Belize Beer Budgeting: Unraveling The Cost Of A Case For The Savvy Traveler

The price of a case of beer in Belize depends on the brand and the type of beer. In Belize, beer is typically sold by the case in stores, and by the bucket in bars and restaurants. A case of 24 bottles of beer in Belize typically ranges from BZD $49.95 to $67.50, with an additional deposit of around $11.00 for the crate and bottles, which is usually refundable. For example, a case of 24 bottles of Regular Belikin beer costs around BZD $54 plus deposit, while a case of Guinness costs around BZD $67.50 plus deposit. In bars, the price of a single beer can range from BZD $4 to $6, with most places charging around $6.

Where to buy beer in Belize

Belize is famous for its beers, with Belikin being the most popular beer in the country. Belikin is brewed by the Belize Brewing Company, which has a near monopoly on the domestic beer market. The company brews a range of lagers and stouts, including the Belikin Lager, Premium, Lighthouse Lager, and Verano, as well as stouts such as the Belikin Stout, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Chocolate Stout, and Sorrel Stout.

Belikin beers are widely available across Belize and can be purchased from most grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. Beers are typically sold as singles in stores, with bars and restaurants serving them by the bucket. A standard price for a beer is around B$4 ($2US).

In addition to Belikin, there are a few other options for beer drinkers in Belize. The country's first microbrewery, Island Time Brewing, is located in San Pedro and produces the popular Barefoot Blonde Ale, which can be found in pubs across the island. Ambergris Brewing Company (ABC) serves Barefoot Blonde Ale on draft, while cans are available at various bars, including Sandy Toe's Beach Bar & Grille, Case Picasso, and Ernie's Runway Bar.

For those looking for imported beers, Heineken, Carib Beer, and Red Stripe can be found in stores across the country, thanks to a reduction in import prices for beers brewed in the Caribbean. Additionally, international beers such as Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis, and Budweiser can be found at family parties and local weddings, although these are typically smuggled in from Guatemala and Mexico.

Beer prices in Belize

Belize offers a range of beer options, from domestic brews to international imports, and prices can vary depending on the brand, quantity, and location of purchase. Here is an overview of beer prices in Belize as of 2024:

Domestic Beer Prices:

Belize has a thriving beer culture, with Belikin being the dominant brand in the domestic market. A case of 24 bottles of regular Belikin beer typically costs between BZD 49.95 (approximately USD 25) and BZD 54 (USD 27) plus a deposit, bringing the total cost to around BZD 60.95 (USD 30.50). This price range is consistent with other popular domestic brands like Lighthouse and Stout. However, it's important to note that these prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and location within Belize.

Imported Beer Prices:

Imported beers are also available in Belize, although the selection may be limited due to Belikin's strong market presence. Popular imported brands include Guinness, Heineken, and Land Shark. The pricing for imported beer cases can vary depending on the brand. For example, a case of 24 bottles of Guinness can cost around BZD 72.10 (USD 36), while Heineken may cost approximately BZD 67.50 (USD 33.75) for a case. It's important to note that these prices may not include deposits, which can add a small additional cost.

Single Beers in Bars and Restaurants:

When purchasing single beers in bars and restaurants, you can expect to pay around BZD 4 to BZD 6 (USD 2 to USD 3) per beer. This price range is consistent across different brands and varieties, making it an affordable option to enjoy a cold drink while socialising or dining out.

Seasonal and Craft Beers:

Belize also offers seasonal and craft beer options, although their availability may be more limited and prices can vary. For example, the Winter Sorrel Stout and Spring Chocolate Stout are seasonal offerings from Belikin, often available during specific times of the year. Additionally, the emergence of craft breweries, such as Island Time Brewing in San Pedro, provides beer enthusiasts with unique and flavourful options beyond the standard lagers and stouts.

Wholesale and Retail Prices:

The wholesale price range for beer in Belize in 2024 is quoted to be between USD 0.54 and USD 0.96 per kilogram or between USD 0.25 and USD 0.44 per pound. The retail price range, on the other hand, is between USD 0.78 and USD 1.37 per kilogram or between USD 0.35 and USD 0.62 per pound. These prices may vary depending on the specific brand and retailer, but they give a general idea of the cost of beer in Belize at the wholesale and retail levels.

