First Time in a Caribbean Grocery? What to Buy & Why

Table of Contents

1. Why Shop at a Caribbean Grocery Store?
2. Must-Buy Staples for First-Timers
3. Spices & Seasonings That Define Caribbean Cooking
4. Snacks and Drinks You’ll Love
5. Frozen & Fresh Produce to Look Out For
6. Shopping Tips for Caribbean Grocery First-Timers
7. Shop Caribbean Online — Even Easier

1. Why Shop at a Caribbean Grocery Store?

Caribbean grocery stores offer a unique mix of culture, flavour, and tradition that you won’t find in mainstream supermarkets. From bold seasonings to rich staples and tropical fruits, they’re a treasure trove for food lovers and curious cooks alike.

Whether you’re new to Caribbean cuisine or looking to recreate your grandma’s Sunday dinner, these shops offer the ingredients and inspiration you need.

2. Must-Buy Staples for First-Timers

Start with the essentials — these pantry heroes are used in everyday island meals:

• Saltfish (Salted Cod): Used in classics like Ackee & Saltfish or callaloo dishes.
• Ackee (canned or frozen): Jamaica’s national fruit, perfect with saltfish.
• Tinned Callaloo: Think of it as Caribbean spinach — great in soups or sautéed.
• Rice & Peas (Canned or Dried): A staple side dish flavoured with coconut milk and thyme.
• Coconut Milk: Essential for rice, stews, and desserts.
• Dried or Fresh Plantain: Fry them up for a sweet or savoury treat.

🛒 Pro Tip: You can find many of these online at Alphanso Foods.

Tropical Sun Jamaican Callaloo in Salted Water 540g

£2.40

Tropical Sun Jamaican Callaloo in Salted Water 540g is a traditional Caribbean leafy green, pre-cooked and preserved in brine. Perfect for callaloo dishes, breakfasts, or adding to stews and soups.

Tropical Sun Jamaican Callaloo in Salted Water 540g quantity

Add to basket

Category: African Specialities, Canned & Jarred Goods, Caribbean Essentials, Tinned Vegetables & Legumes, Traditional African & Caribbean

3. Spices & Seasonings That Define Caribbean Cooking

You can’t cook Caribbean food without the right spices. These will instantly level up your meals:

• All-Purpose Seasoning (e.g. Maggi or Grace): Adds a savoury depth to everything.
• Curry Powder (Jamaican or Trinidadian style): For rich and earthy curries.
• Pimento (Allspice): A key ingredient in jerk seasoning.
• Jerk Seasoning: Smoky, spicy, and full of flavour — great on chicken or tofu.
• Scotch Bonnet Sauce or Peppers: Handle with care — they bring the heat!

4. Snacks and Drinks You’ll Love

One of the most fun parts of shopping in a Caribbean store is trying all the snacks and drinks!

• Banana Chips: Crunchy, salty, and addictively good.
• Tamarind Balls: Sweet and tangy with a touch of spice.
• Bun & Cheese: A must-have Jamaican treat.
• Supermalt or Vita Malt: Nutrient-rich malt beverages.
• Caribbean Sodas: Like Ting (grapefruit) or Kola Champagne.

🥤 Want to try them all? You can shop for snacks here.

5. Frozen & Fresh Produce to Look Out For

Many Caribbean stores carry a range of frozen goods and seasonal fresh produce:

• Frozen Okra, Cassava, Breadfruit, or Yam: Great for soups, stews, and side dishes.
• Fresh Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Vibrant and spicy.
• Green Banana, Dasheen, or Eddoes: Used in soups or served boiled.
• Sorrel (Hibiscus): Popular during Christmas, delicious as a refreshing drink.

🍽️ Try adding these to soups like pepperpot or traditional stews.

6. Shopping Tips for Caribbean Grocery First-Timers

• Ask questions. Most store owners are happy to share tips and recipes.
• Try something new each time. Pick one unfamiliar item and Google a recipe.
• Don’t skip the freezer or fridge sections. They’re full of authentic gems!
• Stock up. Some imported items run out quickly, so grab extra if you love something.

7. Shop Caribbean Online — Even Easier

Can’t make it to the store? You can now shop authentic Caribbean goods online!

🛍️ Visit Alphanso Foods to browse our full range of pantry staples, spices, snacks, and drinks — all available for UK-wide delivery(excluding frozen products).

We offer:

• Same-day local delivery within 10 miles of Aldershot
• Click & collect from our store
• Next-business-day UK delivery (excluding frozen items)

Final Thoughts

Your first visit to a Caribbean grocery store won’t be your last — especially once you’ve had a taste of real island cooking. From comforting rice and peas to bold jerk chicken and sweet tamarind treats, there’s something for every taste and curiosity.

So grab a basket, explore the shelves, and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen.

🌴 Ready to shop Caribbean? Browse Alphanso Foods online at alphansofoods.co.uk

Alphanso Foods

Hi, I’m the team behind Alphanso Foods, your trusted Caribbean & African grocery store in the UK. From saltfish to scotch bonnet, we share tips, recipes, and stories to help you cook with confidence and discover new favourites. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in-store, we're here to bring you a taste of home and a little something new.

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