We've talked a lot about how to be vegan in Iceland, but today we'll specifically be talking about how to be vegan on a campervan trip around Iceland. Why? Let me paint you a cosy picture: you wake up and open the back door to see jet-black earth topped with green moss. The air is fresh, and it's like no place you've ever seen before. You have a trip scheduled later to see whales in the wild, but first you'll be making breakfast. You're looking forward to stopping at a restaurant in the evening and seeing the Northern Lights tonight.
Travelling around Iceland in a campervan gives you the freedom to see what you want, when you want. And as it's basically a house on wheels, it allows you to eat what you want, too.
In this post, we'll talk about what to eat on your campervan trip in Iceland, where to buy food, what to buy (food-wise) and what equipment to borrow. We'll also touch briefly on vegan restaurants in Iceland that you might want toprioritise your trip around fit into your schedule.
But before we start, which campervan company should you opt for? I recommend an Iceland campervan price study. The typical prices I found ranged from around €140 a day from November to March to €354 a day from June to August, which makes a real difference to your daily budget. Personally, I'd recommend visiting Iceland in winter rather than summer anyway, I dunno about you, but if I'm going somewhere cold, I want it to be cold cold? But maybe you're different, let's get into the blog post:
One of the best things about travelling in a campervan is that you can prepare your own meals rather than relying on restaurants. This is particularly handy in Iceland, where eating out regularly can make an already expensive trip even more expensive. Here are some easy vegan meals that don't require a fully equipped kitchen. Most can be made with just one saucepan and a few basic ingredients.
This is a campervan staple. Try it with:
Think baked beans on toast, but on ordinary bread because you probably won't have a toaster in your campervan.
Or both! Look for vegan sausages and burgers in larger supermarkets, although the selection will vary between shops.
A lovely warm breakfast, especially on a cold Icelandic morning. I like mine with water and raisins, but you could use plant-based milk instead.
Easy to make in one pot. Add beans or lentils (or both!) for extra protein, along with whatever vegetables you have available.
Another excellent one-pot meal. I like mine with kidney beans, tomatoes and plenty of spices. Serve it with rice or bread if you have them.
Rice or noodles with tofu, spices, soy sauce and any vegetables you like. Just remember that rice needs to be cooked and stored safely if you make it in advance!
Of course! Bread, peanut butter, hummus, vegan cheese and sandwich spreads are all useful things to have in your campervan.
Peanuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, vegetables and hummus are all handy options for long drives and days spent exploring.
In this post, we'll talk about what to eat on your campervan trip in Iceland, where to buy food, what to buy (food-wise) and what equipment to borrow. We'll also touch briefly on vegan restaurants in Iceland that you might want to
But before we start, which campervan company should you opt for? I recommend an Iceland campervan price study. The typical prices I found ranged from around €140 a day from November to March to €354 a day from June to August, which makes a real difference to your daily budget. Personally, I'd recommend visiting Iceland in winter rather than summer anyway, I dunno about you, but if I'm going somewhere cold, I want it to be cold cold? But maybe you're different, let's get into the blog post:
Vegan Recipes for a Campervan Trip Around Iceland
One of the best things about travelling in a campervan is that you can prepare your own meals rather than relying on restaurants. This is particularly handy in Iceland, where eating out regularly can make an already expensive trip even more expensive. Here are some easy vegan meals that don't require a fully equipped kitchen. Most can be made with just one saucepan and a few basic ingredients.
Pasta
This is a campervan staple. Try it with:
- Vegan pesto
- Tomato arrabbiata sauce, with red lentils added to "beef it up" (should I be saying lentil it up?)
- Tofu and cashew cream sauce
- Whatever vegetables look good, olive oil, maybe some nutritional yeast!
Baked beans with mushrooms on bread
Think baked beans on toast, but on ordinary bread because you probably won't have a toaster in your campervan.
Vegan hot dogs or burgers
Or both! Look for vegan sausages and burgers in larger supermarkets, although the selection will vary between shops.
Porridge
A lovely warm breakfast, especially on a cold Icelandic morning. I like mine with water and raisins, but you could use plant-based milk instead.
Stews
Easy to make in one pot. Add beans or lentils (or both!) for extra protein, along with whatever vegetables you have available.
Chilli
Another excellent one-pot meal. I like mine with kidney beans, tomatoes and plenty of spices. Serve it with rice or bread if you have them.
