Venturing into a grocery store in a foreign country offers a fascinating glimpse into the local culture, eating habits, and daily life. After spending considerable time in both the United States and Mexico, the differences in their supermarkets are striking and reveal a wealth of information about how people in each country truly eat. This exploration goes beyond typical cookbooks and tourist guides, offering a real taste of cultural nuances.
This comparison is based on observations from supermarkets in south Austin (HEB and Randalls) and south Mexico City (Walmart and Mega of the Commercial Mexicana chain). These stores cater to a similar demographic, ranging from upper-middle class to lower-middle class shoppers, and are comparable in size.
While industry insiders in cross-border chains and multinational corporations are well aware of these distinctions, this knowledge is rarely shared publicly. For readers accustomed to the American supermarket experience, this guide highlights the unique aspects of Mexican Grocery Stores.
Dairy Delights: Yogurt, Crema, and More
The dairy section in Mexican grocery stores immediately stands out with its extensive selection of yogurt, particularly drinkable varieties. It’s common to see shoppers stocking up on large quantities of these yogurts, alongside gelatinas (gelatin desserts) which are also typically found in the dairy aisle. The quality of crema (Mexican sour cream) and fresh cream is notably superior in Mexico, a subtle but significant difference for those who appreciate fresh dairy.
Alt text: Wide aisle in a Mexican grocery store dairy section showcasing various brands of yogurt drinks and gelatin desserts.
Packaged Goods: A World of Rice, Beans, and Unique Flavors
Moving beyond the chilled section, packaged goods in Mexican grocery stores tell a story of staple ingredients and distinct tastes. Long-life milk in tetrapaks is abundant, available in various sizes and fat percentages. Nido milk powder, a Nestlé product popular in Mexico, is prominently displayed, including versions tailored for different age groups and whole milk options ideal for homemade yogurt.
Rice and beans are pantry staples, with Mexican stores offering a greater variety of beans, many of which are locally sourced. While the rice selection might be less diverse than in the US, the bean aisle is a treasure trove of Mexican varieties. Herb teas are favored over black tea, often presented in single, unmixed flavors. Coffee consumption is evolving, though Nescafé remains a dominant brand.
Cookie aisles feature budget-friendly options like the Marinela line from Bimbo, known for its iconic Gansitos chocolate-covered cakes. Oreos are a familiar sight, bridging cultures. Galletas saladas (soda crackers) and habaneros crackers are local favorites. Bimbo bread, a ubiquitous brand in Mexico, also has a strong presence.
Canned vegetables are less prevalent, mainly limited to mushrooms, corn, tomato puree, and mixed vegetables for rice. Mexican brands like Herdez, a company with a US presence under Hormel, dominate this section. Bottled and tetrapak sauces are plentiful, showcasing an array of Mexican red, green, and mole sauces, along with essential condiments like hot sauces, salsa Maggi, salsa inglesa (Worcestershire sauce), and soy sauce. Mayonnaise is also stocked in large quantities. Packaged cake mixes, including Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines, are gaining popularity, competing with local brands.
Contrary to the stereotype of lard being a primary cooking fat in Mexico, a comparison reveals that cooking oil dominates, with rows of bottles vastly outweighing the limited selection of lard packets. Exotic food aisles primarily feature Jewish, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, while Goya products, common in US Hispanic aisles, are less prominent in Mexico. Pet food options are considerably less extensive and varied compared to US stores.
Alt text: Well-stocked shelves in a Mexican grocery store aisle filled with various types of rice and dried beans in colorful packaging.
Meat and Seafood: Thin Cuts, Tripe, and Fresh Fish
The meat section in Mexican supermarkets largely mirrors the US preference for boneless cuts, but with a key difference: meat is typically sliced thinly rather than thickly. This thin-cut style caters to street food vendors who purchase in bulk, and milanesa (thin, breaded slices of beef, pork, or chicken) is a widely popular dish, possibly on its way to becoming a national favorite.
Fish and seafood are displayed on ice, particularly during Lent, indicating a focus on freshness. More adventurous options like tripe and pigs’ feet are also available, reflecting traditional Mexican cuisine.
Alt text: Fresh seafood counter in a Mexican grocery store with various types of fish and shellfish laid out on ice.
Deli Delights: Spanish Influence and Local Cheeses
The deli section reveals a Spanish influence in packed sliced meats. Chorizo is a staple, and mountains of pink wieners from brands like FUD (part of Sigma Alimentos) are prominently featured – another potential contender for a national dish. Bacon is also readily available.
