Family Value Supermarket Grenada: The Insider's Shopping Guide
Family Value Supermarket Grenada: The Insider's Shopping Guide
TL;DR: Family Value is a spacious, affordable supermarket in the heart of St. George's on the Spice Isle. It's open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. Stock up on locally grown nutmeg, Grenadian hot sauces, Clarke's Court rum, fresh produce, and household essentials at prices that beat any duty-free shop on the island.
You've just landed in Grenada, the Spice Isle of the Caribbean. You need supplies. Maybe you're self-catering in a villa. Maybe you want to load up on local spices and rum to take home. Maybe you just need sunscreen and a cold Carib beer before hitting Grand Anse Beach.
The problem is that most travel guides give you the same recycled paragraph about Family Value supermarket: "wide range of products," "affordable prices," done. That's not helpful when you're standing outside the cruise terminal with two hours ashore and a bag to fill.
This guide is different. We cover exactly where the store is, what to put in your basket, realistic EC$ price expectations, and how Family Value stacks up against Real Value IGA and CKS Super Valu. There's also a souvenir shopping list you can screenshot right now, before you head out.
Whether you're a cruise passenger with 90 minutes to spare, a villa guest self-catering for a week, or a new expat finding your bearings in St. George's, this is the practical breakdown you've been looking for.
Where Exactly Is Family Value Supermarket?
Family Value Supermarket is located in the heart of St. George's, Grenada's capital. It sits close to the Carenage waterfront, making it one of the most accessible grocery stops in the entire parish. Cruise ship passengers can walk there from the Esplanade terminal in under 10 minutes.
St. George's is the most visitor-friendly parish on the Spice Isle. Most cruise ships dock at the Esplanade, and taxi drivers parked at the terminal know Family Value well. If you're arriving by water taxi from a yacht, the store is a short walk from the Carenage.
The location is a genuine advantage over larger competitors. Real Value IGA sits inside Spiceland Mall in Grand Anse, roughly 15 to 20 minutes south by car. That's great if you have transport. For visitors exploring St. George's on foot, Family Value is the practical choice.
If you're staying near Grand Anse or True Blue, minibuses run frequently into the capital. Fares on the local bus network run around EC$5 for a bag of produce, and EC$ coins are the easiest way to pay. A bus from Grand Anse into town costs around EC$2.50 each way.
You can view the full Family Value listing on GrenadaSearch, including directions and contact details.
What Hours Does Family Value Keep?
One of Family Value's biggest practical advantages is its opening schedule. The store is open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM, giving you ample opportunity to stock up on supplies, whether it's for a picnic at the beach or a hearty meal in your accommodation.
That 10 PM closing time matters more than it sounds. Most grocery stores in Grenada shut well before then. Catching a late bus back from a day trip, arriving on an afternoon cruise, or running out of coffee after dinner are all situations where Family Value stays open when others don't.
Mornings are the sweet spot for fresh produce. The selection is fullest between 8 AM and noon, before the lunchtime crowd picks through the best fruit and vegetables. If fresh local produce is your priority, set your alarm early.
What Can You Buy at Family Value?
Family Value stocks fresh produce, local Grenadian products, beverages, snacks, rum, and household essentials under one roof. The selection covers everything from fresh tropical fruit to spice packets, hot sauces, and cold beer. It's built for both daily shoppers and visitors who want a taste of the real Spice Isle.
The well-stocked supermarket features a diverse selection of fresh produce, local delicacies, snacks, beverages, and household items. The spacious layout allows for a relaxed shopping experience, making it easy to browse through the aisles and find what you need. Family Value prides itself on offering quality products at competitive prices, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Here's what you'll find across the main sections:
Fresh produce: Local tropical fruits including mangoes, bananas, starfruit, and sugar apples. You can buy local tropical fruits like mangos, bananas, starfruit, and sugar apples, and a variety of spices grown in Grenada like nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, and turmeric.
