How much would you expect to pay for your average bag o’ Hersey Kisses in the Bahamas?
Today we made our first Bahamaian grocery trip to the City Market about 1/4 mile down from the marina. We needed a few items and were also curious about the prices as we had been cautioned to “bring as much as you can from the States because it’s so expensive in the Bahamas.”
For the most part, that is good advice but here in Nassau, we found that while on average, prices were about double that of typical grocery stores in the states, there were a few things that were on par with the states or a bit more and some that were alarmingly higher. For example, the almond milk that we drink was only $.30 more than what we pay in the states and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was still about a buck a box. On the flip side, items like cereal were $6-$10 per box (and we’re not talking the family size) and a 24 oz jar of peanut butter was $13.39. Toiletries were all around very expensive as toothpaste was $4.79 and boat-friendly toilet paper was $7.59 for a four pack.
Here are some other staples and what they ring in at:
- Cherry Tomatoes -$2.89 each
- Wheat Thins – $6.59
- Limes – 2 for $.98
- Mayo (16 oz jar) – $3.59
- Organic Baby Spinach – $4.99
- Bottled water – $9.99
- Pretzels – $4.59
- Dozen Eggland’s Best Organic – $3.65, Bahamian brand eggs – $1.67
One surprise was the availability of a wide range of organics, from milk to mac n’ cheese (Annie’s brand) and even Boca Veggie Burgers. We expect prices to get higher as we move further south to more remote islands and have provisioned accordingly. A few things that we already wish we would have brought a bit more of are healthful cereals, granola for yogurt, healthful cookies and chips, dry roasted sunflower kernels and of course more produce, but we look forward to transitioning to more local fare as we go.
Here’s our master provisioning list for download in case it may save other cruisers some time (less for our food choices, more for the template shared with us).
That’s it for now. It’s off to cook some of this food for dinner.
Is it at all possible to ship a box of stuff to you? Cereal? Whatever?
The Windwards are expensive too if you make it down here. Though I’ve heard it can be a lot cheaper in the summer when more local produce is available. It’s strange to be surrounded by lush rainforest but finding expensive imported Canadian carrots and Idaho potatoes in the grocery stores. Even the produce in the markets wasn’t cheap at this time of year. I think the $40EC ($15US) for a medium watermellon was one of the most shocking.
Hey Janay! While it is possible to ship some stuff to us, it’s really not worth it as there’s a 65% import duty plus misc. receiving charges. Crazy huh? We have plenty of provisions onboard (will just make the shift from cereal to oatmeal and eggs) and are looking to transitioning to more local cuisine ;o). BUT – if you want to ship you and Maurice for a tropic visit, we’d L-O-V-E to have you :o). Miss you so much friend. Love you!
Thanks for your note, Skye. Good to know what’s to come in terms of provisions down the tropical line. Looks like we need to start learning to grow some crops onboard eh ;o). Wishing you and your family a great week!
We have found that farmers and small local grocery markets tend to have way lower prices than what you are getting at the big chain groceries (and the food hasn’t used as much fuel to get there!). We also find that making our list heavy on bulk foods, leaves us healthier and we enjoy being stewards of the land (and the big back yard!) by not adding as much plastic and packaging to the beautiful world we are blessed to live in.