Grenada’s Grocery Game: Revealing the Shocking Truth About the Cost of Food on the Island

Despite all the difficulties, I finally managed to visit all the Caribbean islands.

Finally, by the beginning of 2022, entry rules will have become more or less acceptable in all countries, and I went to the Caribbean in March.

Why Caribbean?

I wanted to relax and unwind in a peaceful atmosphere.

I looked at the sunken Caribbean Titanic, got acquainted with sea turtles, enjoyed white sand beaches, citrus groves, and nutmeg plantations, and got lots and lots of sun.

And I went to Grenada, which is a small island nation with secluded beaches and coves.

For a long time, it was under the control of the colonialists, and now it is a prosperous country that receives tourists from all over the world.

Today’s story is about how much it costs to live in Grenada.

The answer to this question is of interest to a growing number of tourists.

This article will be useful for those who are not willing to spend a decent amount of money in Grenada.

That’s why I have prepared an extended article about the cost of living in Grenada.

Yes, living in Grenada or anywhere else in the Caribbean is undoubtedly much more expensive than living in many other parts of the world.

It may not be the ideal place for people on a budget.

What is Grenada’s Currency?

The national currency is the East Caribbean dollar. The official exchange rate is that 1 East Caribbean dollar equals 0.

37 US dollars.

Credit cards, the most common payment system, are accepted only in large stores, hotels, and restaurants.

When paying, it is preferable to have cash with you.

You can pay in US dollars, but change will be in local currency.

It is better to go with dollars;

they are accepted everywhere.

Money can be exchanged at banks, official exchange offices, hotels, or even shops.

The most favorable rate is in banks.

Cashless payment in Grenada is also possible.

The exceptions are markets and small craft shops.

As I remember, there are no problems with ATMs on the island.

Prices in Grenada

An average meal costs EC$134 (about US$50) per day.

Accommodation in a mid-range hotel will cost 450–460 East Caribbean dollars (about 167 US dollars).

In restaurants and hotels, the government tax of 8% and tips of 10% are automatically included in the bill.

If there are no tips in the bill, they are left additionally in the amount of 10% of the total amount of the check.

Short taxi rides within the city will cost EC$35.

Travel from the international airport.

M.

Bishop to downtown St.

George costs about EC$30.

Cost of Groceries in Grenada

The island’s largest supermarkets are located in the Grand Anse area, where you can find many familiar premium brands.

If you buy local products, your costs will understandably be lower.

Fresh, locally grown chicken breast, onions, potatoes, mangoes, tomatoes, and much more are all easily available.

Of particular note are well-known local organic foods such as chocolate or nutmeg, for which Grenada is famous throughout the world.

On the other hand, many products are not in the assortment of local sellers, and their transportation from the “mainland” can turn into a source of additional headaches.

Here are the prices at the local supermarket:

How to Save Money on Food in Grenada?

For me, such savings are not the goal but part of the adventure.

I am ready to pay for delicious, high-quality food, but expensive does not always mean tasty;

sometimes the food in a local cafeteria is better than in a restaurant on Tripadvisor.

Here are my secrets for how I saved on food in Grenada:

Some tourists are afraid that in the local market they will be deceived, cheated, or sold stale products.

In my experience, the market is always about communication, color, and tasty, inexpensive products.

If you want to save money, the market is the right place to start.

The owners of small family taverns and restaurants are flattered when guests trust their taste and do not ask for a menu.

It is enough to tell the waiter that you have $30 for two and would like to have dinner.

The main rules are to find a family restaurant, be friendly, and leave a generous tip.

On Airbnb, in the “Experiences” section, people from different countries organize parties or tastings with local flavor and national traditions in Grenada.

A more budget-friendly way to experience the delights of local hospitality and taste homemade food is to use the Couchsurfing facilities;

there you can find those who want to arrange a culinary meeting or organize a party yourself.

Where Can I Buy Groceries in Grenada?

Groceries are at almost every step, and products are mainly from the USA.

Supermarkets are usually open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00.

In some areas, groceries in Grenada are closed on Sundays.

When I arrived, I wanted to eat on Sunday.

