Sour Cream Costa Rica

Looking for sour cream in Costa Rica? One of the first things to know is that you may see it sold under a different name.

In Costa Rica, sour cream is commonly called natilla. If you are used to shopping in the United States, Canada or another country where the package simply says “sour cream,” searching for natilla can make it much easier to find the local equivalent. PriceSmart Costa Rica, for example, categorizes products labeled natilla under its “Crema agria” or sour cream section.

Market & More carries several sour cream and natilla options, from smaller raw sour creams produced by Finca El Chupulún to Cafano homemade sour cream, Dos Pinos natilla, and larger Del Prado and Corso Lechería containers.

You can order sour cream online along with the rest of your groceries for delivery in Costa Rica.

Where To Buy Sour Cream In Costa Rica

Market & More carries sour cream in several sizes and styles.

We give you a choice between raw and pasteurized products, smaller household portions, multipacks, and much larger containers for frequent use.

Product availability can change, so check the individual product page when you are ready to order.

Shop Sour Cream Options

sour cream
Add to wishlist

440g Raw Sour Cream (Finca El Chupulún)

, ,
$7.50
sour cream
Add to wishlist

220g Raw Sour Cream (Finca El Chupulún)

, ,
$4.25
400g Raw Homemade Sour Cream (CAFANO)
Add to wishlist

400g Homemade Sour Cream (CAFANO)

, ,
$6.25
19kg Del Prado Custard
19kg Del Prado Custard
Add to wishlist

1.9kg Del Prado Sour Cream (Pricesmart)

, , ,
$14.99
34kg Corso Lechería Sour Cream 12 Milk Fat
Sold out
34kg Corso Lechería Sour Cream 12 Milk Fat
Add to wishlist

3.4kg Corso Lechería Sour Cream 12% Milk Fat (Pricesmart)

, , ,
$24.99
3 Units / 400 g Dos Pinos Custard
Add to wishlist

3 Units / 400 g Dos Pinos Sour Cream (Pricesmart)

, , ,
$12.99

Sour Cream Or Natilla: What Is It Called In Costa Rica?

If you search for “sour cream Costa Rica” and start seeing products called natilla, you are in the right place.

In Costa Rica, natilla generally refers to a thick, slightly tangy dairy cream used much like sour cream. It is commonly served with foods such as gallo pinto, tortillas and bread and is also used in cooking and baking.

You may also see the Spanish terms:

  • Natilla
  • Crema agria
  • Crema ácida
  • Sour cream

The terminology becomes confusing because “natilla” means something completely different in some other Spanish-speaking countries.

In Spain and parts of Latin America, natillas can refer to a sweet custard-style dessert. That is not what Costa Ricans normally mean when they talk about putting natilla on gallo pinto.

For someone new to Costa Rica, this distinction is worth knowing. If you want the creamy dairy product used like sour cream, Costa Rican natilla is the product you should be looking for.

Sour Cream Options

Raw Sour Cream In Costa Rica

Finca El Chupulún produces two raw sour cream options available through Market & More.

Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream 220g

The 220g Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream is the smallest option on this page and it is also available in 440 gram size. 

It is made with pure raw cream without added salt or sugar. Additonally  it contains no starches or dyes.

The smaller size makes sense if you use sour cream mainly as a topping or only need it for a few meals.

It can be served with gallo pinto, tortillas, tacos, potatoes, soups, beans or other dishes where you want a spoonful of sour cream rather than a large quantity. 

Finca el Chupulun sour cream is is our favorite option on our Market and More website. 

Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream 440g

For a larger household portion, Market & More also carries 440g Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream.

The product page gives the same simple description as the smaller version: made with pure raw cream without added salt or sugar, starches or dyes.

The larger container may be more practical if several people in the household eat sour cream or you use it regularly for cooking.

If you specifically search for raw sour cream in Costa Rica, these Finca El Chupulún products are the clearest options in the Market & More selection.

Cafano Homemade Sour Cream 400g

Cafano Homemade Sour Cream comes in a 400g container.

The ingredients are simply pasteurized dairy cream and salt. 

That puts it between the smaller Finca El Chupulún package and the much larger supermarket-style options.

A 400g container can work well for a household that eats natilla regularly but does not need a restaurant-size container.

It is also a useful choice for anyone looking specifically for a Cafano dairy product as many of our customers love to support Cafano.

Dos Pinos Sour Cream, 3 X 400g

Dos Pinos is a familiar dairy name throughout Costa Rica, and Market & More carries its natilla as a multipack.

The Dos Pinos Sour Cream package contains three 400g units, for a total of 1.2kg.

The product is pasteurized and contains salt.