Stir-fry
Rice or noodles with tofu, spices, soy sauce and any vegetables you like. Just remember that rice needs to be cooked and stored safely if you make it in advance!
Sandwiches
Of course! Bread, peanut butter, hummus, vegan cheese and sandwich spreads are all useful things to have in your campervan.
Snacks
Peanuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, vegetables and hummus are all handy options for long drives and days spent exploring.
You don't need to make elaborate meals every day. A combination of simple breakfasts, packed lunches and a few easy dinners will leave you with more time to enjoy Iceland's incredible scenery.
Bónus is generally considered one of Iceland's budget supermarket chains, making it a good place to start when stocking up for a campervan trip. Krónan and Nettó are also worth checking out, particularly if you need a wider selection of ingredients or want to shop at whichever supermarket is most convenient for your route.
You'll generally have the best choice of vegan products in larger towns and cities. Supermarkets may stock plant-based milk, tofu, vegan meat alternatives, hummus, beans, lentils and other useful ingredients, but the selection varies between branches. Don't assume that a particular vegan brand or product will be available everywhere.
Brands such as Anamma and Tofurky are worth looking out for if you're hoping to buy vegan sausages, burgers or other meat alternatives. However, check what's currently stocked rather than planning your entire menu around a specific product.
Where to Buy Vegan Food in Iceland
Bónus is generally considered one of Iceland's budget supermarket chains, making it a good place to start when stocking up for a campervan trip. Krónan and Nettó are also worth checking out, particularly if you need a wider selection of ingredients or want to shop at whichever supermarket is most convenient for your route.
You'll generally have the best choice of vegan products in larger towns and cities. Supermarkets may stock plant-based milk, tofu, vegan meat alternatives, hummus, beans, lentils and other useful ingredients, but the selection varies between branches. Don't assume that a particular vegan brand or product will be available everywhere.
Brands such as Anamma and Tofurky are worth looking out for if you're hoping to buy vegan sausages, burgers or other meat alternatives. However, check what's currently stocked rather than planning your entire menu around a specific product.
Here are some things I'd buy when stocking up for a vegan campervan trip around Iceland.
One important thing to remember is that Iceland is a big country with some fairly remote stretches. You won't necessarily find a large supermarket in every town, and small local shops can be more expensive. I'd recommend doing a proper shop before leaving a larger town, particularly if you're planning to explore less populated areas.
There's no need to buy everything for the entire trip at once, though. Fresh food takes up space, and you don't want half your vegetables going soggy in the fridge. Stock up on long-lasting staples in Reykjavik and replenish your fresh ingredients as you go.
Unless you plan to eat only raw food, you'll need some way to cook. Fortunately, most campervans designed for self-catering come with at least some basic cooking facilities, although the exact equipment depends on the vehicle and rental company.
- Cooking oil: Olive oil, sunflower oil or whichever you prefer. A small bottle should be enough for several meals.
- Spices and seasonings: Salt, pepper, chilli powder, paprika, curry powder and mixed herbs can make simple ingredients much more exciting. You could bring small quantities from home, subject to airline rules, or buy them locally.
- Pasta and rice: Cheap, versatile staples that can form the basis of several meals.
- Tinned beans and lentils: Kidney beans, chickpeas, butter beans and lentils are useful for adding protein to stews, curries and chilli. Remember to bring a tin opener if you buy tins - even if the tins have ring pulls, sometimes those fall off.
- Pasta sauces and pesto: Check the ingredients to make sure they're vegan. Tomato-based sauces are particularly versatile.
- Bread and sandwich fillings: Peanut butter, hummus, vegan spreads and other sandwich ingredients make easy lunches. Check bread labels if you're unsure whether a particular loaf contains milk, butter or other animal-derived ingredients.
- Porridge oats: A filling breakfast that's inexpensive, easy to store and simple to prepare. You can use plant-based milk or water.
- Plant-based milk: Useful for porridge, tea, coffee and cereal. Choose a carton that suits your storage arrangements. One of the extra advantages of being vegan though is plant-based milks don't go off as quickly or as disgustingly as cow-milk. If you're in Iceland in winter, chances are this won't be an issue at all.
- Nuts and dried fruit: Peanuts and raisins make a particularly good combination of salty and sweet. They also keep well without refrigeration, provided they're stored properly.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables: Buy enough for the next few days, taking into account how much fridge space you have and when you'll next be able to shop.
