Grocery Shopping

Buying groceries in Roatan is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to know about what is available and where to shop. Here’s a guide on what to expect:

Grocery Stores in Roatan

Roatan has several grocery stores where you can purchase basic staples, fresh produce, and some imported goods. Here are the main options:

West End/West Bay Supermarkets

The Supermarket (West End): A smaller local grocery store, it carries a range of items like fruits, vegetables, and pantry essentials, as well as some packaged and frozen foods.
Eldons (Coxen Hole): Located in the main town, this is one of the larger stores where you'll find both local and international products. It is well-stocked with many common items, including cleaning supplies, canned goods, snacks, dairy, and some frozen foods.
Banana's Supermarket (in French Harbour): A mid-sized store with a variety of items, including some imported products.

Eldon's has items you would expect to find in a US based grocery store.

Smaller Local Markets

These markets, often scattered in West Bay and West End, focus mainly on fresh fruits, vegetables, local meats, and seafood. They are great for buying local produce but may have limited shelf-stable goods or non-Honduran brands.

Staples in Roatan Grocery Stores

You will find most of the essential groceries you'd need for daily life, but there are some items that may be harder to find or might be more expensive compared to what you'd pay in the US or mainland Honduras. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically available:

Fresh Produce

Local fruits and vegetables: You’ll find bananas, papayas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelon, tomatoes, avocados, onions, and more. These are generally fresh and affordable.

Imported produce: Some imported items like apples, potatoes, and lettuce are available, but they can sometimes be more expensive due to the cost of importation.

Fresco has amazing organic vegatables and now has a good meat selection.

Pantry Staples

Rice: Available in bulk and typically inexpensive.

Beans: Common varieties like black beans and red beans are widely available.

Pasta and noodles: Various types of pasta, including spaghetti, are easy to find.

Flour and sugar: You can find flour, sugar, and other baking essentials, but specialty items like almond flour or other gluten-free options might be harder to come by.

Dairy and Eggs

Milk: You can find fresh milk, as well as boxed milk (UHT) which has a longer shelf life.

Cheese: Cheese options include local varieties as well as some imported cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese.

Yogurt: There are local and some international brands available.

Eggs: Fresh eggs are available in most stores.

Meats and Protein

Chicken: Widely available, often frozen or fresh.

Beef and Pork: Pork is available, but beef is less common and often more expensive.

Seafood: Fresh fish and shrimp are available, particularly in coastal areas like West End and West Bay. Lobster may be in season depending on the time of year.

Canned goods: You’ll find canned meats, beans, vegetables, and soups.

Breads and Bakery

Bread is widely available, with options ranging from white bread to whole wheat and local varieties like "pan de coco" (coconut bread). Bakery items are also common, and you can find pastries at some markets.

Imported US Foods

Roatan has a decent selection of US-imported food, particularly in Eldon’s. Some of the US products you can find include:

Cereals: Popular US brands like Cheerios, Cornflakes, and Special K are available.
Snack foods: Chips, cookies, and crackers from US brands like Lay's, Doritos, Oreos, and Ritz.
Condiments: Heinz ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and various dressings.
Frozen foods: You can find frozen pizzas, frozen vegetables, and frozen meat like chicken nuggets and fries.
Canned goods: Common canned products like Campbell’s soups, canned vegetables, and tuna.
Beverages: Coffee (including Starbucks), tea, and soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.).
Specialty items: Certain health foods, such as granola bars, peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy), and cereals, can be found in larger stores.

Things to Keep in Mind

Prices: Imported goods tend to be more expensive than local items, especially in smaller stores or if you're buying from more tourist-centric areas.

Availability: While the major supermarkets are well-stocked, items may be out of stock or seasonal depending on demand and supply chain issues.

Local Specialty Items: You might also find regional Honduran foods such as tortillas, local cheeses, tropical fruit preserves, and specialty hot sauces.

It’s a good idea to bring reusable grocery bags with you, as bags are not something they supply in the grocery store.