10 Must-Try Grocery Items to Fill Up Your Cart in Costa Rica
Costa Rican grocery stores are full of surprises—some tasty, some quirky, and some you’ll want to bring home in bulk. From unexpected toothpaste flavors to soda that tastes like a tropical vacation, here’s what to look for the next time you’re shopping in Costa Rica.
Lizano Sauce
Popular condiment used in Costa Rican cooking that is amazing on eggs, chicken, and black beans.
Fanta
Kolita-flavored Fanta is a unique flavor to Costa Rica—tutti-fruity flavored soda with hints of vanilla and floral strawberry popular in Costa Rica.
Beer
The official beer of Costa Rica, Imperial. A smooth and easy drinking pale lager.
Fresh Fruit
Bananas, mangos and pineapple, all super sweet and fresh.
Coffee
The volcanic soils and ideal climate of the Costa Rican coffee growing regions produce a premium local coffee, often with notes of citrus or chocolate.
Yippee Cookies
Layers of wafers filled with vanilla and covered in chocolate, reminiscent of a Kit Kat but a million times better.
Toothpaste
Fun to try flavors that aren’t the typical mint come in tubes of coconut ginger, lemon, and orange guava.
Lime Snacks
Lime peanuts, lime plantain chips, lime tea—anything lime flavored in Costa Rica is always a good choice.
Neapolitan Ice Cream
Same three-flavor concept only with lime, vanilla, and strawberry. Dos Pinos is the best brand to try.
Jam
Unusual and delicious flavors like guanabana, papaya, and guava packaged in a handy squeezable pouch.
My family always loads up on favorites before we fly home—Lizano, Fanta, weird toothpaste flavors—you name it. It’s our way of bringing a bit Costa Rica with us.
If you’re thinking about a trip of your own, I’d love to help you plan one that’s just as full of good memories.
