Specific items?

[Rebecky]

I am grateful how people will often remind us that Spain is not a third world country and almost everything we need would be available on the Camino. I hope I'm not overburdening the forum, but I did want to ask about some specific items. Can anyone confirm whether or not I would likely be able to buy
A: a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?
B) Castile soap, like Kirk's or Dr Bronner's (I know - you have to imagine that the Castile region of Spain would have Castile soap).
C) Peanut butter
D) and I think someone said hummus may be available in larger towns..?
Muchas gracias in advance to those of you who have knowledge about this.

 

[Tincatinker]

Yes

 

[Grousedoctor]

Although I can’t speak to the Victorinox, My favorite knife on and off the Camino is the French made Opinel. That knife you can definitely buy in SJPP. As you mentioned a miniature Swiss Army knife, the Opinel come in a variety of sizes. Although the No.8 is probably the most common, the No. 6 would be an excellent choice in a smaller format.

 

[J Willhaus]

Peanut butter in my experience, maybe. You are more likely to find hummus than peanut butter.

 

[Flog]

Spain is a very civilized country. You mightn't find the exact things you're looking for in SJPDP (or in a Spanish town after day one), but you'll find what you need. Try to adapt and make do if your exact requirements aren't met. This is something most of us find ourselves doing when we walk..

 

[Tincatinker]

To expand: la Boutique du Pelerin in St Jean definitely stocks Victorinox. Email them in advance and they’ll obtain a specific for you.
Castile soap usually comes in blocks but you’ll find wet soap of most inclinations in Decathlons and other “outdoor” stores scattered the length of the Frances. Peanut butter: El Corte Ingles stores definitely, most supermarkets. Hummus? You are in garbanzo land. The Spanish do things with chickpeas that you have never imagined. Again most supermarkets stock garbanzos mashed up with oil and water and a pinch of salt and sell it at a premium. Some of it is reasonably edible on a hungry day. High quality pre-cooked chickpeas are readily available, as is garlic, oil and salt. And tahini….

Buen Camino

ps: I like to have a corkscrew on my swarmy knife ( just for emergencies)

 

[Rebecky]

Although I can’t speak to the Victorinox, My favorite knife on and off the Camino is the French made Opinel. That knife you can definitely buy in SJPP. As you mentioned a miniature Swiss Army knife, the Opinel come in a variety of sizes. Although the No.8 is probably the most common, the No. 6 would be an excellent choice in a smaller format.

View attachment 147715

Great, thanks so much for the suggestion and screenshot- much appreciated

 

[Rebecky]

To expand: la Boutique du Pelerin in St Jean definitely stocks Victorinox. Email them in advance and they’ll obtain a specific for you.
Castile soap usually comes in blocks but you’ll find wet soap of most inclinations in Decathlons and other “outdoor” stores scattered the length of the Frances. Peanut butter: El Corte Ingles stores definitely, most supermarkets. Hummus? You are in garbanzo land. The Spanish do things with chickpeas that you have never imagined. Again most supermarkets stock garbanzos mashed up with oil and water and a pinch of salt and sell it at a premium. Some of it is reasonably edible on a hungry day. High quality pre-cooked chickpeas are readily available, as is garlic, oil and salt. And tahini….

Buen Camino

ps: I like to have a corkscrew on my swarmy knife ( just for emergencies)

Ah, perfect! I'll order the knife and consider making my own hummus! ¡Muchas gracias!

 

[lt56ny]

a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?

If you can make it to Pamplona, go to the Caminoteca store. They sell very inexpensive knifes that are like knock offs of Swiss Army. They work just fine and have just about, if not all the features you would be looking for.

 

[Quiltify]

Being a peanut butter addict, I was disappointed to find the peanut butter in Spain, that I checked, had many ingredients, most of which were not healthy. I found no peanut butter that had only peanuts; consequently, I learned to live without this staple on the Camino. Just a word of warning...

 

[SioCamino]

Just re the Dr Bronners castile soap, i too use it as my basic body and clothes washing soap. On occasion I've lost or used up the bar I've brought with me. I don't recall ever seeing the brand in health food/life stores (only in the bigger towns/cities), but i have always been able to find an equivalent product in those types of shops.

 

[Arleene]

I am grateful how people will often remind us that Spain is not a third world country and almost everything we need would be available on the Camino. I hope I'm not overburdening the forum, but I did want to ask about some specific items. Can anyone confirm whether or not I would likely be able to buy
A: a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?
B) Castile soap, like Kirk's or Dr Bronner's (I know - you have to imagine that the Castile region of Spain would have Castile soap).
C) Peanut butter
D) and I think someone said hummus may be available in larger towns..?
Muchas gracias in advance to those of you who have knowledge about this.

