The Mexican Wave: Exploring the Phenomenon of Latino Favorites in Chicago
The strange phenomenon of not missing your Mexican faves…
As a proud Mexicana living in the vibrant city of Chicago, I’ve marveled at the culinary journey that has unfolded around me. From the bustling Mexican stores scattered across the Windy City to the aisles of major national supermarkets like Food4Less, Walmart, Aldi, and even unexpected places like Walgreens, the availability of Mexican products has reached unprecedented levels.
Exploring Chicago’s Hispanic Haven
What sets Chicago apart in this culinary adventure is its dense Hispanic population, especially in suburbs like Melrose Park, where the influence of Durango, Mexico, is so pronounced that it rivals even the city of Durango itself. Having lived in Texas, NJ, and Atlanta, I can attest to the unique prevalence of Spanish speakers in Chicago, making it a city where you can seamlessly converse in Spanish almost anywhere you go.
A Shopping Experience Like No Other
One prime example of the Mexican culinary takeover is the Sam’s Club on Cicero Ave in Cicero, IL. Serving as a hub for the Hispanic community, it feels like a shopping experience transported straight from Mexico. The aisles are filled with familiar brands, and it’s here that I stumbled upon treasures like Suavitel and Encanto fabric softeners in massive containers, offering a nostalgic connection to the scents and textures of home. I even published a video of this on my TikTok and after it went viral and reached many viewers from Mexico they were impressed and shared that not even in Mexico those brands sold that size of containers!
The Price of Nostalgia
It’s fascinating how the desire for products that evoke memories from home can lead people to pay more for imported goods, regardless of potential differences in quality. My husband, for instance, willingly chooses Dolores brand tuna cans, imported from Mexico and slightly pricier than local options, simply for the comfort of familiarity. In contrast, I scrutinize prices to make the most economical and quality choices.
From Queso to Candies: A Flavorful Assortment
Imported cheese, Chocolate Abuelita, Valentina Salsa, and Jalapeños La Costeña, or Herdez to Jarritos soft drinks, are easily found in most supermarkets in Illinois but there is also another interesting phenomenon. Innovative American-born brands such as Menudo Juanita and La Preferida, El Mexicano, and V&V Supremo have successfully captured the essence of authentic Mexican flavors. have embraced these traditional tastes, providing an authentic experience that defies expectations.
A Sweet Twist: Mexican Candies in California
Surprisingly, there’s a California-based brand named El Super León producing Mexican candies, including a unique creation called “burritos.” I find myself bringing these candies back to Mexico for my family, creating an ironic twist where US-produced Mexican candies become a hit in their country of origin.
The local Chicago brand V & V Supremo produces one of the best Chihuahua cheeses around and I can legitly prove you this as Chihuahua is my home town!
Living the Mexican Experiment in the Windy City
Living in the Windy City is like being part of a cultural experiment, witnessing how Mexican culture, flavors, and traditions have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of the Midwest.
What are your favorite Mexican products that make you feel at home? Share your culinary discoveries and let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that define our experiences in Chicago.
