One of the advantages of Puerto Rico being a US territory is that you can find Costco, Walmart, and other mainland retail chains (if that is your preference). But understanding the full grocery landscape, including local options can expose you to many products you might not otherwise try, and this can make your stay more authentic.
Costco
Yes, Puerto Rico has Costco.
- Costco Caguas (Avenida Las Catalinas, Caguas) is the largest and most convenient for visitors staying in San Juan.
- Costco Bayamón is located in the western San Juan metro area.
- Costco Humacao is located on the east coast and is convenient for those staying near Fajardo.
The Costco experience is identical to the mainland and Puerto Rico Costco locations are popular and busy, particularly on weekends. Your standard US Costco membership works. There are a couple of things to note before you go: items that require refrigeration during shipping can be more expensive than US mainland Costcos due to import costs. And, you can expect very long lines just to enter Costco and to check out. You were warned.
Walmart
Walmart has multiple locations across the island with more than a dozen Puerto Rico Walmart Supercenters including locations in Caguas, Bayamón, Aguadilla, Arecibo, and Ponce. The Puerto Rico Walmarts are full Supercenters with grocery departments, electronics, and clothing. What is interesting is that the food section in Puerto Rico Walmart stocks more Caribbean-specific products (plantains, sofrito, sazon, a wide selection of Puerto Rican condiments).
Sam's Club
Sam's Club (also Walmart-owned) has locations in Caguas and Bayamón. Similar to Costco, with a cheaper membership. This is popular with businesses and large families.
Local Supermarket Chains
Mr. Special / Econo: Puerto Rico's most widespread local supermarket chain, with locations in most towns across the island. They have competitive prices, strong local product selection, and are the best places to find Puerto Rican brands. The sofrito, sazon, and Café Yaucono coffee selection at Econo is better than at any mainland chain.
Pueblo Supermarkets: Slightly more upscale than Econo, with better prepared food sections and an excellent fresh seafood counter. Similar to most grocery store deli counters, they are good for picking up ready-to-eat items.
Selectos Supermarkets: Found primarily in the San Juan metro area. They are clean, well-stocked, and offer really good fresh produce and butcher sections.
Ralph's (BJ's-affiliated): Warehouse club operating mainly in the northeast. While less common, though useful if you're staying in the Fajardo area.
Colmados, or, The Neighborhood Store
The colmado is Puerto Rico's neighborhood corner store (think, bodega) with a combination of small groceries, rum bars, and which acts as a community gathering point. Every residential neighborhood in Puerto Rico has at least one, and they are open from early morning until late at night (some 24 hours). They sell "essentials" like beer served from a cooler, rum by the bottle or shot, bread, canned goods, cigarettes, lottery tickets, and whatever the owner decided to stock that week. While prices are higher than supermarkets for the convenience, the colmado is a cultural institution where regulars sit outside on plastic chairs, there's usually a domiños game, and the music is always on.
Farmers Markets and Local Produce
Mercado de Santurce (Santurce): Puerto Rico's oldest and most animated public market with fresh tropical fruits (chironja, quenepas, tamarind, star fruit), vegetables, fish, Puerto Rican condiments, and prepared food. They are open daily in the mornings except Sunday.
Agricultural fairs and town plazas: Many Puerto Rican municipalities host weekend agricultural markets with local farm produce, artisanal food products, and coffee directly from mountain coffee fincas.