Western Groceries in Taiwan 2026: Costco, Jasons, City'Super & Online Sources
We compared 2026 prices across Costco Taiwan (5 warehouses), Jasons Market Place (20+ stores), City'Super (Taipei + Kaohsiung), Carrefour, RT-Mart, plus online platforms iherb, Amazon.jp shipping, and Taiwan-based foreign-food retailers. "Costco is the price leader for almost all Western groceries; Jasons and City'Super offer broader variety but at 20-50% premium; iherb plus international shipping fills specific niches" — that's the actual sourcing strategy most working expat families settle into.
For Westerners (and other foreigners) accustomed to specific groceries from home, Taiwan's mainstream supermarkets (Pxmart, RT-Mart, Carrefour) cover most local Taiwanese staples but stock limited international/Western brands.
The premium grocery chains (Jasons, City'Super), warehouse clubs (Costco), and online retailers fill the gap, but at varying prices.
This guide is the practical sourcing map for foreigners who want cheese variety, baking supplies, North American/European brand names, gluten-free options, and other things mainstream Taiwanese supermarkets either lack or charge 2-3x for.
The Source Hierarchy: Where to Buy What
Different stores excel at different categories. A typical Western expat household uses 3-4 sources weekly.
| Store type | Best for | Worst for |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Taiwan | Bulk; meat; cheese; baked goods; wine; cleaning supplies | Small households; specific specialty items |
| Jasons Market Place | Variety; convenience; specialty international | Price |
| City'Super | High-end Japanese, European, North American imports | Price; smaller selection on basics |
| Carrefour | Mid-tier Western brand items; price | |
| RT-Mart | Local + some Western basics; price competitive | |
| Pxmart | Local staples; limited imports | |
| iherb online | Supplements; specialty health foods | Shipping wait |
| Amazon.jp / international ship | Brand-specific items unavailable in Taiwan | Shipping cost + time |
| Specialty stores (Asian markets in Tianmu, Anhe) | Specific niches | Operating hours |
Most working expats settle into Costco for bulk monthly + Jasons or RT-Mart for weekly fill-in + occasional online orders for specialty items.
Costco Taiwan: The Value Leader
Costco operates 5 warehouses in Taiwan (Taipei Neihu, Zhonghe, Beitun Taichung, Nantun Taichung, Kaohsiung). Annual membership NT$1,500 for Gold Star, NT$3,000 for Executive.
| Common Western items + typical Costco price (2026) |
|---|
| 1 kg US Choice ribeye (NT$1,200-1,800/kg) |
| 1 kg ground beef (NT$500-700/kg) |
| Kirkland chicken breast 2.7kg (NT$700-900) |
| Block of aged cheddar 1kg (NT$400-650) |
| Imported European cheese assortment |
| Mozzarella (2lb bag) |
| Greek yogurt (Tillamook 32oz × 2) |
| Olive oil (2L Kirkland) |
| Bread (Kirkland organic) |
| Wine (Kirkland Signature) |
| Diapers (Kirkland 192-pack) |
| Croissants (12-pack) |
| Salmon (Atlantic, 1.5kg) |
Costco's pricing on most Western groceries is 20-50% below mainstream chains. The trade-off: bulk quantities (often impractical for single foreigners), warehouse format, weekend crowds. For families of 2+, the membership pays for itself in 4-6 visits.
Jasons Market Place: The Convenient Premium
Jasons (傑生市場, owned by Tesco/SOGO) is the most-found upmarket grocery in Taipei. 20+ stores; located in major commercial districts.
| Category | Variety | Price vs Costco |
|---|---|---|
| Imported cheese | Very broad | 30-60% higher |
| Baked goods | Decent | 30-50% higher |
| Imported wine | Strong selection | 20-40% higher |
| Pre-made meals | Good for time-stressed | n/a (Costco less of this) |
| Specialty vegetables (asparagus, artichokes) | Often available | n/a |
| Imported chocolates / confectionery | Strong | 30-50% higher |
| Western breakfast cereals | Several brands | 30-50% higher |
| Gluten-free pastas/breads | Some selection | n/a |
Jasons strength is convenience: most stores in walkable neighborhoods, smaller and faster than Costco. Weakness is per-unit price.
