Guide to Grocery Stores in Cozumel by a Local

Are you looking for information on grocery stores in Cozumel? You’re in the right place. I lived in Cozumel and did more cooking than eating in restaurants.

I’ve been to all the major supermarkets in Cozumel, so I can guide you on where to grab your groceries and essentials during your stay.

Whether you’re looking for ingredients for a full meal, just a few snacks, or you want to stock up your bar, I’ve got the info you need.

Grocery Stores in Cozumel

Cozumel has several large supermarkets and a ton of smaller grocery stores. You can find nearly everything you’re used to, although maybe not the same brands.

I noticed that the bigger supermarkets do have some specialty items, like gluten-free products. However, they tend to be pricier with a limited selection.

If you have specific dietary needs, you might want to bring some things with you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about Cozumel supermarkets:

• The baggers are working solely for tips. They don’t get paid. Be sure to give them a few pesos. I usually give them 10 to 20 pesos. It’s a good way to get rid of those coins anyway.

• Grocery stores will not give you bags. You have to bring or buy reusable bags. I always carry Chico Bags with me since they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

• You’ll need to check any backpacks you bring into the stores. A purse is okay. Otherwise, everything will go in a locker. You’ll be expected to tip the bag check person a couple of pesos.

• In Mexico, there are specific times when alcohol sales are allowed. Generally, it’s between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on Sundays). There are restrictions around election days.

Okay, let’s take a look at the supermarkets in Cozumel.

Mega

Where is it? On Melgar Avenue across from Hotel Barracuda (see on map).

If you ask someone which Cozumel grocery store to go to, nine times out of ten, they’ll tell you to go to Mega.

Its full name is Mega Soriana. I’ve heard some locals call it Soriana, but it’s the same thing.

Mega is a lot like a smaller version of Wal-Mart, only nicer. They sell everything from appliances to freshly made tortillas. You can get clothes, towels, alcohol, and even souvenirs.

The Mega supermarket in Cozumel is located just a block south of the downtown cruise pier, Punta Langosta.

Mega has pretty extensive prepared food and bakery sections.

I especially like their rotisserie chicken. They sell a pack with a whole cooked chicken, tortillas, and grilled peppers and onions. It makes the best tacos. Best of all, it only costs around $5 USD.

Mega also has a big section of international foods. If there’s something you absolutely need, you may find it here, but it will be expensive.

My biggest complaint about Mega is that they don’t always display prices. But overall, I’ve found their prices to be on par with Chedraui and Aki.

If you need to buy nice linens, Megea is not the place to go. A high-quality bath towel costs around $40 USD! Of course, they have lower-quality towels for much less. Now I know why the towels in my Airbnbs are always so crappy.

Chedraui

Where is it? On Melgar Avenue across from Cozumel Palace (see on map).

Remember how I said nine times out of ten people will tell you to go to Mega? The other time they’ll tell you to go to Chedraui.

Chedraui is older and smaller than Mega. They don’t have as many non-food items, but they do carry an assortment of clothing and household items.

Curiously, they also sell scooters. The big ones that so many people drive here. I’m not sure a supermarket would be my first choice to buy a scooter, but whatever.

Chedraui is a block further south down from Mega. I rarely shopped there because after walking a mile to Mega, another block is just too much.

But if it’s closer to where you’re staying, it’s a good place to shop. I think most people choose Mega just because it’s newer and bigger.

Sam’s Club

Where is it? On Andres Q. Roo Avenue and 80th Ave. (see on map).

Sam’s Club in Cozumel is pretty typical of Sam’s Clubs in the United States. You can walk there from downtown (I do), but it’s a good mile and a half. A taxi will only cost a couple of dollars.

You can use your U.S. Sam’s Club membership in Mexico.

Sam’s Club has everything you’d expect, including electronics, tires, food, clothing, etc. They have better prices on linens (although it’s still pretty pricey).

Sam’s Club seems to have the lowest prices overall. At least on the items I checked.

Aki

Where is it? On Benito Juarez Ave. and Pedro Juaquin Codwell Ave. (see on map).

Aki, or Super Aki, is the closest grocery store to the ferry terminal in downtown Cozumel. This is where I bought most of my groceries since I lived a couple of blocks away. But it’s not at all my favorite.

Aki has all the basics, but not a great selection. Their prices are okay, but I’ve actually gotten things a little cheaper at the pharmacy next to my house.

Aki has a lot of household and kitchen items. Their produce section is usually pretty good, although I usually get my produce from the Mercado.

