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Let’s talk about prices and availability!
With grocery prices so high in North America, I thought you’d be interested in seeing what groceries cost in Panama!
Food is an integral part of everyday life–no matter where you live. However, when you move to Panama, you’ll want to find the grocery store that best suits your needs. Are you looking for the cheapest prices? Do you want organic products? Or are you hunting for your favorite snack from home? Whatever it is, you will probably find it in Panama!
When you come on an all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tour, we always visit several grocery stores so you can see what’s available and what it costs.
If you go on a Private Panama Relocation Tour or go your own scouting trip, I encourage you to visit some grocery stores.
To help you search, we’ll examine eight different grocery stores and their unique offers.
8 Grocery Stores in Panama
Grocery shopping in Panama can look a little different than what you’re used to in North America. Understanding how locals shop can save you a significant amount of money. While modern grocery stores like Riba Smith, Super 99, and Rey carry just about everything you need—including imported goods—you’ll pay a premium if you buy all your groceries there. Imported items in particular can be surprisingly expensive, and even basic produce tends to cost more than it should.
That’s why most locals (and savvy expats) don’t rely solely on grocery stores. Instead, they split their shopping between supermarkets and smaller produce markets or roadside stands that specialize only in fruits and vegetables. These local spots—often called “fruterías” or found at open-air markets—offer produce that is not only fresher but typically about 50% less expensive than what you’ll find in a grocery store. Because much of the produce is locally grown, it hasn’t traveled far, which means better flavor, better quality, and better value.
Once you get into the rhythm of shopping this way, it becomes second nature—and it’s one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget while enjoying healthier, fresher food. Many expats quickly adopt this two-stop shopping habit, buying staples and specialty items at the grocery store while picking up their fruits and veggies from local vendors. It’s a simple shift that can make a big difference in your monthly cost of living in Panama.
PRO TIP: When you make your grocery list, look up the names in Spanish to help you get familiar with the Spanish names of grocery items in Panama.
Of course, there are many more than eight grocery store chains in Panama. However, this article will focus on the most popular stores.
This list certainly doesn’t cover every grocery store; however, it’s a good start for you to get an idea of prices and what’s available. Check out each of the grocery stores’ websites for exact prices on the goods you’re looking for. You can compare stores near you to find the best deals. Keep in mind that these grocery stores often offer discounts or member cards that let you pay even lower prices! So, find your favorite store and enjoy its discounts.
Come see how you can
LIVE BETTER for LESS in Panama!
To check prices, click the Panama grocery store’s name to visit its website and see what’s available and how much it costs.
Super Baru
As its name implies, this grocery store is cheap! You can find everything you need in one convenient place. They have fruits and veggies, toiletries, alcohol, meat, and office supplies! Super Baru is located in several locations in Panama. They even offer 5% jubilado (senior) discounts on certain days.
Rey (aka Super Mercado Rey)
With locations across Panama, Rey may truly be the king of Panamanian grocery stores. You can find whatever you need here–and at a low price. However, if you’re looking for items different from the norm, they even have you covered there! Rey has a section called “El Corte Inglés” where you can find plenty of international products. Of course, these items aren’t necessarily cheap.
PriceSmart
With various locations throughout the country, PriceSmart will feel just like shopping at home at Costco (almost). You’ll see many of the same brands that you see in Costco, like Kirkland and Member’s Choice. It’s a good place to shop for bulk items. Just like Costco or Sam’s, PriceSmart has a little bit of everything. You can buy electronics, paper products, food, beer, wine, lawnmowers, dishes, office supplies, and furniture, etc., etc. You will need a membership card to shop at PriceSmart. A Diamond card costs about $40 USD annually. Some PriceSmart stores deliver. They all offer online shopping and in-store pickup. Some PriceSmart stores have a pharmacy and a place to buy eyeglasses and hearing aids.
El Machetazo
This is like a Super Walmart. These stores are not available in every area of Panama. They have food, clothes, and everything else you will need. Certainly cutting prices, this store has plenty of offers all the time. For example, there is one happening right now that gives a 25% discount on medicine in the pharmacy! Be sure to check the site or stores for the most up-to-date offers. They have various locations throughout the country, but most are in Panama City.