City'Super: Top Tier Imports
City'Super (Taipei: 4 locations; Kaohsiung: 1) imports premium Japanese and European items. Generally most expensive but unique selection.
| Specialty | Where City'Super excels |
|---|---|
| Japanese Wagyu beef | Top selection in Taipei |
| Imported French cheeses | Specialty fromage selection |
| Italian pasta brands | Wide artisanal range |
| English breakfast tea brands | UK imports |
| Korean staples | Specific brand variety |
| Imported chocolates | Premium European brands |
| Wine cellars | Wine specialist staff |
Use City'Super for specific cravings (real French Comté, specific Wagyu cut, Japanese matcha) rather than weekly shopping. Prices typically 50-100% above mainstream.
RT-Mart and Carrefour: Mid-Tier Western
RT-Mart (大潤發) and Carrefour (家樂福) carry some Western brands at competitive prices, especially own-brand alternatives.
| Items found at mainstream chains | Examples |
|---|---|
| Standard Western breakfast cereals | Kellogg's, Quaker, some Nestlé |
| Pasta and sauces | De Cecco, Barilla, Mutti |
| Olive oil basics | Carapelli, Bertolli |
| Yogurt (Greek-style) | Several brands |
| Coffee beans (whole and ground) | Major roasts available |
| Wine (mid-tier) | Available at Carrefour wine section |
| Chocolate (mainstream) | Most major brands |
| Sandwich bread (toast) | Available |
RT-Mart and Carrefour are the best price-quality for "I want some Western items without paying premium." Carrefour has slightly broader Western selection due to French roots.
Online Sources: iherb, Amazon, Specialty
Online options fill gaps that no Taiwan store carries.
| Source | Best for |
|---|---|
| iherb.com (USD direct) | Supplements, vitamins, gluten-free, protein powders |
| Amazon Japan + freight forwarder | Specific Japanese-only items |
| Amazon US + freight forwarder | US-only items; brand specifics |
| Cosmedirect / specific personal-care | Skincare brands not in Taiwan |
| Carrefour Online (Taiwan) | Carrefour stock with home delivery |
| Honestbee / UberEats Market (where available) | Selected stores delivery |
iherb specifically dominates supplements/health food import (USD 30-100 typical orders ship to Taiwan in 5-12 days, total under USD 30 shipping). Foreign families often have weekly iherb routines.
Specific Niche Categories
| Category | Where to source in Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Mexican (tortillas, salsas, jalapeños) | Costco; specific Taipei shops (Eddy's Cantina supplier) |
| Indian (lentils, spices) | Taipei: Tara Spice; Jasons |
| Middle Eastern (hummus, tahini) | Costco; City'Super; some Tianmu shops |
| Kosher | Very limited; mostly specific stores or import |
| Halal | Some Pakistani / Indonesian shops in Taipei; Carrefour has halal section |
| Vegetarian / Vegan specialty | Vegetarian-specific markets; Cosmed for vegan products |
| Gluten-free baking | iherb; City'Super; Costco |
| Specific German / French / Italian | City'Super; specific embassy-area shops |
Pricing Reality: Common Foreign Items Compared
Specific item-level comparisons showing the markup vs home country.
