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Grocery and Goods Shopping in Brazil: real experience from chats

Short answer
Budget travelers can save money by shopping at wholesale chains like Assaí Atacadista and buying subsidized meals at Bom Prato or discounted prepared foods in supermarkets. While staple produce is abundant, specific items like roasted buckwheat and pearl barley are rare in regular stores and often require specialty shops or online orders.

From real experience

Dining options in Brazil vary greatly in price.
In Guarulhos, a massive traditional local plate (Prato Feito with rice, beans, salad, and a main dish) costs around 25 BRL. Social state-subsidized restaurants named 'Bom Prato' serve meals for approximately 1.5 BRL, though expect long queues. Standard grocery prices: 1.5 kg of beef is around 60 BRL, rice and beans cost about 5 BRL per pack, and pre-cut mixed fruits (pineapple, watermelon, passionfruit) are about 22 BRL.
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In São Paulo, Brazil, fruits like mango, avocado, and acerola are abundant and can be found growing freely.
Mushmula (loquat) is also present and sometimes sold in stores as an exotic fruit. Mushrooms, however, are considered expensive, with prices ranging from 6 to 10 BRL per 200 grams for various types. This contrasts with observations from other Brazilian regions (e.g., Florianópolis), where mangoes may not ripen and mushroom prices are perceived as normal.
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Tomatoes in Brazil, particularly those sold in supermarkets, are often described as pale and lacking flavor, similar to winter tomatoes in Russia.
The 'Salada' variety is a notable exception. While root vegetables are generally of good quality, the overall selection of fresh produce, including tomatoes, may be disappointing compared to other regions.
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Recommended budget supermarket chains in Brazil include Assaí Atacadista, Shibata, and Carrefour.
Shopping at wholesale (atacadão) stores is significantly cheaper than retail markets. For transport with heavy luggage from airports or bus terminals, Uber/99 is generally more cost-effective than dedicated airport taxi services.
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For high-quality coffee beans in São Paulo, local enthusiasts recommend 'Moka Clube' in the Pinheiros district.
While supermarkets offer decent quality compared to mass-market options, specialty shops in districts like Pinheiros are preferred for gift-quality beans.
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Ready-to-eat meals are available in Carrefour supermarkets in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in other stores across Brazil.
Prices vary, but daily discounts often make these meals significantly cheaper. It's a convenient and budget-friendly option for quick meals.
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Specific groceries like pearl barley, buckwheat, natural kefir, and semolina can be found at 'Armazém Vital' stores, which focus on natural products in Brazil.
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In Brazil, 'Hercules' (oatmeal) is available.
Green buckwheat is common. Regular (roasted) buckwheat is rare and can cost around 50 BRL/kg. Pearl barley is not commonly found.
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Pearl barley and buckwheat are difficult to find in regular supermarkets in Brazil (e.g., Assai, and 5 other stores in a place called 'Brooklyn').
Online ordering might be the only option.
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