What Can I Buy at the Grocery Store?

Generally you can buy almost any basics in Belize that you can buy in the US.  You may have to travel across town, visit several stores, and/or pay “the price” if you are looking for something specific.  If you are a food connoisseur, you might be disappointed.  For example, while staying in another part of Belize a few years ago, one volunteer loved Mt. Dew.  We traveled to every store in the town until we found a source; needless to say, we bought them out but the volunteer was thankful to have Mt. Dew.  Different areas of Belize provide different foods.  In fact, we were used to having an abundance of potatoes and onions in the Stann Creek District.  However one local shared that potatoes were harder to come by in San Pedro. 

Two of our favorite groceries are Richie’s and the Greenhouse.  Richie’s, located at the round-a-bout, has reasonable prices and great customer service.  The Greenhouse always has a really nice supply of fresh produce and fairly decent prices.  They are located on Middle Street.  Some of the items found were an abundance of wheat pasta and even lady’s fingers for Tiramisu (can’t even find those in the States sometimes).  Some of the produce included romaine lettuce, broccoli and even Brussels sprouts.  There wasn’t an abundance, but they had them. 

The point being many foods are available; you just have to be flexible with your American taste buds.  Many local fruits are available like bananas (be careful that they are not too ripe), oranges, and grapefruits.  You have never tasted these fruits until you have eaten them in Belize – delicious!

Island Supermarket is located more on the southern part of town.  With several isles (they have those potatoes you may be looking for and a variety of cheese as well), it’s the largest supermarket in town but be ready to pay the tourist prices!  If you are more frugal, check out the fresh fruit and vegetable stand across the street from the Belize Yacht Club.  Her name is Maria and she is delightful.  She sells fresh juices as well by the gallon (orange, pineapple, mango, watermelon etc...)  We also heard that if you find yourself not feeling well for whatever reason, she was the bush doctor on the island before medical doctors were around.  She will fix you up with herbs and teas and other “all naturals” that will work. 

Several Mennonite farms produce vegetables, eggs, chicken, etc that are brought over from the mainland.  Fruits generally come from the mainland citrus farms.  If you are a big pork and beef eater, you might not be satisfied with the sausage or hamburger from Belize.  Fresh fish is almost always available from local fisherman.  A staple for many Belizeans is stew chicken with “rice and beans”; or “beans and rice”.  Yes, there is a difference!  (“Rice and bean” is mostly white rice cooked in coconut milk with some beans mixed in.  “Beans and rice” is stewed beans and a bed of white rice.).  Enjoy your venture to the store!  And bon appetit!