I left the hotel, and everything was closed.

People were all in churches.

I was fed by a local Protestant pastor who was passing by and saw me standing close to a closed cafeteria.

Dining Out in Grenada

At fast food places like Burger King, prices are in line with the cheapest US states, like Louisiana.

You can have lunch for 30 EC ($) (quite good food—a couple of pieces of chicken KFC and fried slices of bananas instead of potatoes for a snack).

For coffee lovers: cappuccino coffee, 9.

30 EC, and espresso, 6.

50 EC.

Here is a list of not-expensive restaurants in Grenada.

Restaurant-bar Aquarium.

Located in Point Salines on a beach famous for its Sunday BBQ,

The Banana Restaurant is located in True Blue and offers something for all budgets and tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a cheeseburger in paradise or a lobster steak, you’re sure to find it at this affordable and fun restaurant and bar.

The Coconut Beach Restaurant &

Bar is located right on the beachfront at Grand Anse.

The Spiceland Mall in Grand Anse has a food court with a smoothie bar with local fruits, a Chinese restaurant, and a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant.

Complex Le Marquis in Grand Anse with Carib Sushi and Le Boulangerie (pizzeria)

Cafe Papillion in Grand Anse at the Hotel Siesta All day breakfast, lunch, great fresh food, and service You can start your day there.

chocolate pomegranate factory.

It produces organic dark chocolate on old-fashioned, solar-powered machines.

You can find these colorfully packaged bars in shops all over the island and at the duty-free shop at the airport.

A tour of the factory itself is also very interesting.

Beach bar with umbrellas on Grand Anse Beach The famous “lime place” on the island is famous for its burgers, fresh food, and soft drinks.

On the casual top and bottom deck, you can get up off the beach with your sandy feet.

How to be Sober at an All-Inclusive Resort in Grenada?

So that your vacation does not end ahead of time, and unbridled fun does not turn into a severe hangover, it is not necessary to completely give up alcohol – it is enough to prepare properly and follow the time-tested rules.

The main rule of those who want to stay sober for a long time is not to drink on an empty stomach.

A simple and effective way to neutralize the effect of alcohol is to drink it with water without gas: this way you can dilute the alcohol in the stomach and lower the degree.

A glass of water after every glass of wine or a glass of vodka can get rid of quick intoxication and a painful hangover.

Being physically active helps to cope with drunkenness, so it is worth getting up from the table from time to time and moving, for example, dancing or taking a walk in the fresh air, to clear your head.

Additional Tips for Keeping Food Costs Down

During your tour in Grenada, it is worth remembering that expensive is not always high quality and tasty.

When choosing cafes and restaurants, follow the rule: choose these establishments away from the center.

On the central streets, the prices on the menu are much higher than on the outskirts.

Take the advice of local residents;

they will tell you where in their city they cook better and cheaper and what is worth trying from the national cuisine.

What to Bring from Grenada to Home?

Buy local spices in Grenada, of course!

For example, buy cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, or pepper blends.

They are always present in the local cuisine.

Be sure to bring delicious local chocolate from Grenada.

Slab chocolate with the addition of nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and hot pepper is especially popular.

Note that locally produced chocolate is usually bitter.

The composition contains 60 to 99% cocoa.

You can buy good coffee in Grenada.

Most often, tourists purchase a product brought here from Jamaica.

It is better to buy coffee in specialized shops or supermarkets.

St.

George’s has a good selection of goods from the USA.

It is most profitable to buy glasses, bags, and jewelry here.

The only negative is that the assortment is not updated very quickly.

Therefore, things from the latest collections on the island are almost impossible to find.

Pay attention to local leather goods.

In Grenada, you can buy excellent bags, wallets, belts, and other accessories of the highest quality that are locally produced.

The best products are offered in specialized stores and artisan shops.

Girls and women should look into the jewelry stores in Grenada.

Here you will find diamonds, Colombian emeralds, and Caribbean pearls.

In private shops with accessories, you can find more modest goods.

For example, semi-precious stones, silver, or wood

Handmade jewelry made in the Caribbean style All of them are incredibly colorful and bright.