| Item | Costco | Jasons | City'Super | US/UK reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged cheddar 500g block | NT$400-600 | NT$500-800 | NT$700-1,200 | NT$300-500 (US) |
| Greek yogurt 1L | NT$200-300 | NT$280-400 | NT$350-500 | NT$200-350 (US) |
| Salmon (Norwegian, 1kg fresh) | NT$700-1,100 | NT$1,200-1,800 | NT$1,400-2,200 | NT$600-1,000 (US) |
| Wine (decent bottle) | NT$400-800 | NT$500-1,200 | NT$600-1,500+ | NT$300-700 (US/Eur) |
| Imported pasta (500g) | NT$80-150 | NT$120-220 | NT$150-280 | NT$80-150 (US) |
| Croissants (6-pack fresh) | NT$120-180 | NT$200-350 | NT$250-400 | NT$200-350 (US) |
| Greek olive oil (1L) | NT$400-700 | NT$500-900 | NT$700-1,200 | NT$300-600 (US) |
| Imported beef ribeye (1kg) | NT$1,200-1,800 | NT$1,500-2,500 | NT$2,000-3,500 | NT$800-1,500 (US) |
Taiwan's import-tax-plus-distribution layer adds 20-60% on most imported Western items vs origin country prices. Costco minimizes this; premium stores maximize.
Where Western Grocery Sourcing Gets Hard
- Specific regional US/UK brands not stocked in Taiwan (your specific shampoo, specific cookie brand)
- Specialty diet items (specific keto, paleo, FODMAP-friendly products in niche brands)
- Frozen items not commercially imported (specific TV dinners, regional frozen specialties)
- Specific produce (American sweet corn, specific tomato varieties, specific berries seasonally)
- Bulk dry-goods at home-country prices (50-pound rice bags, etc.)
Where Taiwan Beats Western Country Pricing
Some categories are cheaper in Taiwan than US/UK:
- Fresh local produce (vegetables, fruits)
- Local beef noodle soup ingredients
- Fresh fish and seafood
- Tea (Taiwanese tea production excellent + cheap)
- Soy-based products (tofu, soy sauce, miso)
- Asian condiments and sauces
- Local rice (under NT$80/kg for quality)
- Coffee (boutique local roasts NT$300-500/half-kg vs USD 12-20)
- Fresh-baked Taiwanese pastries and bread
A balanced foreign-family grocery approach: 60% Taiwan staples + 40% Western imports. This optimizes price-vs-comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costco worth it for a single person or couple? Marginal. Costco membership pays back at NT$1,500/year (gold star). Single people who shop bulk infrequently break even at 4-6 visits. Couples of 2 reliably benefit if they buy meat, cheese, and household supplies regularly.
How does Costco Taiwan differ from Costco US? Inventory is roughly 70% similar (US brand stock) + 30% local Taiwanese items + some Asian-specific products. Pricing is generally similar to US Costco for imports. Crowds are very high on weekends; weekday mornings are best.
Are there delivery services for Western groceries? Costco has online delivery (Taipei area for many items). Carrefour has online delivery. Jasons has some delivery via partner platforms. Specialty grocery delivery for very specific brands is limited.
Can I order from Amazon US directly? Yes, but specific items may have international shipping restrictions, customs duties (often kicks in above USD 1,000 value), and 10-30 days arrival time. Use a freight forwarder (Hop! Shipper, MyUS, ShipBob) for better rates on multiple-item consolidation.
What to Actually Do Next
- Get a Costco membership in your first month — the immediate savings justify it.
- Map your nearest Jasons and City'Super for occasional specialty needs.
- Set up iherb account and order trial; verify shipping to your address.
- Build a weekly shopping pattern: Costco monthly, mid-tier (Carrefour/RT) weekly, specialty as needed.
- Discover Taiwan items you'll grow to prefer over Western equivalents (Taiwanese tea, fruit, beef noodle ingredients) — broader local pantry saves significantly.
Related Reading
- Taiwan Food Guide for Foreigners 2026 — local food sourcing and night markets
- Living in Taiwan Complete Guide 2026 — broader cost-of-living context
- Living in Yilan / Hualien etc. — grocery realities outside Taipei
- Best Cities in Taiwan for Foreigners 2026 — Western grocery access varies by city