Canada: $4.47/six count
Weetabix cereal
Bónus (Iceland): $5
Walmart Canada: $4.67/400g
Except for a few items, the cost of food in Iceland appears to be almost comparable to the prices in Canada. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.