Dearest Debbie:

Take heart! Certainly, not all of our stores are the equivalents of convenience stores in "the states" (we are part of the U.S.) - they are supermarkets and large quantity outlets (like Sam's Club). We have Pueblo (Sub Base and Mandela Circle), Plaza Extra (Weymouth Rhymer Highway), and the Food Center (Frydenhoj) for our supermarkets; we have Price Smart and Cost U Less (both on the Weymouth Rhymer Highway) for those who like to buy in bulk and have their selection of limited amounts of furnishings, electronics and small appliances, among other things.

We also have more than our share of mom-and-pops and convenience stores, but I find it hard to believe that anyone who lives here does not know how to find a full-fledged supermarket on St. Thomas. We also have 2 gourmet stores that I know of, Marina Market (Red Hook) and Gourmet Gallery (2 locations, Crown Bay and Havensite)

On St. Thomas, there are 3 health food stores that I know of, but I know that I may be missing one or two... Natural Food Grocery & Deli at Mandela Circle (near the cruise ship dock) and in Sub Base (near the Crown Bay dock)... and there is also one in the area of the old Lucy's Market, but I only know the "local" term for that area.

All of the supermarkets and the gourmet stores carry some natural and international products as well...!

Hi A. Davis,

Sorry - didn't mean to write "in the US"! I know you're the "US" also! I appreciate the ideas. What I'm specifically looking for is gluten-free food. I'm just trying to figure out how much I need to bring with me vs. buy there for the 8 days I'm there.

Thanks!

Debbie

Dear Debbie:

Both Natural Foods Grocery and Deli outlets stock gluten-free items; in my opinion, the Mandela Circle store has a greater variety of products on the shelves. I have never visited the natural foods store downtown (old Lucy's Market area) - perhaps someone can assist with that. Oh! I also left off The Veggie Table on the Veteran's Drive... how that happened, I'll never know, because I have been visiting for years!

You'll find kamut, spelt, quinoa and other non-wheat, and gluten free pasta and baked products at Plaza Extra as well. In limited quantities, but it's there.