A Taste of Little Village: Best Deals in the Neighborhood Markets vs. Jewel
A comparison of grocery prices in Little Village markets and Jewel-Osco.
A Taste of Little Village: Best Deals in the Neighborhood Markets vs. Jewel
Little Village is the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community, and its vibrant 26th Street is lined with bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican ingredients, you’ll find them here. But how do the prices at the neighborhood markets compare to the nearby Jewel-Osco? We decided to find out.
The Methodology
We created a shopping list of 10 common Mexican grocery items and compared the prices at a local market in Little Village (we’ll call it “La Villita Mercado” for this comparison) and a nearby Jewel-Osco. Prices are based on approximate costs at the time of writing and may vary by location.
The Shopping List
Here’s what we bought:
- Fresh Tortillas (1 dozen)
- Chorizo (1 lb)
- Queso Fresco (8 oz)
- Avocados (2)
- Limes (1 lb)
- Cilantro (1 bunch)
- Jalapeños (1/2 lb)
- Dried Ancho Chiles (1 oz)
- Canned Black Beans (15 oz)
- Jarred Salsa (16 oz)
The Price Comparison
| Item | La Villita Mercado Price | Jewel-Osco Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Tortillas | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Chorizo | $3.99 | $4.99 |
| Queso Fresco | $3.49 | $4.29 |
| Avocados | $1.00 | $1.50 |
| Limes | $0.99 | $1.49 |
| Cilantro | $0.79 | $0.99 |
| Jalapeños | $0.89 | $1.29 |
| Dried Ancho Chiles | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Canned Black Beans | $0.99 | $1.29 |
| Jarred Salsa | $2.99 | $3.49 |
| Total | $19.13 | $26.32 |
The Verdict
In our comparison, the local market in Little Village was significantly cheaper than Jewel-Osco for every item on our list. For the most authentic and affordable Mexican ingredients, the neighborhood markets are the clear winner.
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When to Shop at a Local Market: For fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and specialty items like dried chiles and fresh tortillas, you can’t beat the prices and quality at the local markets in Little Village.
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When to Shop at Jewel-Osco: Jewel-Osco can still be a good option for pantry staples like canned goods and jarred salsa, especially when they are on sale. It’s also a convenient one-stop shop if you need to buy other non-Mexican groceries.
The Bottom Line
For the best deals on authentic Mexican ingredients, it’s worth making a trip to Little Village. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods. So next time you’re planning a Mexican feast, head to 26th Street and experience a taste of Little Village.