- Easy backup meals: Crackers, instant noodles with vegan seasonings, cereal bars and other foods that need little or no preparation can be lifesavers when you're tired or the weather makes cooking less appealing.
One important thing to remember is that Iceland is a big country with some fairly remote stretches. You won't necessarily find a large supermarket in every town, and small local shops can be more expensive. I'd recommend doing a proper shop before leaving a larger town, particularly if you're planning to explore less populated areas.
There's no need to buy everything for the entire trip at once, though. Fresh food takes up space, and you don't want half your vegetables going soggy in the fridge. Stock up on long-lasting staples in Reykjavik and replenish your fresh ingredients as you go.
What Cooking Equipment Do You Need in a Campervan?
Unless you plan to eat only raw food, you'll need some way to cook. Fortunately, most campervans designed for self-catering come with at least some basic cooking facilities, although the exact equipment depends on the vehicle and rental company.
Before booking, check what's included. You don't want to arrive in Iceland and discover that the saucepan you assumed would be provided is actually an optional extra! At a minimum, I'd want the following:
You don't need to bring all this equipment from home if your rental company provides it. Instead, ask for an inventory before you travel and borrow or buy only what's missing.
I'd also check how the campervan is heated and whether it has a fridge. These details matter more in Iceland than they might on a summer road trip somewhere warmer. If you're travelling in winter, make sure the vehicle is suitable for the conditions and understand how its heating, water and electrical systems work.
Although cooking in your campervan is a great way to save money, you don't have to prepare every single meal yourself. Iceland has vegan restaurants and cafés, particularly in Reykjavík, as well as other places serving vegan options.
I'd recommend checking out the restaurants in Reykjavík before or after your road trip. Depending on how long you're travelling for, you may spend several days or even weeks away from the capital. You can enjoy restaurant meals at the beginning or end of your trip, then rely on your own delicious campervan cooking while exploring the countryside.
Think of it as a restaurant sandwich: a meal out at the start, some homemade meals in the middle, and another restaurant visit when you return!
For fully vegan food in Reykjavík, you could investigate Vegan World Peace and other vegan restaurants and cafés listed in current local guides. Check opening hours, menus and locations before you visit, as restaurants can change their offerings or close.
- A hob or stove: Check whether the campervan has a gas hob or another cooking facility, and whether fuel is included.
- One saucepan: You can make pasta, porridge, soup, stew and chilli in a single pot.
- A second pan: Preferably a frying pan, although another saucepan will do. Having two pans makes it easier to cook more than one component of a meal at a time, though of course it also means more washing up!
- A wooden spoon or cooking utensil: Essential for stirring sauces and preventing food from sticking.
- A tin opener: Although many tins have ring pulls, some don't, and there's nothing more frustrating than having a tin of beans you can't open.
- A sharp knife and chopping board: Handy for preparing vegetables, sandwiches and other simple meals.
- Plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery: Check whether these are supplied with the campervan.
- Washing-up liquid and a sponge: Check what's provided and make sure you can wash your cooking equipment properly.
- Food storage containers or reusable bags: Useful for keeping ingredients organised and storing leftovers safely.
You don't need to bring all this equipment from home if your rental company provides it. Instead, ask for an inventory before you travel and borrow or buy only what's missing.
I'd also check how the campervan is heated and whether it has a fridge. These details matter more in Iceland than they might on a summer road trip somewhere warmer. If you're travelling in winter, make sure the vehicle is suitable for the conditions and understand how its heating, water and electrical systems work.
Vegan Restaurants in Iceland
Although cooking in your campervan is a great way to save money, you don't have to prepare every single meal yourself. Iceland has vegan restaurants and cafés, particularly in Reykjavík, as well as other places serving vegan options.
I'd recommend checking out the restaurants in Reykjavík before or after your road trip. Depending on how long you're travelling for, you may spend several days or even weeks away from the capital. You can enjoy restaurant meals at the beginning or end of your trip, then rely on your own delicious campervan cooking while exploring the countryside.
Think of it as a restaurant sandwich: a meal out at the start, some homemade meals in the middle, and another restaurant visit when you return!
