When staying at Blue Haven in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera, you’ll likely want to take advantage of the kitchen to prepare some of your own meals. While Eleuthera is dotted with great restaurants, the island also offers a range of grocery stores and specialty shops where you can find fresh, local ingredients and items that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free options.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop for groceries, including where to find gluten-free products, so you can create delicious meals during your stay.
Local Grocery Stores Around Rainbow Bay
Eleuthera Supply (Governor’s Harbour, surprisingly in the Shell station)
Located about 20 minutes south of Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera Supply in Governor’s Harbour is one of the larger grocery stores on the island. It offers a wide selection of staple items, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and canned goods. While it’s not a huge store, you can generally find everything you need for basic meals, including seasonings, rice, pasta, and bread.
What You’ll Find: Fresh vegetables (local and imported), Bahamian seafood, frozen meats, snacks, and beverages.
Pro-Tip: The store also has a small selection of gluten-free and organic products, although these can sometimes be limited, so it’s a good idea to check early in your stay.
East and Final (James Cistern)
Just a 10-minute drive south of Rainbow Bay, East and Final in James Cistern is a convenient stop for picking up essential items. It’s a smaller grocery store, but it’s well-stocked with common pantry items, snacks, drinks, and fresh produce.
What You’ll Find: A range of fresh produce, pantry staples, and beverages to help you prepare meals at Blue Haven. It's a great spot to grab everything you need before continuing your adventure around the island.
Convenience: This is a great spot for grabbing quick essentials without needing to drive far.
Seymour's Variety (Hatchet Bay)
About 12 minutes north of Rainbow Bay in Hatchet Bay, Seymour’s Variety is a small, family-owned grocery store with a surprisingly good selection of fresh produce, dry goods, and household essentials. You’ll also find some locally made products and Bahamian snacks.
What You’ll Find: Fresh fruits, vegetables, pantry staples, snacks, and cold beverages.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for fresh local bread and pastries, which are sometimes available here.
Burrows Grocery (Governor's Harbour)
Located in the heart of Governor’s Harbour, Burrows Grocery offers a cozy, community feel with a variety of fresh foods and pantry items. It’s a great spot to grab meats, fresh seafood, and everyday essentials.
What You’ll Find: Fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and an assortment of canned goods.
Big Rock Market (South Rainbow Bay)
Big Rock Market is another grocery store located 4-5 minutes south of Rainbow Bay, offering a selection of imported and local foods. It’s smaller than Eleuthera Supply but has a cozy, local feel and is a great spot for picking up fresh fruits, vegetables, and frozen goods.
What You’ll Find: Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and seafood. Some international products, including sauces and spices.
Pro-Tip: Check for locally caught fish and seafood, which are often available here.
Specialty Food Shops and Gluten-Free Options
Bacchus Fine Foods (Governor’s Harbour)
For gourmet and specialty items, Bacchus Fine Foods in Governor’s Harbour is a must-visit. Located just 25 minutes from Rainbow Bay, Bacchus offers a well-curated selection of imported goods, gluten-free items, and organic products. This is the go-to spot if you're looking for higher-end or health-conscious ingredients, including products you might struggle to find at regular grocery stores.
Gluten-Free Products: Bacchus carries gluten-free pastas, bread, crackers, and snacks. They also stock organic fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy-free options like almond milk and coconut milk.
Gourmet Foods: You’ll also find fine cheeses, cured meats, artisanal breads, wines, and olive oils—perfect for a special dinner at Blue Haven.
Island Farm (Palmetto Point)
About 30 minutes south of Rainbow Bay, Island Farm is a great place to stock up on fresh, local produce and homemade goods. It’s a small, family-run farm stand that sells vegetables grown right on the island, as well as homemade bread, jams, sauces, and dressings.
What You’ll Find: Freshly picked tomatoes, greens, herbs, and tropical fruits. They also sell fresh bread, including gluten-free options on certain days (check ahead for availability).
Pro-Tip: Island Farm also sells fresh eggs, homemade pesto, and locally made chutneys—ideal for adding flavor to your meals.
The Market Place (Rock Sound)
If you’re heading further south, The Market Place in Rock Sound is a larger grocery store about an hour from Rainbow Bay. It’s well-stocked with a variety of products, including a decent selection of gluten-free and organic items.
Gluten-Free Selection: The Market Place stocks gluten-free flour, pasta, cereals, and snacks, as well as dairy-free alternatives like almond and soy milk.
What You’ll Find: This is one of the better-stocked stores on the island, offering everything from fresh produce and meats to baked goods, dry goods, and frozen foods.
Stocking Up for a Stay at Blue Haven
When staying at Blue Haven in Rainbow Bay, you’ll have access to a full kitchen, so you can easily prepare meals with the fresh, local ingredients you pick up around the island.
Here are some ideas for meals you can create with the products available in the local grocery stores:
Grilled Fish and Salad: Pick up some fresh-caught fish from Eleuthera Supply or Big Rock Market and grill it up with a side of fresh greens and tomatoes from Island Farm.
Gluten-Free Pasta Night: With gluten-free pasta from Bacchus Fine Foods or The Market Place, you can make a simple yet delicious pasta dish with local tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bahamian Breakfast: Eggs from Island Farm with a side of gluten-free toast from Bacchus Fine Foods, paired with homemade guava jam or coconut jelly.
Tropical Fruit Salad: Stop by Island Farm or a roadside vendor to pick up pineapples, mangos, and bananas for a fresh fruit salad to start your day.
Final Tips for Grocery Shopping in Eleuthera
Bring Reusable Bags: Many stores in Eleuthera encourage the use of reusable bags, so bring a few along for your grocery runs.
Stock Up on Essentials Early: Grocery stores on Eleuthera can sometimes have limited stock, especially for specialty items like gluten-free products. If you find something you need, it’s a good idea to buy it early in your stay.
Local Produce: Whenever possible, shop at local markets like Island Farm to get the freshest produce and support local farmers. The flavors are unbeatable, and you’ll get a true taste of Eleuthera’s bounty.
With a mix of local grocery stores and specialty shops, you’ll have no trouble finding everything you need to prepare delicious meals at Blue Haven. Whether you're shopping for gluten-free ingredients, fresh produce, or locally caught seafood, Eleuthera offers a range of options to help you create the perfect island-inspired meals during your stay.
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