In this series of posts, we answer common Costa Rica travel questions. Today, we’ll talk about bringing snacks and specialty foods with you on the plane to Costa Rica. What’s restricted and what you may be able to buy locally. This should be helpful for those with dietary restrictions (gluten free, lactose free, etc.) or travelers with special dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, etc.).
Question – Snacks & Packaged Goods
“We will be traveling to Costa Rica and our children have severe food sensitivities. Is it possible to bring packaged food items (labels in English), such as Gluten Free & GMO Free & organic items with us, without them being taken at the airport? Dry goods, pasta, rice, nut butters, etc.?”
Answer
Yes, you can bring some foods into Costa Rica for personal use. Over the years, we have successfully brought many things in our luggage like granola bars, crackers, cereal, Cliff bars, peanut butter, maple syrup, candy, and specialty grains (packaged) like organic oats and vital wheat gluten.
Plain nuts and seeds are restricted but if they are incorporated into snacks, it should be fine.
When bringing items through Costa Rica customs, it is always good to mix them in your regular luggage along with your clothes. Don’t have one suitcase stuffed with only the food items. Also, large quantities of the same thing will be alarming to customs agents because they may think you are trying to resell them. Everything is supposed to be for your own personal use, not for commercial purposes.
Question – Meat & Dairy Products
“Is it also possible to bring a cooler with frozen meats and dairy products without the labels being in Spanish? Our food is very expensive and if it all got taken, it would be a major issue.”
Answer
We’ve never attempted to bring meat or any perishable foods into Costa Rica. These can cause problems in customs. We have heard of people’s expensive steaks and other meats being confiscated.
That being said, we have heard of others packing some smoked meats or cheeses into their bags without trouble. Keep in mind that much of it depends on the official working in customs that day and whether they see what you’re trying to bring in.
According to SENASA, a division of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, pasteurized dairy products and cooked or cured beef or poultry products are allowed from the United States (and some other countries) through a traveler’s luggage. The items must be properly packaged, labeled, etc. The list and quantities can be found on this site in Spanish.
Question – Where to Buy Specialty Foods
“Are specialty products like gluten free & GMO free, vegan, and organic items available for us to buy in Costa Rica? We will be staying near the Mal Pais/Santa Teresa area.”
Answer
The availability of specialty foods items in Costa Rica is getting much better. Most bigger grocery stores will have at least a small selection of natural, gluten free, and lactose free foods. You also can usually find basic vegan foods like tofu, plant-based milks, and meat substitutes. Some stores have a decent aisle to choose from.
The best places to shop are Auto Mercado (mostly around San Jose but locations near Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Jaco/Herradura), Walmart, Mas X Menos (owned by Walmart), and the BM grocery stores in Quepos/Manuel Antonio and on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.
There are also many small specialty natural food shops. These are usually located in larger tourist destinations, especially near Costa Rica’s beaches. In Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, one store that comes to mind is Green World Store.
Farmers markets are also a great place to look or talk with people who might know where to find more options.
Need more help planning your trip to Costa Rica? We’ve been traveling and living in Costa Rica for more than 10 years. Check out these pages for lots more resources!
Practical Travel – Articles about exchanging money, speaking Spanish, airport info, packing lists, and more.
Destinations – In-depth destination guides for all of Costa Rica’s popular and off-the-beaten-path towns. Get local hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations.
Rental Car Discount – Use our special relationship with one of Costa Rica’s best car rental agencies to save 10% and get free extras.