For fully vegan food in Reykjavík, you could investigate Vegan World Peace and other vegan restaurants and cafés listed in current local guides. Check opening hours, menus and locations before you visit, as restaurants can change their offerings or close.
There are also vegetarian restaurants and cafés around Iceland. Of course, vegetarian doesn't automatically mean vegan, but these places may offer vegan meals or be able to adapt certain dishes. Always check the ingredients, particularly in sauces, soups, dressings and baked goods, which may contain dairy, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.
When planning a route around Iceland, I'd look at the vegan options in the towns you're passing through rather than assuming you'll find a suitable restaurant when you arrive. This is especially useful if you're travelling through remote areas or visiting outside the main tourist season.
It's worth checking where the larger supermarkets are along your route and deciding roughly when you'll need to restock. If you're travelling somewhere remote, make sure you have enough food for the journey and a few easy backup meals in case your plans change.
This doesn't mean planning every meal down to the last ingredient. A little preparation simply makes it easier to enjoy the trip without worrying about where your next vegan meal will come from.
Check the size and capacity of your campervan's fridge before shopping. If you have limited refrigeration, prioritise ingredients that can be stored safely at room temperature until opened. Once you've opened a product, follow its storage instructions, and refrigerate leftovers promptly when required.
Try not to prepare more food than you can safely store. A one-pot dinner that you finish in one sitting is often the simplest option when you're travelling with limited space.
Iceland's weather can change quickly, and conditions can be particularly challenging in winter. Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions, and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. You can find travel advice and safety information through SafeTravel Iceland.
Remember that the freedom of a campervan doesn't mean you can park up anywhere for the night. Campervans generally need to use organised campsites unless the landowner or rights holder has given permission to stay elsewhere. Check local restrictions and campsite opening dates when planning your journey.
One of the lovely things about travelling around Iceland in a campervan is that you don't have to worry about finding a restaurant every time you're hungry. You can make a hot bowl of porridge while it's cold outside, prepare a sandwich before heading out for the day, or cook a hearty stew after a long walk.
Being vegan doesn't have to make a campervan holiday complicated. With a little preparation, a few versatile ingredients and some basic cooking equipment, you can eat well while enjoying Iceland's extraordinary landscapes.
When planning a route around Iceland, I'd look at the vegan options in the towns you're passing through rather than assuming you'll find a suitable restaurant when you arrive. This is especially useful if you're travelling through remote areas or visiting outside the main tourist season.
Extra Tips for a Vegan Campervan Holiday in Iceland
Plan Around Your Route, Not Just Your Appetite
It's worth checking where the larger supermarkets are along your route and deciding roughly when you'll need to restock. If you're travelling somewhere remote, make sure you have enough food for the journey and a few easy backup meals in case your plans change.
This doesn't mean planning every meal down to the last ingredient. A little preparation simply makes it easier to enjoy the trip without worrying about where your next vegan meal will come from.
Don't Forget Food Storage
Check the size and capacity of your campervan's fridge before shopping. If you have limited refrigeration, prioritise ingredients that can be stored safely at room temperature until opened. Once you've opened a product, follow its storage instructions, and refrigerate leftovers promptly when required.
Try not to prepare more food than you can safely store. A one-pot dinner that you finish in one sitting is often the simplest option when you're travelling with limited space.
Check the Weather and Road Conditions!
Iceland's weather can change quickly, and conditions can be particularly challenging in winter. Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions, and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. You can find travel advice and safety information through SafeTravel Iceland.
Remember that the freedom of a campervan doesn't mean you can park up anywhere for the night. Campervans generally need to use organised campsites unless the landowner or rights holder has given permission to stay elsewhere. Check local restrictions and campsite opening dates when planning your journey.
Enjoy the Freedom of Cooking for Yourself
One of the lovely things about travelling around Iceland in a campervan is that you don't have to worry about finding a restaurant every time you're hungry. You can make a hot bowl of porridge while it's cold outside, prepare a sandwich before heading out for the day, or cook a hearty stew after a long walk.
Being vegan doesn't have to make a campervan holiday complicated. With a little preparation, a few versatile ingredients and some basic cooking equipment, you can eat well while enjoying Iceland's extraordinary landscapes.
And, of course, you can still make time for the restaurants, cafés and vegan treats that catch your eye along the way. After all, you're on holiday! (Photo credits: Unsplash, Freysteinn G. Jonsson, VeganVsTravel)
