Puerto Rican Community Grocery Savings in Chicago: Your Guide to Pernil, Mofongo, and More
Chicago's proud Puerto Rican community can celebrate their culinary heritage without breaking the bank. This guide offers savings tips for holiday feasts and everyday favorites, with a focus on shopping in Humboldt Park and at Jewel-Osco.
Puerto Rican Community Grocery Savings in Chicago: Your Guide to Pernil, Mofongo, and More
Published August 19, 2025 | Last Updated: August 19, 2025
The heart of Chicago's Puerto Rican community beats strong in Humboldt Park, where the iconic steel flags on Division Street stand as a symbol of pride and heritage. Food is a central part of that heritage, with flavors that tell the story of the island's rich history. This guide will help you cook the food you love while saving money.
The Cost of Puerto Rican Cooking
Ingredients like sofrito, adobo seasoning, and plantains are essential to Puerto Rican cuisine. While many of these are affordable, the cost can add up, especially when cooking for family gatherings.
A Hybrid Shopping Strategy
Combine the offerings of local bodegas and Latin markets with the deals at Jewel-Osco for maximum savings.
Bodegas & Latin Markets:
- Best for: Specialty items like gandules (pigeon peas), sazón seasoning packets, and a variety of plantains (green and ripe).
- Strategy: These stores often have great prices on pork shoulder (pernil) and other cuts of meat favored in Puerto Rican cooking.
Jewel-Osco:
- Best for: Pantry staples like rice, beans, and cooking oil, as well as produce like onions, peppers, and garlic for your sofrito.
- Strategy: Use the Jewel-Osco for U app to find digital coupons. Look for sales on canned goods like tomato sauce and evaporated milk (for coquito!).
Holiday & Celebration Savings
Christmas (Nochebuena) & Three Kings Day
These are major holidays for Puerto Rican families, and the feasts are legendary.
- Pernil (Roast Pork Shoulder): This is the star of the show. Look for sales on pork shoulder at both Latin markets and Jewel-Osco in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
- Arroz con Gandules: A holiday must-have. Canned pigeon peas are affordable, and you can save on rice by buying it in large bags.
- Coquito: This creamy coconut drink is a holiday treat. Look for sales on canned coconut milk and evaporated milk at Jewel-Osco.
Puerto Rican People's Parade & Festivals
Summer in Chicago means festivals, and the Puerto Rican People's Parade is one of the biggest.
- Grilling: Save money by grilling at home before or after the parade. Look for sales on chicken and pork at Jewel-Osco.
- Snacks & Drinks: Stock up on snacks and drinks at Jewel-Osco to avoid paying high prices at the festival.
Everyday Favorites on a Budget
- Sofrito: Make a large batch of sofrito at home and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use. This is much cheaper than buying it pre-made.
- Plantains: Green and ripe plantains are a versatile and affordable staple. Fry them, mash them, or add them to stews.
- Beans: Canned or dried beans are a budget-friendly source of protein.
With a little planning, you can enjoy the vibrant and delicious food of Puerto Rico right here in Chicago, all while staying on budget. ¡Buen provecho!