A Spanish traveller's recent trip to Iceland has gone viral after he documented the country's notoriously high food prices, claiming that for many tourists, the cost of sustenance can exceed the price of the flight itself.
The Supermarket Shock
The TikTok user, @jesusansal, visited a local supermarket earlier this year to investigate the claims firsthand. His video, posted in December 2025, shows a range of everyday items with price tags that would make many UK shoppers wince. He stated that it's common for visitors to arrive with food stashed in their luggage to avoid the steep costs.
Among the standout items was a small packet of strawberries priced at 800 Icelandic króna, roughly £4.75. A simple baguette for lunch cost 1,065 króna, or about £6.32, while a cheese sandwich was 750 króna (£4.45). For context, instant noodles that might cost 45p in a UK Tesco were priced at 800 króna (£4.75).
Breakfast, Wine, and a Smelly Delicacy
The influencer calculated that putting together a basic breakfast of doughnuts, water, and juice would set someone back around 2,000 króna, approximately £11.87. Other notable finds included Serrano ham slices for £2.97 and a small jar of the traditional fermented shark, hákarl, for £7.72.
Research supports the high cost of living for visitors. According to The Drinks Business, Iceland is the most expensive place in Europe to buy a bottle of wine, with an average mid-range bottle costing £18.30, compared to a European average of £7.17.
Social Media Reaction and Local Context
The video sparked a significant reaction online. Many commenters were stunned, with one asking jokingly if you could "get a mortgage at the supermarket." Others, however, provided context, noting that high prices are relative to local earnings. One comment pointed out that with a basic monthly salary in Iceland around €6,000, some items could even be considered cheap.
Some viewers compared prices to their home countries, with one noting the ham seemed reasonable and another stating that oil and ham prices were similar to those in Spain.
The traveller concluded his exploration by acknowledging Iceland's spectacular natural beauty, home to the Northern Lights and stunning landscapes, but affirmed that the experience comes with a hefty price tag for daily essentials.
Travel experts suggest that while flights and accommodation to Iceland can be found at reasonable rates, budgeting carefully for food is essential. Being aware of these costs before travelling allows visitors to plan accordingly and still enjoy the unique Nordic getaway.