Spices: The spice aisle is the highlight. Grenada is one of the world's top producers of nutmeg, and the country's principal export crops are the spices nutmeg and mace, with Grenada being the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg after Indonesia. You'll find whole nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and bay leaves at prices far below what you'd pay at home.
Sauces and condiments: Several locally made hot pepper sauces line the shelves. These are among the best-value souvenirs on the island.
Rum: The spirits section usually carries local brands including Clarke's Court and Westerhall. These are produced right here on the Spice Isle, and in-store prices are dramatically lower than duty-free rates.
Beverages: Cold drinks include Carib beer, coconut water, local juices, and Glenelg Spring Water.
Household essentials: Toiletries, cleaning products, and personal care items stock the remaining aisles alongside grocery staples.
What Grenadian Products Should You Prioritise?
Pick up whole nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, local hot sauce, De La Grenade condiments, and a bottle of Clarke's Court or Westerhall rum. These are the products that define the Spice Isle, they're authentically Grenadian, and they're priced in EC$ at a fraction of what you'd pay duty-free or overseas.
Let's break down the best picks in detail.
Nutmeg and mace: In Grenada, nutmeg and mace are more than just spices; they are a way of life. Stroll through any market, and you'll find an array of products featuring these aromatic gems, from nutmeg syrup to nutmeg soap. Buy whole nutmeg kernels rather than ground: the flavour is incomparably fresher. Mace, the red lacy covering of the nutmeg seed, is sweeter and harder to find abroad.
True cinnamon: Grenada grows true cinnamon, not cassia. True cinnamon is unique to Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Grenada, and a few other places. Most so-called cinnamon sold globally is actually cassia. The flavour difference is real. Lighter, more fragrant, less harsh. Stock up here.
Local hot sauce: Grenadian hot sauces combine local peppers with spices, and often a whisper of nutmeg. Several brands are produced on the island. Try a few small bottles and compare.
De La Grenade products: Nutmeg and guava jams and jellies, nutmeg syrup, nutmeg liqueur, and a dozen other kinds of delicious jellies, marmalades, and condiments are all available from this respected local manufacturer. De La Grenade items are widely stocked in Grenadian supermarkets and make exceptional gifts.
Cocoa balls and cocoa sticks: Used to make traditional Grenadian cocoa tea, these are made from locally grown cocoa and are genuinely difficult to find outside the Caribbean. Dissolve a cocoa ball in hot water with cinnamon and nutmeg for the real Spice Isle breakfast experience.
Grenadian rum: Clarke's Court Old Grog is available at IGA and other major stores on the island, running around EC$65 or less in-store. Local rum pricing is far below what you'd pay at export prices. Clarke's Court Rum is made in Grenada and available at Family Value at local prices. Westerhall Plantation Rum is another excellent domestic choice. Buy a bottle here rather than at the airport, where prices are higher.
Nut-Med Pain-Relieving Spray: Locally made goods to look for in supermarkets include Nut-Med Pain-Relieving Spray, a nutmeg-based product beloved by locals and visitors alike. It's genuinely effective and makes a memorable, useful gift.
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What Are EC$ Prices Like at Family Value?
Family Value's prices are competitive for a central St. George's location. Seasonal fruit runs around EC$5 to EC$15 per bag. Local spice packets cost EC$5 to EC$20. Grenadian rum starts from around EC$30 to EC$65 a bottle in-store. International packaged imports cost noticeably more, so buying local saves you money every time.
Grenada uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The rate is fixed: EC$2.70 equals approximately US$1.00. You'll often find USD prices displayed alongside EC$ at tourist-facing businesses, but in a local supermarket, everything is priced in EC$.
Here's what to expect at the checkout:
- Bag of seasonal local fruit: EC$5 to EC$15
- Individual spice packet (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves): EC$5 to EC$20
- Local hot sauce (small bottle): EC$8 to EC$18
- De La Grenade jam or syrup: EC$12 to EC$25
- Grenadian rum (Clarke's Court, Westerhall): EC$30 to EC$70
- Carib beer (single can): EC$5 to EC$8
- Glenelg Spring Water (1.5L): EC$4 to EC$6
Imported packaged goods, things like US breakfast cereal or European chocolate, carry a significant markup because Grenada imports the majority of its processed food. The strategy is simple: buy Grenadian-made products, spend less, get better quality, and take home something authentic.