The cheese selection leans heavily towards Mexican varieties like fresco, cotija, crema, chihuahua, and quesillo. However, the presence of foreign cheeses is growing, mainly Spanish Manchego, Dutch Gouda, and French Brie and Camembert, some of which are produced locally in Mexico. Items like grape leaves and hummus are also found in the deli area.
Alt text: Close-up of a Mexican grocery store deli counter showcasing a variety of sliced deli meats and cheeses, including Mexican queso fresco.
Bakery and Tortilleria: Fresh Bread and Authentic Tortillas
In-store bakeries in Mexican supermarkets recreate the charm of traditional panaderías, with aluminum trays and tongs for customers to select bolillos (crusty rolls) and pan dulce (sweet bread) from wooden bins and shelves. The sheer variety of pan dulce is impressive, with around 80 types, though many are variations on core themes. “Artisanal” European-style breads and birthday cakes are also available, although the overall quality is comparable to US supermarket bakeries.
The tortilleria, producing fresh corn tortillas, is a bustling hub, often with the longest lines in the store. Tortillas are sold in ½ and 1-kilo packages, alongside other corn-based items like sopes, tiritos, and totopos.
Alt text: Display of pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) in a Mexican grocery store bakery, with a customer using tongs to select items.
Snacks and Drinks: Familiar Brands with a Mexican Twist
The snack and soft drink aisles show a significant overlap with US offerings, unsurprising given that Sabritas, Mexico’s largest snack company, is part of PepsiCo. Large bags of potato chips and chicharrón (pork rinds) are common, though dips are less varied. Mexican soda brands like Jarritos add local flavor. Bottled water is essential due to concerns about tap water quality, but designer water brands are less common.
Alt text: Grocery store aisle featuring snack foods and soft drinks, including recognizable brands and Mexican sodas like Jarritos.
Fruits and Vegetables: Freshness, Variety, and Local Gems
The produce section is a highlight of Mexican grocery stores. While offering familiar fruits and vegetables found in US stores, the produce in Mexico is often fresher and more affordable. The selection includes more melons and tropical fruits, alongside uniquely Mexican items like romeritos, nopales (cactus pads), and huazontle. A greater variety of fresh and dried chiles and ingredients for aguas frescas (fresh fruit drinks), such as tamarind pods, guavas, and dried jamaica (hibiscus) blossoms, are also available.
Alt text: Abundant produce section in a Mexican grocery store with colorful displays of fresh fruits and vegetables, including tropical varieties.
Alcohol: Rum, Tequila, and Local Beer
Rum, brandy, and tequila are the top-selling alcoholic beverages, with many rum brands produced by major international corporations. Wine consumption is increasing, with Argentinian and Chilean wines being popular affordable choices. However, beer remains the everyday drink of choice, featuring Mexican brands and Heinekens, as Heineken owns FEMSA, one of Mexico’s major beverage companies alongside Modelo.
Alt text: Shelves stocked with alcoholic beverages in a Mexican grocery store, featuring tequila bottles and local Mexican beer brands.
Frozen Foods and Ready-to-Eat Meals: Growing Convenience
Frozen food sections are smaller in Mexico, typically about a quarter the size of those in American stores. They primarily offer staples like hamburgers, french fries, some vegetables and fruits, baked desserts, and ice cream. Ready-to-eat options are gaining traction, including prepared rice, mole pastes, rotisserie chicken, and in some stores, complete ready-made meals and salad bars.
Alt text: Freezer section in a Mexican grocery store displaying frozen desserts and ice cream tubs.
Overall Impressions: Integration and Localization
The integration of Mexican and US/international food corporations is evident, as is their strategic localization for the Mexican market, exemplified by products like crema de chile poblano y crema de elote (poblano pepper cream and corn cream) instead of standard beef vegetable soup.
Despite criticisms leveled at supermarkets, Mexican grocery stores, like their US counterparts, offer an impressive array of choices and high-quality products if shoppers are discerning.
Perhaps the most striking overall difference lies in the sheer number of items. US stores in the same square footage likely carry about twice the number of products. This seems largely driven by the flavor and taste industry, with US stores offering multiple variations and flavorings of items like canned tomatoes, coffee, rice, or crackers, where Mexican stores offer fewer, more core options. Exploring Mexican grocery stores provides a rich cultural experience, revealing unique food preferences and local products that go beyond the ordinary supermarket run.
