Oi, Gente!
Finding the right ingredients to cook Brazilian food outside of Brazil can be challenging. Some items are impossible to source in certain countries, while others are easier to find depending on where you live. To make this simpler, I compiled a practical list to help you stock the Ultimate Brazilian Pantry no matter where you are.
When I first moved to the US, even the simplest Brazilian recipes were hard to put together. Translating ingredient names was confusing — condensed milk was obvious, but “creme de leite em lata” translated poorly and evaporated milk is not the same thing. Over time I learned what to look for and which substitutions work.
After 15+ years living abroad, I’ve found most Brazilian ingredients are now fairly easy to get (thank you, online retailers), or can be replaced with common local items without compromising flavor. I’ll keep this list updated, so check back for additions and clarifications.
If something you need is missing from this list or you can’t find a specific item in your area, leave a comment and I’ll help you track it down.
Now, tell me in the comments:
Are these items easy to find in your area?
Key Brazilian ingredients & where to find them
Rice, especially white rice, is a staple of Brazilian meals and commonly served as a side. Any long-grain white rice works well; brown rice is a nutritious substitute. You’ll also see parboiled, black and red rice varieties in Brazil. Try it in a recipe: Traditional Brazilian Rice
Beans are essential in Brazilian cuisine, with types and colors varying by region. In Rio de Janeiro, black beans are the norm, while pinto beans are the most consumed nationwide. Beans are versatile and widely available in global grocery stores. Try them in recipes: Brazilian Black Beans, Vegan Black Beans
Yuca (mandioca) is deeply rooted in Brazilian culinary tradition. The root is eaten fresh and processed into many products like flour and starch. In some places, like Southern California, yuca can be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts or online. Try it in recipes: Instant Pot Mashed Yuca, Yuca Fries
Farinha de mandioca is a primary yuca product used across Brazil—farofa is its most famous application. In many regions abroad, you’ll find it in Brazilian specialty stores or online when regular supermarkets don’t carry it. Try it in a recipe: Farofa – Toasted Cassava Flour
Leite condensado is a cornerstone of Brazilian desserts and the main ingredient in brigadeiros. Sweetened condensed milk is widely available in most grocery stores worldwide and also online. Try it in recipes: Brigadeiro – Brazilian Fudge Balls, Brazilian Hot Chocolate, Banana Pecan Ice Cream
Table cream (creme de leite de lata) appears in both sweet and savory Brazilian recipes. Sometimes fresh cream substitutes work, but not always—depends on the dish. In many U.S. stores you can find canned table cream labeled media crema in the Latin aisle, and it’s also widely sold online. Try it in a recipe: Pave – No Bake Chocolate Pie
Tapioca starch is derived from the cassava root and is a common ingredient in Brazilian baking and snacks. It’s the key component in dishes like tapioca crepes and pão de queijo. Tapioca starch is widely available in supermarkets and online. Try it in recipes: Brazilian Tapioca, Pao de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread, Zucchini Breakfast Muffins
Linguiça calabresa, a smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic and peppers, adds smokiness and depth to many Brazilian dishes, including feijoada. You can find it at specialty butcher shops, some supermarkets, and Brazilian markets. Try it in a recipe: Caldo Verde – Portuguese Green Soup
Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-eee) is a tart fruit from the Amazon, enjoyed sweet in the south of Brazil and sometimes savory in the north. Frozen açaí puree is commonly sold in supermarket freezers and online in many countries. Try it in a recipe: Acai Bowl
Cachaça is Brazil’s distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice and is the base of the national cocktail, the caipirinha. It’s available in many liquor stores and some supermarkets. Brazilian markets also stock cachaça, and it can be purchased online from reputable retailers. Try it in a recipe: How to Make Caipirinha