Going to a variety of stores and shopping local, particularly on Saturdays at the bigger stores, helps considerably. Buying local brands instead of US brands saves noticeably on the grocery bill.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some EC$ cash as backup. Power and internet outages can occasionally take payment terminals offline, and you don't want to be stuck at the checkout with a full basket.
How Does Family Value Compare to Real Value IGA and CKS?
For central St. George's convenience and late-night access, Family Value is unmatched. Real Value IGA wins for sheer range and international product selection. CKS Super Valu serves bulk buyers and trade customers. Each has a distinct niche. The right choice depends on where you're staying and what you need.
Here's the straightforward comparison:
| Store | Location | Best For | Key Advantage | |---|---|---|---| | Family Value | St. George's centre | Cruise visitors, city-side tourists | Walking distance from the Carenage | | Real Value IGA | Spiceland Mall, Grand Anse | Expats, SGU students, big weekly shops | Largest selection on the island | | CKS Super Valu | Near airport roundabout | Businesses, bulk buyers | Cash-and-carry, wholesale pricing |
Real Value IGA is the most extensively stocked supermarket in Grenada. It offers convenient online shopping, free yacht delivery, and a frequent shopper programme with exclusive discounts on hundreds of items throughout the store. This large, modern supermarket carries a huge variety of familiar products, as well as local produce, meats and seafood, spices, sauces, snacks, sweets, and a broad selection of wines and spirits. If you need a specific imported brand, vegan products, or a wide wine selection, IGA is your destination.
CKS Super Valu operates on a different model. CKS Super Valu is currently the only cash-and-carry outlet in Grenada, an extension of Independence Agencies that opened in 1995 with the intention of better servicing hotels and restaurants. Great for bulk buys, less convenient for the casual visitor picking up a few items.
Family Value sits squarely in the middle for convenience. It's not as large as IGA, but for cruise passengers, day-trippers, and anyone staying in or near St. George's, the central location and long opening hours make it the most practical daily shopping option in the parish.
Your Family Value Souvenir Shopping Checklist
Screenshot this before you walk in. These items all travel well, pass through customs without issue, and make genuinely useful gifts.
Spices (the heart of the Spice Isle):
- Whole nutmeg kernels (grab a small grater too if you can find one)
- Ground or whole mace
- True cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves
- Bay leaves
- Ground turmeric
Sauces and condiments:
- Grenadian hot pepper sauce (try two or three local brands)
- De La Grenade nutmeg jam or guava jelly
- Nutmeg syrup (exceptional over pancakes, waffles, or in rum cocktails)
Drinks to take home:
- Clarke's Court rum or Westerhall Plantation Rum
- Local fruit juices in sealed bottles (sorrel, passion fruit, golden apple)
Grocery souvenirs:
- Cocoa balls or cocoa sticks (for traditional Grenadian cocoa tea)
- Nut-Med Pain-Relieving Spray
Grenada's best souvenirs for friends back home are spice baskets in a variety of shapes and sizes, filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, bay leaves, cloves, turmeric, and ginger. For spice baskets and handmade crafts, visit the Grand Anse Craft and Spice Market after your supermarket run. The market vendors sell charming hand-assembled baskets at tourist-friendly prices. Family Value is your best bet for individual grocery-priced items.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Family Value
Go early for fresh produce. Aim for before noon. The best local fruit and veg moves quickly, especially on weekend mornings.
Buy local, save money. Don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations on local snacks and drinks. They know which local brands are worth trying and which imported alternatives you can skip.
Bring a reusable bag. Plastic bags are not guaranteed and sometimes carry a small charge. A lightweight fold-up bag takes up no space in your day pack.
Pay in EC$ where possible. Some stores accept USD, but at a less favourable rate than the official peg. Withdraw EC$ from a local ATM for the best value.
