So, you’ve made the move to Mexico City (or you’re about to), and now you’re standing in your Airbnb kitchen staring at an empty fridge. Time to go grocery shopping! But where do you even go?
If you’re used to one-stop shopping at big supermarkets back home, grocery shopping in Mexico City is not really very different- maybe with a lot more local brands but it still has everything you need. You’ve got supermarkets, tianguis (street markets), specialty stores, and online delivery—but not everything is available everywhere.
No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide of where to find what you need including my personal favorites from each category!
Budget Grocery Stores (Basic Essentials)
(Best for more affordable essentials and pantry staples)
If you’re looking for affordable groceries in Mexico City, these supermarkets offer low prices on basics like rice, beans, eggs, and tortillas.
Bodega Aurrerá – A Very Price Accessible Supermarket in Mexico City
Best for: Bulk items, canned goods, pantry essentials, and household products
Price range: $
Locations: Citywide
Owned by Walmart, Bodega Aurrerá is one of the cheapest grocery stores in Mexico City. It’s no-frills, with basic store layouts and often long lines, but if you want rock-bottom prices on essentials, this is the place to go.
- Best for bulk dry goods, canned food, and household products
Waldo’s & Triple B – Mexico City’s Discount Grocery Stores (favorite!)
Best for: Snacks, non-perishable goods, and random international finds
Price range: $
Locations: Throughout the city
These stores are Mexico’s version of discount grocery chains, offering cheap snacks, household supplies, and non-perishable groceries like mugs, candles, toys. If you want low-cost packaged goods, it’s worth checking out.
- Best place for discounted snacks and instant coffee
- Random imported food finds at low prices
I personally go here to get holiday and even Valentine’s Day decors.
Walmart Express – Quick and Affordable Grocery Shopping (favorite!)
Best for: Convenience and quick grocery runs
Price range: $$
Locations: Condesa, Roma, Polanco, and other urban areas
Walmart Express is a smaller version of Walmart with all the essentials at budget-friendly prices. Some of the stores have self-checkouts which make the lines go by faster!
- Good selection of fresh produce, snacks, and household items
- More convenient than large supermarkets
- Slightly higher prices than Bodega Aurrerá but better shopping experience
Sumesa – Similar to Walmart Express
Best for: Convenience, fresh produce, and reliable stock
Price range:$$
Locations: Roma, Condesa, Polanco, San Miguel Chapultepec
Sumesa is a smaller, more local-style supermarket with great customer service. While prices are a bit higher than Walmart or Soriana, the produce is fresh, and the store is clean and easy to navigate. It’s popular with expats and locals alike because it has a good mix of Mexican and international brands.
Mid-Range Grocery Stores (Better Selection, Still Affordable)
(Balance of price, quality, and selection for everyday shopping)
These supermarkets are a step above budget stores and offer better produce, fresh meat, and a wider variety of products.
Walmart – One of Mexico City’s Standard Supermarket
Best for: Everyday groceries and international brands
Price range: $$-$$$
Locations: Throughout the city
Walmart in Mexico carries a mix of local and international brands, making it a good choice for expats looking for familiar products.
- Best place for affordable meat, dairy, and frozen foods
- Large selection of household and cleaning supplies
- Some locations carry imported groceries
Chedraui & Chedraui Selecto – Good Prices and Quality (favorite!)
Best for: Balanced prices and good fresh food selection
Price range: $$-$$$
Locations: Throughout the city
Chedraui is similar to Walmart but has better quality produce, fresher meats, and a stronger bakery section. It’s a popular choice for shoppers looking for a balance between price and quality.
- Better meat and seafood than Walmart
- Chedraui Selecto offers imported cheese, wines, and gourmet snacks
- Sometimes they have really good promotions on food and beverage!
Soriana – Another reliable supermarket
Best for: Fresh produce and bakery items
Price range: $$-$$$
Locations: Throughout the city
Soriana has better quality produce and a strong bakery section, making it a solid option for people who cook at home.
- Best for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats
- In-house bakery with fresh bread and pastries
- More organized and cleaner than budget supermarkets
Costco & Sam’s Club – Bulk Shopping for Expats
Best for: Bulk shopping, imported goods, frozen foods
Price range: $$$
Locations: Polanco, Santa Fe, multiple locations
Costco and Sam’s Club are the best places to stock up on imported goods, organic produce, and bulk items. If you’re staying long-term in Mexico City, it’s worth getting a membership.
✔ Best for bulk meats, cheeses, and frozen food
✔ Good selection of imported products
✔ Great wine and spirits selection
If you prefer the convenience of having groceries delivered to your door, Mexico City offers several reliable online delivery services.
- UberEats – Delivers groceries from local supermarkets and specialty stores
- Jüsto – Mexico’s first online-only supermarket, great for organic food
- Rappi – Fast delivery service from multiple stores, often within 30 minutes
Pro Tip: UberEats allows you to shop from multiple stores at once, while Rappi is the fastest for last-minute grocery runs.
Whether you’re stocking up on cheap essentials, fresh produce, or gourmet ingredients, the city has a variety of options to choose from.
- For budget-friendly shopping: Bodega Aurrerá, Walmart Express, Waldo’s, Triple B
- For everyday quality shopping: Walmart, Soriana, Sumesa, Chedraui
- For fresh, local produce: Tianguis markets like Mercado Medellín and Mercado de San Juan
- For convenience: Online delivery services like UberEats, Rappi, and Jüsto
Most shoppers mix and match stores based on their needs, buying budget items at one store, fresh produce at a market, and specialty goods at premium supermarkets. Once you figure out your routine, grocery shopping in Mexico City becomes much easier!
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