What I like least about Aki is that they don’t have any prepared food. I know I said I prefer to cook to going out, but I consider making cheese and crackers or a tuna sandwich cooking. Aki’s deli section is tiny and doesn’t have much in the way of luncheon meats.

Still, for most of what I need, Aki is fine. If you’re coming over for a day trip from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, this is a good stop for some snacks.

Mercado Municipal

Where is it? Salas between 20th & 25th Ave. (see on map).

The Mercado, or public market, is amazing. You must visit, if only for the experience. I happened to live a half block from the Mercado, so I was there a lot.

You can get freshly caught fish, meat, and produce in the Mercado. There are also stores selling household goods, clothing, souvenirs, and nearly everything you can imagine.

If you’re looking for cheap grocery stores in Cozumel, this is your place!

There are also several full-service restaurants and smaller food stands in the Mercado. This is where many locals eat, and the food is inexpensive, authentic, and delicious. You can get a full meal for $5 USD or less.

One thing to know about the Mercado is that it doesn’t cater to tourists. Therefore, not everyone speaks English. Don’t let that scare you away, though.

I’m working on my Spanish, but it’s dreadful. I still managed fine in the Mercado. I have serious problems understanding numbers over ten. Luckily, they’ll show you the dollar amount on their calculator.

I always paid with pesos since I lived here, but they’ll probably accept U.S. dollars. Just be sure any dollars are in perfect condition and not ripped or torn in any way. The Mexican banks won’t accept any damaged money, so the person you paid will be out of luck.

Bodega Aurrera

Where is it? On Andres Q. Roo Avenue and 80th Ave. next to Sam’s Club (see on map).

I heard a lot of expats talking about the Cozumel supermarket Bodega Aurrera, so I decided to check it out. It’s right next door to Sam’s Club, so a bit out of the way.

Bodega Aurrera has been called Mexico’s version of Wal-Mart, and this seems pretty accurate. It sells everything under the sun. The prices I checked seem to be on par with Mega and Chedraui. To be honest, I mostly checked the prices of dog food, though.

I understand that you can often find things at Bodega Aurrera that you can’t find anywhere else. I’m in a Facebook group that focuses on where to find things in Cozumel, and Bodega Aurrera is often mentioned.

I only visited once, so I don’t know if this is usual, but I thought the store smelled a bit like bad meat. I noticed it when I first walked in, which is strange since the meat is at the back of the store. Maybe there was a garbage can nearby. I don’t know.

Just be careful and make sure any perishable food you buy is still good. It’s probably fine since the checkout lines were incredibly long. And like I said, I was only there once.

OXXO

Where is it? Pretty much everywhere.

Oxxo isn’t really a grocery store, more of a convenience store. But it’s such a staple in Mexico that it must be mentioned.

You’ll find an Oxxo on every other corner. It’s pretty much your basic convenience store with food and snacks. All the Oxxos I’ve visited in Cozumel sell beer and (I think) alcohol. In some cities, they don’t.

Oxxo is also the place where locals can pay their electricity bills and take care of other tasks. You can even get a prepaid SIM card if you don’t have cell service in Mexico.

I’ve found prices in Oxxos to be surprisingly good. In the United States, convenience stores are usually on the expensive side. But when I’ve compared prices in Oxxo to bigger stores, they’re pretty similar.

Other Grocery Stores

In addition to the large supermarkets, you’ll find tiny grocery stores all over town. Donasura is a popular store that I’ve seen all over Mexico. It’s small, cramped, and dark, but you can find all your essentials.

You’ll find tiny little markets tucked into residential streets. While they don’t have a great selection, shopping at these little stores helps a local family survive. Don’t be afraid to wander in and pick up a few things.

Grocery Delivery in Cozumel

If you want your groceries delivered directly to your hotel or vacation rental, you’re in luck. In fact, you can have pretty much anything delivered in Cozumel.

Even if you’re staying in one of Cozumel’s all-inclusive resorts, you may still want some snacks in your room.

The easiest way to get groceries delivered in Cozumel is to use the Rappi app. It’s like DoorDash. I’ve used it several times and it’s very convenient.

I especially love that I can watch the driver’s progress on the app so I know when they’re approaching my house.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cozumel Grocery Stores

Wrap-Up: Cozumel Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Cozumel are very modern and contain everything you need while on your trip. If you want to prepare entire meals or just want some snacks to take to the beach with you, getting groceries in Cozumel is easy.

In fact, if you’re arriving through Cozumel’s airport, your shuttle driver may be willing to stop at the grocery store on the way to your hotel. Just be sure to tip extra!

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