The local grocery store is where most people go to get everyday food and other household items. However, that doesn’t mean the local supermarket has to be boring. If you’re attentive, you can find all kinds of hidden gems that are fun, creative, or even exotic.
Keep an eye for one or more of the following on your next trip; some are more generic but others are more specific.
Seasonal Produce
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You can always walk into the fresh produce section to find lettuce, broccoli, apples, etc. However, grocery stores often stock seasonally grown products that you can only get fresh at particular times of the year. As the season ends, you’ll sometimes find great deals on remaining inventory.
Locally Grown Products
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Some grocery stores carry meat, fruit, and vegetables raised and grown by local farmers and vendors. Buying them is a good way to support local businesses, and if you’re a visitor, this is a way of getting a taste of the local culture.
New Brands and Products
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As you walk through the aisles, look for products marked as being new. Sometimes it’s a new flavor of an existing product, and sometimes it’s something entirely novel. You might find your newest craving!
Scan the Ads and Sales
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Grocery stores are always running sales on things. It pays off to look at those mailed ads before tossing them into the recycling bin or to check store websites occasionally. You might find something ordinarily out of your price range temporarily affordable, making it a kind of hidden gem.
Specialty Aisles
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In some stores, there are specialty sections with foods and products tailored to certain interests and needs. Good examples include products geared toward organic, health-conscious, and supplement-incorporating diets. Prices there can be higher on average in the rest of the store, but you may find great value in the products there.
International Flavors
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Many people are adventurous eaters and enjoy trying all kinds of different ethnic foods. Many others are reluctant to step away from what they know. If you’re in the latter category, take a chance and see if you find something amazing you never knew existed.
Artisanal Offerings
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Near the bakery and deli sections in many grocery stores, you’ll find artisanal products similar in kind but with a special touch. These can include meats, breads, cheeses, and more.
Free Cuisine
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You’ve probably been to the grocery store and seen an employee offering free samples of prepared foods, wine, or other items. Take a moment to stop and try something that interests you. If you love it, you’ll be able to go purchase it somewhere else in the store.
Prepared or Ready-To-Cook Foods
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In areas like the deli or fresh meats section, you may find delicious cooked or uncooked meals ready to go. These can include chicken wing bars, marinated meats, skewers, and more. The convenience usually costs you more, but you save a lot of time on preparation.
Bibigo Beef Bulgogi Mandu
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Here’s the first of a few specific suggestions. These frozen dumplings are outstanding and might be the best you’ll ever have. We’ve heard they’re exclusive to Costco, but if you hear otherwise, let us know!
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
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And grapefruit juice. This isn’t the same as the not-from-concentrate juices, which are better than the alternative but aren’t truly fresh-squeezed. The fresh-squeezed costs more, but once you try it, you might never want any other kind ever again.
Rao’s Pasta Sauce
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Upon seeing the price on the shelf compared to the options, even the big-name ones, you might wonder who would ever pay that much for pasta sauce. You’ll understand once you try it, and it might not become your regular sauce, but it could become your go-to for special occasions.
10 Beers American Boomers Can’t Stop Guzzling
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Each generation has its favorites when it comes to everything from apps to restaurants. They have clear preferences for certain beers as well. Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials each have favorite beers that are their go-to beverage for a night out.
According to Visual Capitalist, these are the most popular beers for each of these generations.
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