The multipack format has a practical advantage over one very large tub. You can open one 400g container at a time while keeping the others sealed.

That can make sense for families or households that use natilla regularly but still prefer separate containers.

Del Prado Sour Cream 1.9kg

The 1.9kg Del Prado Sour Cream is one of the larger options.

It as a Costa Rican product with 12% fat that is pasteurized and homogenized.

At 1.9kg, this is far more product than most of the smaller artisanal choices.

It may suit a large household, frequent cooking, entertaining, or other situations where a small 220g or 400g container would disappear quickly.

If you only use sour cream occasionally, this size is unlikely to be the practical choice.

Corso Lechería Sour Cream 3.4kg

The largest sour cream featured here is Corso Lechería Sour Cream.

It comes in a 3.4kg container and contains 12% milk fat. The product is made in Costa Rica and is intended for both sweet and savory cooking applications.

This is a bulk-size product. It makes more sense for restaurants, food businesses, large households, parties or customers who use significant quantities of sour cream.

For ordinary occasional use at home, one of the smaller containers will usually be easier to handle.

Which Sour Cream Should You Choose?

Start with how much you actually use.

If you want a small raw option, the 220g Finca El Chupulún sour cream is the obvious place to start.

If you want more of the same raw product, consider the 440g size.

Cafano offers a 400g homemade-style option made with pasteurized dairy cream and salt.

Dos Pinos gives you three separate 400g containers, which can be useful if you want a larger total quantity without opening one large tub.

Del Prado moves into bulk territory at 1.9kg.

Corso Lechería is the largest at 3.4kg and may make more sense for serious home cooking, events or food-service use.

The right choice depends more on package size and production style than brand alone.

Raw Vs Pasteurized Sour Cream

One of the bigger differences within the Market & More selection is raw versus pasteurized dairy.

Finca El Chupulún specifically identifies its sour cream as being made from pure raw cream.

Cafano lists pasteurized dairy cream in its sour cream ingredients.

The Del Prado product is listed as pasteurized and homogenized, while the Dos Pinos product is also listed as pasteurized.

If raw versus pasteurized dairy matters to you, check that information on the specific product rather than assuming all Costa Rican natilla is produced the same way.

What Does Costa Rican Sour Cream Taste Like?

Costa Rican natilla generally has a creamy texture with a slightly tangy dairy flavor.

It may also contain salt, depending on the producer.

That is one reason it works so well with simple Costa Rican foods. A spoonful of natilla adds creaminess and acidity without overpowering gallo pinto, tortillas, beans or eggs.

Different products can still taste noticeably different.

Fat content, salt, fermentation, processing and added stabilizers can affect texture and flavor.

If you are trying to find the exact equivalent of the sour cream you bought in another country, you may need to try more than one product before finding the texture and tanginess you prefer.

Sour Cream Vs Costa Rican Natilla

They are closely related, but you should not assume every Costa Rican natilla will be identical to a North American sour cream.

Costa Rican natilla is generally lower in fat than some sour creams sold elsewhere. The Corso Lechería and Del Prado products featured here, for example, are both listed at 12% fat.

Texture can also differ.

Some natillas are thinner and softer. Others have a thicker consistency.

Salt levels can vary as well.

If you moved to Costa Rica from the United States or Canada and are trying to replace a specific sour cream, pay attention to the fat level, ingredients and texture rather than assuming every container of natilla will behave exactly the same.

How Costa Ricans Use Natilla

Natilla is deeply connected to everyday Costa Rican food.

One of the simplest uses is with gallo pinto.

Add a spoonful alongside gallo pinto, eggs and tortillas and you have a very typical breakfast combination.

It is also commonly eaten with bread and tortillas. Costa Rican cooking uses natilla in baked foods and other preparations as well.

You can also use sour cream in many of the same ways you would elsewhere.

Try it with:

  • Tacos
  • Nachos
  • Baked potatoes
  • Soups
  • Chili
  • Beans
  • Quesadillas
  • Burritos
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Dips
  • Dressings
  • Sauces
  • Cakes and baked goods
  • Gallo pinto 

Plain sour cream is especially flexible because it works in both savory cooking and certain baking recipes.

Sour Cream With Gallo Pinto

If you are new to Costa Rica, this is one combination worth trying.

Gallo pinto is commonly served at breakfast with eggs, tortillas, cheese and natilla.

The cool, creamy natilla balances the rice and beans and adds a little acidity to the plate.

You do not need much. A spoonful on the side is enough.

If you are buying sour cream specifically for Costa Rican breakfasts, one of the smaller 220g or 400g containers may be all you need for several meals.

