Mexican Food Grocery List Made Easy

Bringing the flavours of Mexico to your kitchen is within your reach with this Mexican food grocery list made easy so you can start cooking now!

The main aim of this grocery list is to help you plan better your grocery shopping so you spend less, get only what you need and navigate more easily at the supermarket while getting your Mexican groceries.

This list is divided by the different sections usually found at supermarkets. Hence, ingredients are divided by the ones found at the produce department, center area of the store, and perimeter section. 

I also prepared a PDF version of the list which you can download for easier reference.

Please note I earn no commission from the products I recommend. I only suggest products that I truly like.

Jump to:

• Why Mexican food is a good option for you?
• Your Grocery List
• Produce Section
• Perimeter Section
• Center area of the store
• PDF Mexican Grocery List

but let's start with first things first....

Why Mexican food is a good option for you?

• Diverse. Each region in Mexico has its distinctive dishes to suit different palates. However, the basis of the food system is founded on corn, beans and chili.

• Good for meat lovers and vegetarians. Contrary to the belief that Mexican food is predominantly for carnivores, there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. From beans, legumes, grains, and vegetables that are excellent substitutes for meat.
  
• Affordable. Planning your grocery list is one of the main things for reducing your food expenses. With this list, you'll be able to plan better what to buy instead of randomly getting items that you didn't even want to get in the first place!

Your Grocery List

Now that we know why it's good to cook Mexican food, let's dive into the list. First, I recommend that you decide what you want to cook and then get the corresponding ingredients. Remember that planning is key for spending less on groceries. For example, if you want to prepare an easy salsa, then only get tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, etc. Of course, ingredients will vary upon the type of salsa you want to prepare.

As I mentioned previously and to make it easier to use while shopping, I divided this list by the different sections usually found at supermarkets. Hence, ingredients are divided by the ones found at the Produce Department, center area of the store, and perimeter section (including bakery, meat, fridge and freezer sections).

I'm sure that with this Mexican grocery list and these essential Mexican cooking utensils, you'll be all set to start your culinary adventure!

Produce Section

Herbs

Mexican herbs are essential for the correct seasoning of diverse dishes. Among the main ones are:

• Cilantro
• Epazote. Usually found fresh and dry only in Latin supermarkets.
• Mint
• Oregano. Dry or fresh are both good options.
• Parsley

Fruits

• Limes
• Avocados
• Tomatillos
• Tamarind

Vegetables

• Tomatoes. Although considered as fruits by botanists, for culinary purposes, tomatoes are classified as vegetables.
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms. Great meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans.
• Chiles. Technically considered as fruits, for culinary purposes, chiles are classified as vegetables. Here are the most common ones ranked from least to most spicy.
  • Bell peppers
  • Poblano
  • Jalapeño
  • Serrano
  • Arbol
  • Habanero

Perimeter Section

Bakery

• Flour Tortillas. Ideal for your burritos and tacos. It's best if you can prepare your own flour tortillas, but if you are running short on time, already made ones are an option.

Meat section

The main types of meats and the most common parts of each type of meat used in Mexican cuisine are:

• Chicken - breasts, thighs and legs
• Pork - pork shoulder, pork loin, and ground pork. This Ground Pork Taco Mexican recipe is a delicious recipe with ground pork.
• Beef - ground beef, flank steak or skirt steak (Ideal for preparing carne asada tacos)

Fridge section

• Cheese. The most common types of cheeses in Mexican cuisine are:
  • Panela. It has a neutral taste, doesn't melt, has a firm texture which makes it ideal for salads and soups. It has a very similar texture to paneer cheese in Indian cuisine.

• Oaxaca cheese. Perfect for preparing quesadillas and whenever you need a cheese with a melting and gooey texture.

• Cotija cheese. Has a hard, granular texture and salty taste. Does not melt. It crumbles down very easily. It's ideal for whenever you want to sprinkle a cheesy, salty taste on your dishes like when eating corn with Mexican cream, chilli powder, and cotija cheese.

• Mexican crema. Has a very tangy taste. Most commonly found in Latin markets. A great substitute for it which is found in most general grocery stores is crème fraiche which is less tangy than Mexican cream.

• Corn tortillas. Naturally gluten free. Ideal for tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, etc. Just like flour tortillas, preparing your our corn tortillas is best, but already made ones are just fine as well.

Center area of the store

Grains

• Beans - If you have the time, always opt to buy dry beans and cook your own from scratch. However, canned beans are also a good option. I always prefer the Organic canned beans because they usually have very few ingredients and no preservatives. The most common types of beans used in Mexican cuisine are:
  • Black beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Lima beans
• Rice - another ingredient which is fundamental of Mexican cuisine
• Amaranth - Naturally gluten free, low in calories, high protein content, and a great alternative of animal sourced proteins. There are several ways to cook this highly nutritious grain.

Flour

• Masa harina flour. In my experience, the best masa harina flours in the market to prepare your own corn tortillas as those of Bob's Red Mill and Maseca.

Spices and Condiments

• Vanilla extract or essence. Use the extract whenever possible.
• Cumin seeds or ground
• Coriander seeds or ground
• Allspice
• Cinnamon sticks or powder
• Cloves
• Chocolate
• Dry chiles - most popular ones in Mexican dishes are:
  • Ancho
  • Pasilla
  • Guajillo
  • Chipotle

• Achiote or annatto paste. It's a condiment with an earthy, tangy taste typical of the Yucatan state. It's essential in the preparation of the Cochinita Pibil and also for preparing this Achiote chicken.

Canned Food

Canned beans and sauces overflow the supermarket aisles. As I always recommend, it's best when you prepare your own. However, the one I always buy is canned Chipotle in Adobo sauce. Just a few drops of it can enhance almost any dish.

PDF Mexican Grocery List

Download this list for easier reference for whenever you are at the supermarket.

Ready to start cooking Mexican dishes?

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