If you’re considering making Belize your home or planning a visit, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the country’s expenses, particularly in terms of groceries. In this article, we will explore the cost of living in Belize and provide insights into the common grocery items and their prices, allowing you to plan your budget more effectively.
Fresh Produce
Belize offers a delightful range of fresh fruits and vegetables, including bananas, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. These nutritious staples are generally affordable and readily available in local markets and supermarkets.
Here are the prices as of May 11, 2023, listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Please note that the exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
Vegetables
Tomato: 1 lb – $2.5
Cucumber: 1 lb – $1
Onion: 1 lb – $2.25 – $3
Carrot: 1 lb – $2
Potato: 1 lb – $2.5
Sweet potato: 1 lb – $1 – $1.5
Pepper: 1 lb – $3 – $6
Cabbage: 1 lb – $1
Celery: 1 lb – $4
Broccoli: 1 lb of $4.5
Cauliflower: 1 lb – $4
Fruits
Banana: 7 / $1
Apple: 1 / $1 – $2 (imported)
Avocado: 1 / $1.5 – $3 (seasonal)
Mango: 1/ $1 – $2 (seasonal)
Pineapple: 1 / $2.5 – $4
Orange: 4/ $1
Watermelon: 1 lb – $0.75
Cantaloupe: 1 lb – $2
Papaya: 1 lb – $2
Soursop: 1 lb – $4.5
Strawberry: 1 lb – $15 (imported)
Rice and Beans
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
Red kidney beans: 1 lb – $1.75 – $2
Black beans: 1 lb – $1.75 – 2
Rice: 1 lb – $1.5
- Lentil: 1 ls – $5
- Yellow peas: 1 lb – $2.5
Wheat Flour: 1 lb – $1 – $1.75
- Corn Flour: 1 lb – $1
- Pasta: 1 lb – $2.8
White sugar: 1 lb – $0.8
Brown sugar: 1 lb – $0.5
Seafood
Belize is known for its abundant seafood, including fish, shrimp, and lobster (season 1 July – 28 Feb), conch (season 1 Oct – 30 June) . While prices for seafood may vary depending on the type and availability, they generally offer good value.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Shrimp Medium: 1 lb – $19
- Lobster: 1 lb – $20 (seasonal)
- Conch Fillet: 1 lb – $16 (seasonal)
- Whole Fish plate size: 1 lb – $12
- Tilapia Fillet: 1 lb – $14
- Snapper Fillet: 1 lb – $21
Meat
Poultry, beef, and pork are also commonly consumed and can be found at reasonable prices in local meat shops.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Large Whole Chicken: 1 lb – $2.9
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb – $4.06
- Chicken Legs: 1 lb – $3.14
- Chicken Wings: 1 lb – $6.1
- Regular Turkey: 1 lb – $4.76
- Turkey Breast: 1 lb – $7.62
See Price list…
- Ground Beef: 1 lb – $7.65
- T-bone (Aged): 1 lb – $23.35
- Ribeye (Aged): 1 lb – $34.60
- Ground Pork: 1 lb – $7
- Pork Chops: 1 lb – $6.75
- Pork Tenderlion: 1lb – $10
See Price list…
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are available in most supermarkets and also at local farms. One of the main dairy companies in Belize is Western Dairies. But you will find many local farmers in any district.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Whole Milk: 1/2 gallon – $6 – $9.25
- Soy Milk: 1/2 liter – $2.5
- Cheddar: 1 lb – $10.75
- Mozzarella: 1 lb – $12.50
Beverages
In Belize, you can find a diverse range of beverages including coconut water, fresh squeezed juice, sorrel drink, tamarind drink, as well as popular soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Local vendors often sell coconut water and freshly squeezed juice made from fruits at markets and throughout the country, with some even offering the convenience of juicing fruits right in front of you.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Orange Juice : 1 gallon – $20
- Coconut Water: 1 gallon – $12
- Coca Cola: 1.5 liter – $4.5
- Cranberry Juice: 64 oz – $10
Beer
Belize has its own local breweries that produce a variety of beers. The two major breweries in Belize are Belikin Brewery and Caribbean Brewing Company. Belikin is the most well-known and widely consumed beer brand in the country.
In recent years, Belize has also seen a rise in craft beer production. Several small-scale breweries have emerged, offering unique and locally inspired flavors. These craft beers often incorporate local ingredients such as tropical fruits and spices, providing a distinct taste experience.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Belikin Beer : 1 bottle of 284 ml – $2.75
- Guinness: 1 bottle of 275 ml – $3.5
- Hobbs Craft IPA: 12 oz- $8.95
- Hobbs Craft Golden Ale: 12 oz- $8.95
Wine
Belize is not widely known for its local wine production. The climate and soil conditions in Belize are not particularly conducive to vineyard cultivation. As a result, the production of wine within the country is limited.
However, imported wines are available in Belize, and there are establishments that offer a selection of international wines.
Belize does have some local fruit wines that are produced using native fruits such as cashew, craboo, and sorosi. These fruit wines offer a unique taste and are often available at local markets, specialty shops, and some restaurants. They can provide an interesting and flavorful alternative to traditional grape wines.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
- Chilean Wine: starts from $25 per a bottle
- European Wine: starts from $35 per a bottle
- Sorrel Wine: 750 ml – $20
- Starfruit Wine: 750 ml – $28
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has aimed to provide an overview of grocery prices in Belize, covering the cost of various essential items such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and grains. The selection of groceries in Belize is still limited and inconsistent, but it is getting better every year.
I hope that this article has been informative and helpful for those interested in the cost of living in Belize. I have included pictures of additional groceries for readers to consider and I would like to mention that I plan to have an article focusing on utilities, internet services, and mobile providers in Belize.
The prices listed in BZD (Belize Dollar). Exchange rate is 2 BZD to 1 USD (United States Dollar).
Alisa
Marketing