Using Sour Cream For Tacos And Mexican Food

People searching for sour cream in Costa Rica are not always trying to make Costa Rican food.

If you are preparing tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas or chili, Costa Rican natilla can often fill the same role.

Add it cold after cooking rather than heating it directly on top of the stove.

You can also mix plain sour cream with lime, herbs or spices to make a simple sauce or topping.

Because the consistency varies between brands, start with a small amount if you are following a recipe written for a thicker North American sour cream.

Cooking And Baking With Sour Cream

Sour cream is useful beyond toppings.

It can add dairy richness and acidity to sauces, dips, dressings and baked foods.

Larger containers become much more practical if you are cooking recipes that require significant quantities.

For example, a 3.4kg Corso Lechería container would be excessive if you only want a spoonful for tacos once a week. It makes far more sense for food preparation at scale.

The 220g, 400g and 440g options are easier sizes for most home recipes.

Sour Cream Sizes Available

Market & More carries a wide size range.

Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream: 220g

Cafano Homemade Sour Cream: 400g

Finca El Chupulún Raw Sour Cream: 440g

Dos Pinos Sour Cream: 3 x 400g, 1.2kg total

Del Prado Sour Cream: 1.9kg

Corso Lechería Sour Cream: 3.4kg

This makes it easier to buy according to how much you will use rather than being stuck with one standard container size.

How To Store Sour Cream In Costa Rica

Sour cream and natilla need refrigeration.

Keep the container cold and return it to the refrigerator promptly after serving.

Costa Rica’s heat makes proper handling especially important. Avoid leaving sour cream sitting in a hot vehicle, outside or on a kitchen counter for extended periods.

Keep opened containers properly closed and follow the expiration and storage instructions on the individual package.

For very large containers, think about how quickly you will realistically use the product before buying. A smaller container may be more practical if sour cream is only an occasional part of your meals.

Sour Cream Delivery In Costa Rica

Market & More lets you order sour cream online along with your regular groceries.

You can add natilla to the same order as fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meat, tortillas, pantry foods and other ingredients you need for your meals.

Market & More serves customers in multiple areas across Costa Rica.

Check the Market & More locations page for current delivery coverage.

Product availability can change, so check the individual sour cream page when you are ready to order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream In Costa Rica

Can You Buy Sour Cream In Costa Rica?

Yes. Sour cream is widely known as natilla in Costa Rica. Market & More carries several options from Finca El Chupulún, Cafano, Dos Pinos, Del Prado and Corso Lechería.

What Is Sour Cream Called In Costa Rica?

Sour cream is commonly called natilla in Costa Rica. You may also see the term crema agria. PriceSmart Costa Rica categorizes its natilla products under “Crema agria.”

Is Natilla The Same As Sour Cream?

Costa Rican natilla is a sour cream-style dairy product and is commonly used the same way. The exact fat content, thickness, salt level and production method can differ from sour cream sold in other countries.

Is Costa Rican Natilla A Dessert?

No. In Costa Rica, natilla normally refers to a creamy, slightly acidic dairy product used with foods such as gallo pinto, tortillas and bread. The word has different meanings in other Spanish-speaking countries.

Where Can I Buy Sour Cream In Costa Rica?

You can order sour cream and natilla online through Market & More and combine it with the rest of your grocery order.

Can I Buy Raw Sour Cream In Costa Rica?

Yes. Market & More carries raw sour cream from Finca El Chupulún in 220g and 440g sizes. The producer’s listings state that these products are made with pure raw cream.

Does Market & More Carry Dos Pinos Natilla?

Yes. Market & More carries a Dos Pinos multipack containing three 400g containers, for 1.2kg total.

Can I Buy Sour Cream In Bulk?

Yes. The larger options include 1.9kg Del Prado Sour Cream and 3.4kg Corso Lechería Sour Cream.

Which Sour Cream Has The Simplest Ingredient List?

Among the products with ingredient information currently provided, Cafano lists pasteurized dairy cream and salt. Finca El Chupulún states that its raw sour cream is made from pure raw cream without added salt or sugar, starches or dyes.

Can I Use Natilla With Gallo Pinto?

Yes. Natilla is a common accompaniment to gallo pinto and other traditional Costa Rican foods.

Can I Use Costa Rican Natilla For Tacos?

Yes. Natilla can be used as a creamy topping for tacos, nachos, burritos and similar foods. Texture and tanginess vary by product, so it may not taste exactly like every North American sour cream.

Does Market & More Deliver Sour Cream?

Market & More provides grocery delivery to multiple areas throughout Costa Rica. Check the delivery locations for current service coverage.

For another shopper perspective, read Market & More customer reviews on Facebook before completing your grocery order.