01/03/2025
As you probably know, groceries on St. John can be pricey! Here are a few ideas you might like to consider for your next trip:
- Bring a few insulated tote bags (available at Target, WalMart, Trader Joes, etc) - great for packing frozen food in your suitcase and good for shopping when on island (Starfish doesn't supply shopping bags)
- begin now to stockpile small packets of ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, jelly, etc. from fast food restaurants. They are easy to transport and will keep you from having to fill up the dumpster with almost-full bottles of condiments.
- get a few rotisserie chickens from your local grocer, debone and freeze; pack along with frozen butter, cream cheese, bacon, deli meat and cheese. You can usually find beef at a reasonable price but it doesn't hurt to toss in a few frozen steaks if you have the space/weight in your luggage!
- Bring a package of flour tortillas - they can be used for breakfast tortillas, burritos, etc. and can also be drizzled with olive oil/salt and baked for chips
- it's worth bringing a small bottle of olive oil (that hasn't been opened to prevent leaking), coffee, breakfast cereal (can be $12 - $14/box on island) a small peanut butter from home --- all these items are very expensive on island.
- alcohol is reasonably priced PLUS there isn't tax
- bring packets of seasoning (i.e. fajita seasoning, taco seasoning, etc.) along with Hidden Valley Ranch mix since they are commonly hard to find on island
- pack a few koozies! We provide them at Pineapple but they tend to walk off - they are great to have at the beach or take to restaurants to keep your cerveza cold!
- Bagels are a great buy here; we have several spots for fresh-made bagels or you can buy them frozen for a reasonable price. They are not only great for breakfast, but the bread holds up well as sandwiches to take to the beach.
- pack a dozen or more ziploc bags of each size along with aluminum foil and plastic wrap (all pricey if you get them here)
- Suntan lotion (should be reef safe)
- a few small packets of single-use laundry detergent or one of the little bottles you can find at the Dollar Tree
Insider tip: High Tide has an excellent breakfast for a reasonable price! PLUS - they have a morning happy hour. It's a great way to spend your last morning while you're waiting for the ferry (they have a spot for your luggage while you enjoy your meal).