I bought the knife you mentioned above in an outdoor store in SJPP in 2016. The outdoor store had great extended hours, early morning and late in the evening.

I asked about peanut butter in a grocery store and they said they do not have peanut butter in Spain but there was Nutella. I never did see it in the grocery stores. Not sure if anyone else found it

 

[Tickbush]

If you can make it to Pamplona, go to the Caminoteca store. They sell very inexpensive knifes that are like knock offs of Swiss Army. They work just fine and have just about, if not all the features you would be looking for.

I just stopped into this store and bought such a knife for 6.20. Blades are hard to open, will need a little oil. No tweezers or toothpick, but useful.

 

[mattythedog]

I am grateful how people will often remind us that Spain is not a third world country and almost everything we need would be available on the Camino. I hope I'm not overburdening the forum, but I did want to ask about some specific items. Can anyone confirm whether or not I would likely be able to buy
A: a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?
B) Castile soap, like Kirk's or Dr Bronner's (I know - you have to imagine that the Castile region of Spain would have Castile soap).
C) Peanut butter
D) and I think someone said hummus may be available in larger towns..?
Muchas gracias in advance to those of you who have knowledge about this.

I love peanut butter, but have never seen it in Spain. Other posts say it’s available. You can buy a lot of things, but I found that most of USA brands are rare, outfitter stores likely to be closed when you arrive or you need to get to a very large city…. And then the store is closed when you arrive, but you will survive.

 

[Robertb345]

Just re the Dr Bronners castile soap, i too use it as my basic body and clothes washing soap. On occasion I've lost or used up the bar I've brought with me. I don't recall ever seeing the brand in health food/life stores (only in the bigger towns/cities), but i have always been able to find an equivalent product in those types of shops.

Lidl has there own brand they sell in the states, I expect in Europe too. Lots of locations. But hopefully they offer a smaller size in Spain.

 

[SioCamino]

Lidl has there own brand they sell in the states, I expect in Europe too. Lots of locations. But hopefully they offer a smaller size in Spain.
View attachment 147808

I've certainly never seen it in a Lidl in Ireland but perhaps they stock it in Spain. I do think that the stock that Lidl or Aldi carry varies by the local market/country.

 

[lt56ny]

I just stopped into this store and bought such a knife for 6.20. Blades are hard to open, will need a little oil. No tweezers or toothpick, but useful.

Yes they are a little hard to open as I remember but not too bad. I remembered it didn't have all the little goodies of the Swiss Army Knife but very useful.

 

[Anna Futrell]

I am grateful how people will often remind us that Spain is not a third world country and almost everything we need would be available on the Camino. I hope I'm not overburdening the forum, but I did want to ask about some specific items. Can anyone confirm whether or not I would likely be able to buy
A: a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?
B) Castile soap, like Kirk's or Dr Bronner's (I know - you have to imagine that the Castile region of Spain would have Castile soap).
C) Peanut butter
D) and I think someone said hummus may be available in larger towns..?
Muchas gracias in advance to those of you who have knowledge about this.

I bought a swiss army knife with everything across from the pilgrim's office, can't miss the shop. Peanut butter very hard to find but hummus has been in all the bigger groceries as well as guacamole. I have not seen Castile soap but I haven't looked.

 

[freyam]

Good to know that peanut butter may not be readily available. I rely on it as an easy gluten free snack (try it on apple slices). Hoping now that the Camino will provide.

 

[J Willhaus]

You can usually buy peanuts or other nuts if not peanut butter. I have made peanut butter from peanuts with an immersion blender for recipes as a hospitalera. Also made hummus for vegan and vegetarian pilgrims.

 

[Former member 92300]

A) Perhaps not the "brand" you want - but you should have no problem finding one
B) Probably - but if not - similar items
C) Less likely - peanut butter is less popular in Europe
D) I saw hummus in all of the chain supermarkets - so go to the bigger supermarkets in the bigger towns/cities if you are having trouble finding in the small markets.

 

[AnneMarie1]

I love peanut butter, but have never seen it in Spain. Other posts say it’s available. You can buy a lot of things, but I found that most of USA brands are rare, outfitter stores likely to be closed when you arrive or you need to get to a very large city…. And then the store is closed when you arrive, but you will survive.

