On any given day of the week, people in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye are busy grabbing groceries at their nearest store to get their shopping list done and of course, for the right price. Recently with the effects of inflation, saving one penny here and is very important, thus, shopping must be more strategic these days. Not to mention that the cost of living in San Pedro is higher than that of the rest of Belize. Depending on what we may need for the weekend or that day, let’s see how best we can shop on the island. Let’s get on it and get groceries in San Pedro.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruteria Michell on Ambergris Caye. Image via Dion Vansen
You will find better deals on fruits and vegetables directly at the fruit and veggie shops on the middle or back streets. Especially when produce comes to the island by the Embarcadero side near the Saca Chispas field at the beginning of the week. Besides choosing from a fresher product, you may even get a deal if you are buying in the bulk.
Warm Tortillas, Anyone?
Leonel’s Corn Tortilla Factory. Image via TripAdvisor
If you do not make your own tortillas, likely corn rather than flour, to make your morning tacos, you can purchase directly from the tortilla factory. Either head there early morning to beat the lines in town, or simply take it easy and wait for them to be delivered for an even better deal. Options include Marina’s store on Seagrape Drive, Rocks Supermarket, or Dorado’s on Pescador Drive (middle street), and pick up a bundle of tortillas without standing in line. But don’t snooze for too long because they can go as quickly as hot bread. If that’s the case, there’ll be none available until close to lunchtime. My recommendation, if you can and have the time, make a trip to the tortilla factory now and then, to save a few dollars.
Carb Me Up
The treats at Casa Pan Dulce.
Casa Pan Dulce is a favorite place to get your bread and sweet treats at a couple cents cheaper than in-store of a supermarket. You can find these same bakery products at stores across town, but for perhaps a bit more. The mission here is to save a few shillings (quarters). From the bakery, just stroll across the street and walk into Lino’s meat shop for the freshest cuts of the day which are known for their local deals. One thing about them: they close during lunchtime.
A Staple Belizean Protein: Chicken
A lot of people go for Quality Poultry products, which have discounted specials almost on a weekly basis and on Fridays, offer a 10% discount. Always be on the lookout when you pass their branch downtown, look out for that Friday special. Any more deals on chicken? Visit Caribbean Chicken by the Escalante area south of town to compare their prices and inquire about their deal offers.
The Basics and Snacks
Las Vegas, US – NOV 18, 2018: Wide selection of potato chip or junk food on shelf display in a convenient store at Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Almost all stores in town have a bit of everything including dairy products, prepackaged produce, and local and international products, but if you want to see a great variety, check out SuperBuy Supermarket either downtown, south, or north of town. The variety is insane and if you need some snacks, they have it all. Doritos, Cheetos, you name it! For this reason, don’t waste precious luggage space on snacks unless it’s a specialty item. Super Buy will have the variety, which you pay for, so if your visit overlaps any time on the mainland, purchasing pantry items in Belize City can also save you a few coins. Bonus: Stores like SuperBuy can even deliver your groceries to the place where you live or are staying.