Super 99
With locations throughout Panama, Super 99 is near you! They have a pharmacy, a bakery, a prepared-food section, and many, many more. You can find plenty of discounts daily.
Romero
This grocery store has ten different locations in Panama. Romero also has a pharmacy, Farma Ahorro, where you can get a 30% discount on medicine every day. Their website also has a blog with a variety of recipes if you’re looking for culinary inspiration. Obviously, you can find all the ingredients in the store. Your points card from Rey works at Romero, too!
Riba Smith
Like the other stores, you can find everything you need on your grocery list in one shopping trip to Riba Smith. You’ll notice when you check out the website that there are plenty of items available here that you’d find in the U.S. or Canada. There are 8 Riba Smith locations throughout Panama. Sadly, there is no Riba Smith in Chiriqui Province.
Organica
This certainly isn’t the cheapest of the stores we’ve listed. Organica is a specialty health store that offers organic and natural products. They have a huge selection of supplements, protein powders, Bob’s Red Mill products, and vegan and vegetarian products, too. And some stores sell bulk grains. There are currently 7 Organica locations throughout Panama.
Where to Shop in Panama
We’ve given you some options for grocery stores, but there are plenty of others in Panama. In the end, where you shop will come down to personal needs and preferences. Maybe you’re looking for the lowest price, or perhaps you’ll only buy organic products. You’ll need to figure out your priorities and budget, and then check out viable options near you. Check out all of the grocery stores in your area to determine which stores have what you are looking for at the best price.
Remember that local products will always be less expensive. For example, if you’re on a tight budget, look for Panama-branded products. These will cost much less than imported brands and products. Of course, if you want to treat yourself to your favorite snack from home, then you can find imported products in most grocery stores–it will just come at a steeper price.
In Chiriqui Province, in far western Panama near Volcan and Cerro Punta, you’ll see large bags of produce for sale for $8! This area is the breadbasket of Panama, where many vegetables are grown.
Many grocery stores will have daily and weekly sales. You can check their websites for the most updated information. You can even check the prices on individual products.
Some towns will have butcher shops; however, most won’t. But you can get your meat at the grocery store.
Some local farms sell “no hormone, no antibiotic” grass-fed beef, pork, and other products and deliver to your home.
Some towns will have a seafood market. Or, you may see people selling shrimp or fresh fish out of the back of a truck.
Another option when living in Panama is to get a points card to get the best prices. In fact, many grocery stores will offer 2% cash back. Simply go to the customer service area at the grocery store you most frequently shop at and ask for their points card.
Local Fruit and Veggie Stores
If you’re looking for the best prices and freshest produce, you should head to your local market. Although grocery stores will obviously have a produce section, you’ll save money by buying your fruits and veggies at the market.
WARNING: Produce from Panama does not have preservatives. So it will require more trips to the fruit and veggie markets.
And, shopping at your local market is an excellent cultural experience! You can find local products, juice stands, and produce. If you’re learning Spanish (which you should do when you live in Panama!), use the opportunity to practice your language skills. These markets will be open every day, but Sundays will probably be the busiest day to go.
Mini Super
Throughout Panama, you’ll see smaller stores with an M/S next to their names. This stands for Mini Super. It’s a much smaller grocery store that won’t have as wide a selection, but it often has most of what you need. Hint – they are usually the best prices on pet food and wine.
Check the prices, location, and sales
You’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to grocery stores in Panama. Of course, if you live in a small town, then your selection will be more limited. Overall, you’ll want to consider your budget and preferences when choosing your grocery store. Once you’ve made a decision that works for you, take advantage of getting their points cards and let the savings begin!
See this video for additional tips for grocery shopping in Panama:
If you want more insider tips on relocating to Panama, check out our comprehensive Online Panama Relocation Guide! The Online Guide is your one-stop source for details about how to move to Panama, get immigration lawyer contacts, real estate agents, how to find a rental, how to get your pets to Panama, buying a car, health insurance, and so much more!
