Smuggler's Shopping List
Some foodstuffs in Iceland are a rip-off! I am compiling a list of outragously priced foods which can be brought abroad for a fraction of the cost and some foods which I can't find in Iceland. Remember though, your duty-free allowance of foodstuffs is 3kg per person and there should be no uncooked meat, milk or raw eggs (just in case you were thinking of flying back with eggs....). They do check every now and then, well, they check me every time!
NUTS All kinds - they are all astronomically priced in Iceland and I can't seem to find Brazil nuts in normal supermarkets. Pine nuts are expecially useful in salads.
SPICES Certain ones are hard to find like mace and curry leaves. For cheaper eating, stocking up on herbs and spices will give basic food a much-needed flavoursome kick. What could be better than an exotic lamb or fish curry to pass away those dark cold nights?
BOXES OF CHOCOLATES Noi Sirius Konfekt costs a fortune - pick up some inexpensive Belgian pralines to treat your naughty Icelandic friends.
NOI SIRIUS BARS In Keflavik Duty Free a 200g bar of chocolate costs around 160 kr, that's about half the price compared to the 'super'markets (and Bonus doesn't stock the big ones). The dark chocolate is useful for cooking with - see Chocolate Puddings recipe.
BOOZE Obviously. You can now take 4 bottles of wine in, or just 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine. See this link for full info: (www.dutyfree.is/english/customregulations/)
PG TIPS or a box of other good English tea Melrose and Lipton's are tasteless and not even found in the UK because they taste so awful.
NICE JAMS, MARMALADES AND HONEY The good ones here cost double what they should.
MANGO CHUTNEY & PICKLE I've noticed that this is used liberally here, yet it costs double what it does anywhere else. The best mango pickle is made by Patak's and is labelled Medium strength, though it´s pretty darn hot!
JELLO / JELLY - I can't find any in Iceland - must be the only American fad not to make it over.....
CUSTARD POWDER - How can I make trifle without custard? Yes, I know, make the custard myself - but a little packet of Bird's custard power wouldn't hurt.
ANGUSTURA BITTERS - if you don´t know what this is, you don´t need it. But for those who need it, bring it in.
CHEESE - I can´t see that this is verboten so why not cheer up your Icelandic friends with a large chunk of cheddar, stilton, brie or any other European cheese which is impossible to buy in Iceland.
PUDDING RICE - Rice pudding with normal rice just isn´t the same.