Top African Foods Retail Stores Should Stock in 2026

The African grocery market is booming. From London to Toronto, New York to Sydney, consumers are actively seeking authentic African food products, and retail stores that stock them are seeing impressive returns. If you’re a retailer, supermarket buyer, or grocery store owner, 2026 is the year to add African foods to your shelves.

These are the top African foods retail stores should stock in 2026 because they are shelf-stable, widely consumed by growing African diaspora communities, and increasingly demanded in global markets. Whether you’re targeting ethnic food aisles or mainstream grocery sections, these products offer strong profit margins and consistent customer demand.

Why African Food Products Are in High Demand

The African diaspora is one of the fastest-growing consumer segments worldwide. In the US, UK, and Canada, African and Caribbean populations are expanding, and they’re looking for the foods they grew up with. Beyond diaspora communities, mainstream consumers are exploring African cuisine through social media, cooking shows, and restaurant trends.

Retailers who stock the right African grocery products tap into both loyalty-driven repeat purchases and curiosity-driven new customers. The key is choosing products that are export-ready, shelf-stable, and already proven in international retail stores.

1. Palm Oil (Red Palm Oil)

Palm oil is a cornerstone of West African cooking. Used in soups, stews, rice dishes, and frying, it’s a non-negotiable item for African shoppers.

Why stock it:

∙ Essential for authentic Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Cameroonian recipes

∙ Long shelf life when properly packaged

∙ Growing interest from health-conscious consumers due to its natural vitamin content

Retail tip: Stock both refined and unrefined versions. Red palm oil is preferred for traditional dishes, while refined palm oil appeals to broader audiences.

2. Garri (Cassava Flakes)

Garri is one of the most consumed African food products across West Africa. Made from fermented cassava, it’s eaten as a side dish (eba) or mixed with cold water and sugar as a quick meal.

Why stock it:

∙ Extremely shelf-stable

∙ Affordable and versatile

∙ High demand among Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Sierra Leonean communities

Retail tip: Offer multiple grain sizes, fine, medium, and coarse, to meet different cooking preferences.

3. Fufu Flour (Cassava, Plantain, or Yam)

Fufu is the go-to starch for African soups and stews. While traditionally pounded, instant fufu flour has made it convenient for modern kitchens worldwide.

Why stock it:

∙ Ready-to-cook format appeals to busy consumers

∙ Works with popular African soups like egusi, okra, and groundnut soup

∙ Available in cassava, plantain, yam, or mixed blends

Retail tip: Stock multiple varieties and clearly label cooking instructions in English and French for broader appeal.

4. Egusi (Melon Seeds)

Egusi seeds are used to make one of West Africa’s most beloved soups. Ground egusi creates a thick, nutty base for stews served with fufu or rice.

Why stock it:

∙ Core ingredient with no easy substitute

∙ Sold whole or ground

∙ Strong repeat purchase rate

Retail tip: Stock both whole seeds and pre-ground egusi to serve different customer preferences.

5. Dried Fish and Stockfish

Dried fish, smoked fish, and stockfish (dried cod) are essential for adding depth and umami to African dishes. They’re used in soups, stews, and rice preparations across the continent.

Why stock it:

∙ Long shelf life with proper storage

∙ High-margin product

∙ Essential for authentic flavour in African cooking

Retail tip: Ensure proper ventilation in storage and display areas. Package in resealable bags to maintain freshness.

6. African Spices and Seasoning Cubes

Seasoning cubes like Maggi, Knorr, and Royco are pantry staples in African households. They’re used in nearly every savory dish.

Why stock it:

∙ High-volume, fast-selling product

∙ Low storage requirements

∙ Appeals to both African and non-African customers exploring new flavours

Retail tip: Stock popular brands and flavours, including chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetable varieties.

7. Plantain Chips and Chin Chin

These snack foods are gaining popularity beyond African communities. Plantain chips are the African equivalent of potato chips, while chin chin is a crunchy, slightly sweet fried snack.

Why stock it:

∙ Crosses over to mainstream snack aisles

∙ Attractive packaging appeals to impulse buyers

∙ Long shelf life

Retail tip: Position these near other ethnic snacks or in the international foods section for better visibility.

8. Jollof Rice Seasoning and Suya Spice

Pre-mixed spice blends make it easy for consumers to recreate popular African dishes at home. Jollof rice and suya (spiced grilled meat) are two of the most recognizable African foods globally. 

Why stock it:

∙ Taps into the viral popularity of Jollof rice

∙ Appeals to home cooks exploring African cuisine

∙ Small, high-margin items

Retail tip: Create recipe cards or QR codes linking to cooking videos to encourage trial purchases.

9. Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

African-style tomato paste and canned tomatoes are often richer and more concentrated than standard Western versions. Brands like Gino and Pomo are household names.

Why stock it:

∙ Foundation ingredient for most African recipes

∙ Consistent demand year-round

∙ Familiar format for non-African customers

10. African Beverages (Malt Drinks, Hibiscus, Ginger Beer)

Malt drinks like Malta Guinness, hibiscus tea (zobo/bissap), and African-style ginger beer are increasingly popular in global markets.

Why stock it:

∙ Unique flavor profiles attract adventurous consumers

∙ Non-alcoholic options appeal to diverse demographics

∙ Eye-catching packaging

Retail tip: Position these in the international beverages section and consider chilled options for impulse purchases.

How to Source Retail-Ready African Food Products

Work with wholesale African food suppliers like PJ Export, who specialize in export-ready products. Look for suppliers who can provide:

 ∙ Proper labeling in English (and French, if applicable)

∙ Certifications for food safety and import compliance

∙ Consistent supply chains

∙ Competitive bulk pricing

Whether you’re stocking African food products for US, UK, or Canada stores, ensure your supplier understands destination-country regulations.

The African grocery market isn’t a trend, it’s a growing, profitable category with loyal customers and expanding mainstream appeal. By stocking these top African food products in 2025, retail stores position themselves to capture both diaspora spending and the curiosity of consumers exploring global flavours.

Ready to stock high demand African food products in 2026? Partner with PJ Export for export ready African food, sourced  directly from trusted producers.