Beer deposit costs

The cost of beer in Belize varies depending on the brand and whether you are buying bottles or cans. However, one consistent additional cost is the beer deposit. The deposit is levied on the crates and bottles/cans that the beer comes in and is refunded when you return the empties.

For a case of 24 bottles of beer, the deposit is typically BZD $11.00 (or USD $5.50). This includes a BZD $5.00 deposit for the crate and BZD $6.00 for the bottles. For cans, the deposit is usually BZD $0.15 per can, or BZD $3.60 for a case of 24.

Some examples of beer deposit costs for specific brands are as follows:

• Regular Belikin: BZD $54.00 for the case plus BZD $11.00 deposit, for a total of BZD $65.00.
• Stout: BZD $54.00 for the case plus BZD $11.00 deposit, for a total of BZD $65.00.
• Lighthouse: BZD $49.95 for the case plus BZD $11.00 deposit, for a total of BZD $60.95.
• Guinness: BZD $67.50 for the case plus BZD $8.60 deposit, for a total of BZD $78.50.
• Heineken: BZD $60.75 for the case plus BZD $11.00 deposit, for a total of BZD $71.75.
• Land Shark: BZD $56.70 for the case plus BZD $11.00 deposit, for a total of BZD $67.70.

It is worth noting that the deposit costs for crates and bottles/cans are refundable. By returning the empties to the sales counter, you can recoup the deposit amount.

Types of beer available in Belize

Belize has a variety of beers available, with the Belize Brewing Company (also known as Belikin) being the major brewer in the country. Here is a list of some of the beers available in Belize:

Belikin Beers

Belikin is the most popular beer in Belize and offers a range of beers, including:

• Belikin Beer: A classic lager beer with 4.8% alcohol content.
• Belikin Stout: A stout with a smoky flavour, combining Canadian malt, German hops, and pure cane sugar from Belize. It has an alcohol content of 6.5%.
• Lighthouse Lager: A light and refreshing lager similar to Canadian Pilsner beers, with a 4.2% alcohol content.
• Belikin Premium: A unique-tasting beer made from three separate malts and two types of hops, giving it a distinctively Belizean flavour. It has an alcohol content of 4.8%.
• Guinness Stout: A Belize version of the popular dark beer, with a stronger taste and higher alcohol content than its European counterpart.
• Seasonal Beers: Belikin also offers seasonal beers, such as the Chocolate Stout and Sorrel Stout, made from locally grown sorrel.

Imported Beers

While Belize allows only a few imported beers, mainly from Caribbean nations, due to protective policies, some options are available:

• Red Stripe from Jamaica.
• Heineken, brewed in St. Lucia.
• Carib Beer from Trinidad and Tobago.
• Dragon Stout, another beer from Jamaica.

Craft Beers

In recent years, craft brewing has emerged in Belize, with companies like Island Time Brewing in San Pedro creating their own unique styles and flavours. Their beers, such as the Barefoot Blonde Ale, can be found in select pubs and breweries.

Buying beer in bars in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America with a population of about 300,000. It is a fusion of several unique cultures, including Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan. This cultural mix is reflected in the country's traditional dishes and drinks.

When it comes to drinking in Belize, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the legal drinking age in the country is 18, and alcohol can be purchased almost anywhere until midnight at convenience stores and up to 3:00 a.m. at casinos and nightclubs. It is worth noting that drinking and driving, as well as public intoxication, are illegal in Belize, so it is important to drink responsibly.

Belize has one dominant beer company that brews all of the country's beers. Beliken beer is the "National Beer of Belize," and it offers two main styles: Beliken Lager and Beliken Stout. These beers typically cost between $2 and $6 in bars, depending on the location and whether it is a tourist spot or a local bar. In general, a beer in Belize will cost around $4-5 BZE in a bar.

Beliken also produces Lighthouse Lager, a lighter beer, and bottles a locally produced Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. These options might be slightly more expensive than the regular Beliken offerings.

In addition to beer, Belize is known for its rum, with local dark and clear rum (known as white rum) being particularly popular and affordable. Rum punch, made with light and dark rum, cream of coconut, sours mix, grenadine, and pineapple juice, is a must-try when visiting Belize.

When drinking in bars in Belize, it is advisable to stick to beer and drinks in sealed containers, as there have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs. It is also important to stay with friends and be cautious when drinking in unfamiliar places.

Frequently asked questions