When I lived in Madrid, you could get peanut butter in larger grocery stores, but it was found in the section with kids’ snack foods.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I love natural chunky peanut butter at home and use it on toast, apple slices, and add it to banana smoothies as the flavors compliment one another.
I have never noticed it in Spain's supermarkets, but did not think to seek it out for using on their breads...maybe next time.

 

[GABirdGirl]

I’m taking powdered PB2 to make my peanut butter. I usually add it to oatmeal for an extra protein kick, or whip up a smidge for apple slices.

 

[Tigger]

Ah, Peanut Butter! In the States Jiff makes a peanut butter in a collapsible pouch. If you are checking your pack perhaps you could look for something like this (and take your knife). However, the starting weight is 16 oz. Something to be considered.

I always allow 7 lbs for daily food, water, and edibles in my pack. This includes 1.5 ltr of water, granola or granola bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, candies, and gum already in my pack, and the daily fresh groceries like a sandwich, fruit, cheese, etc that I may buy along the way. It can add up fast.

 

[Seekingpeace]

@GABirdGirl: powdered PB? Your post has opened a whole new universe of possibility for me!

Like you, @freyam I am also gluten free and often do PB + apple slices. I found these 1.15oz PB packets locally and because I was able to slim down my toiletries for the Camino, am planning on stuffing some of these in my quart size bag to carry on the plane.

 

[Tigger]

That looks like a good option compared to the Jiff I mentioned. It is .3 oz per serving lighter and packaged in individual servings. (Same protein) Perhaps a bit more expensive, but if someone only wants a few packs rather than a 16 oz container it makes sense. Great find!

Edit: Wow, Yes, it is Organic but 5x more expensive than the Jiff! US Carry on size limit is 100ml or 3.4 oz so the pouch will make it (TSA quart bag limit of liquids in States would limit quantity). Not sure if all other countries have the same limit. If checking pack either works and one could always reduce the quantity in the Jiff pouch before departure if all 16 oz is not needed.

 

[bsmorgan]

Good to know that peanut butter may not be readily available. I rely on it as an easy gluten free snack (try it on apple slices). Hoping now that the Camino will provide.

Great selection of Gluten Free foods in the supermarkets. Well signed.

 

[freyam]

Great selection of Gluten Free foods in the supermarkets. Well signed.

Thank you- I had heard that. I’m sure I won’t go hungry.

 

[J Willhaus]

I am grateful how people will often remind us that Spain is not a third world country and almost everything we need would be available on the Camino. I hope I'm not overburdening the forum, but I did want to ask about some specific items. Can anyone confirm whether or not I would likely be able to buy
A: a Victorinox- miniature Swiss army knife with toothpick and tweezers? In SJPP?
B) Castile soap, like Kirk's or Dr Bronner's (I know - you have to imagine that the Castile region of Spain would have Castile soap).
C) Peanut butter
D) and I think someone said hummus may be available in larger towns..?
Muchas gracias in advance to those of you who have knowledge about this.

Hi @Rebecky.
I saw peanut butter today in Pamplona at a small fruit and grocery stand on the Camino. Posting a photo of the front.

C. Mercaderes, 12, 31001 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

 

[Molly Cassidy]

In a supermarket in the Basque Country today I found two different brands of whole, natural peanut butter with no additives. Perhaps tomorrow I will even remember the name of the supermarket.

It's been a long day.

 

[Rebecky]

Lidl has there own brand they sell in the states, I expect in Europe too. Lots of locations. But hopefully they offer a smaller size in Spain.
View attachment 147808

Great, thank you! Appreciate the screen shot!

 

[Rebecky]

In a supermarket in the Basque Country today I found two different brands of whole, natural peanut butter with no additives. Perhaps tomorrow I will even remember the name of the supermarket.

It's been a long day.

Ha, ha - thank you! I suspect that if and when I find PB, I'll just count it as a bonus to my day.

 

[Rebecky]

Hi @Rebecky.
I saw peanut butter today in Pamplona at a small fruit and grocery stand on the Camino. Posting a photo of the front.
View attachment 148176
C. Mercaderes, 12, 31001 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Oh, great, that is so helpful! Thank you!

 

[Rebecky]

Being a peanut butter addict, I was disappointed to find the peanut butter in Spain, that I checked, had many ingredients, most of which were not healthy. I found no peanut butter that had only peanuts; consequently, I learned to live without this staple on the Camino. Just a word of warning...

Ahh.... thanks for the heads up. A good thing to remember - sometimes we get what we think we wanted, only to find out that it's really not what we wanted after all. Thanks for the wisdom for the road...