Check the label for "Product of Grenada." Not every spice packet on the shelf is locally grown. That label confirms you're getting the authentic Spice Isle product, not a repackaged import.
Don't skip the rum aisle. Seriously. While River Antoine's Rivers Royale costs upwards of US$60 in the US and Europe, in Grenada a bottle costs US$20 or less. Don't sleep on the flavoured rums either, many of which don't leave the island at all. This is the Caribbean bargain most visitors miss.
Pair your supermarket trip with Market Square. St. George's Market Square welcomes visitors and locals alike, looking for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and, of course, spices. It's a short walk from Family Value and well worth 30 minutes of your time, especially on a Saturday morning when it's at its busiest.
Conclusion
Family Value Supermarket is one of the most underrated stops on the Spice Isle. Generic travel apps give it a single sentence. That's a shame, because for a visitor in St. George's, those shelves hold some of the best-value Grenadian products you'll find anywhere on the island.
Three things to take away:
- Shop local every time. Grenadian nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, hot sauces, and rum are the best value in any store on the island. Skip the imported brands and buy what Grenada actually makes.
- Go early for fresh produce. Mornings are when the selection is freshest and the store is least crowded.
- Don't leave without rum. Clarke's Court and Westerhall at local EC$ prices are a genuine Caribbean bargain that most visitors only discover on their last day.
Ready to explore more of what St. George's has to offer? Browse all businesses and shops in St. George's Parish on GrenadaSearch, or dive into the full retail and shopping category to find every supermarket, boutique, market, and store the Spice Isle has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Family Value Supermarket's opening hours in Grenada?
Family Value Supermarket in St. George's is open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM, including weekends and public holidays. This makes it one of the few grocery stores in Grenada with consistent daily hours. Most competing supermarkets close earlier or reduce Sunday hours significantly. Arriving in the morning gives you the best selection of fresh produce.
What local Grenadian products can I buy at Family Value?
Family Value stocks a solid range of locally made Grenadian products. Look for whole nutmeg, mace, ground cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and bay leaves from local suppliers. You'll also find Grenadian hot pepper sauces, De La Grenade jams and syrups, cocoa balls for traditional cocoa tea, and locally produced rum brands including Clarke's Court and Westerhall. As one of the world's top exporters of spices, Grenada's nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, bay leaf, and mace are found for sale just about everywhere on the island, including in local supermarkets.
How does Family Value compare to Real Value IGA in Grenada?
The two stores serve different needs. Family Value sits in the centre of St. George's and is ideal for cruise visitors, day-trippers, and anyone exploring the capital on foot. Real Value IGA at Spiceland Mall in Grand Anse is the island's largest and most extensively stocked supermarket, with online ordering, yacht delivery, and a wider range of imported brands. Real Value IGA is conveniently located near Grand Anse Beach, resorts, and the University. The store offers a diverse selection of food products, cleaning items, and toiletries at reasonable prices, and introduced online ordering with delivery or pickup options. For a quick local shop in St. George's, Family Value wins on convenience. For a big weekly shop, IGA has the wider range.
What currency should I use at Family Value in Grenada?
Family Value prices everything in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$). The EC$ is fixed at EC$2.70 to US$1.00. Most supermarkets in Grenada accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry EC$ cash as a backup. There are occasions where the internet is down and stores cannot process credit card payments. Power outages can also affect terminals. Withdraw EC$ from a local ATM for the best exchange rate rather than paying in USD.
What are the best food souvenirs to buy from a Grenada supermarket?
Supermarkets are actually one of the best places to buy Grenadian food souvenirs at local prices. Unique locally made goods to look for include locally made chocolate bars, nutmeg jam and syrup, spice-scented soaps and body oils, and Nut-Med Pain-Relieving Spray. Grenada's best souvenirs are spice baskets filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, bay leaves, cloves, turmeric, and ginger. You'll also find Grenadian rum at far lower prices than duty-free shops. Clarke's Court and Westerhall are the two most widely available local rum brands and make excellent gifts.
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