The “Family Size” label is a powerful marketing tool. It is designed to make you think that you are getting a larger package and a better value for your money. However, in a deceptive and frustrating new form of “shrinkflation,” some companies are now just slapping a “Family Size” label on their standard-sized product. They…
The old retail wisdom says that the best deals are always on the bottom shelf. The common advice for shoppers is to “look high and low” to find the bargains. However, a closer look at the modern supermarket reveals that this is not always true. While the bottom shelf is still the home of many…
The German discount grocer Aldi has built a fanatical following for its high-quality, private-label products. The store is filled with “dupes,” or duplicates, that are designed to look and taste like their more expensive, brand-name counterparts. While some of these dupes are just a good value, a few have achieved a legendary status. These are…
When we eat at a restaurant, we are placing a huge amount of trust in the kitchen staff. We trust that they are following proper hygiene and food safety rules. However, in a high-pressure kitchen, mistakes and disgusting accidents can happen. In some cases, a foreign object can find its way into a customer’s meal.…
Traditional supermarkets are designed to be predictable. A treasure hunt, however, is designed to be exciting. A growing number of retailers, like Aldi and T.J. Maxx, have built their entire business model on this “treasure hunt” concept. They intentionally create a sense of scarcity and discovery in their stores. This turns a simple shopping trip…
The grocery store clearance aisle is a tempting place for any bargain hunter. It is filled with a huge variety of products at a deep discount. This has led some extreme savers to wonder if it is possible to live entirely off of these discounted foods. While the potential savings are massive, a diet based…
You are walking down the cereal aisle, and you have a sudden realization. Your favorite, go-to cereal is gone. The spot on the shelf where it used to be is now occupied by a new brand or a different flavor. The quiet disappearance of a beloved cereal is a common and often sad experience. This…
Chicken breast is a healthy and versatile protein that is a staple in many American kitchens. However, raw chicken is also a major source of harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter. A simple mistake in the way you handle and cook your chicken can lead to a serious and unpleasant case of food poisoning. To…
Couponing is a great way to save money, but the world of online and printable coupons is also filled with a huge number of scams. These scams are designed to steal your personal information, to commit fraud, or to infect your computer with a virus. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) is a watchdog group that…
Food marketers are experts at creating a “health halo” around their products. They use buzzwords like “wholesome” and “natural” to make you feel good about your purchase. However, many of these seemingly healthy foods are secretly loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They are a form of junk food that is disguised as a…
Many of the “best by” and “sell by” dates on our food are simply suggestions for peak quality. It is perfectly safe to eat a can of beans or a box of crackers that is past its date. However, this rule is not universal. For a number of common, perishable grocery items, the expiration date…
The word “fresh” on a package of cheese evokes an image of a local, artisanal product. We imagine it came from a nearby dairy farm. In the modern globalized grocery store, however, the word “fresh” has a very different meaning. Many of the most popular “fresh” cheeses in your supermarket’s deli case are anything but…
Your favorite restaurant works hard to create a perfect dining experience. This often involves a bit of “kitchen magic” and a few secrets they would rather you not know. From the freshness of the daily special to the cleanliness of the ice machine, there are several hidden truths behind the swinging kitchen doors. While most…
Grocery store employees are on the front lines of customer service. They have to deal with a constant stream of questions, comments, and complaints from the public. While most of these interactions are perfectly normal, some of them are so bizarre and so illogical that they become the stuff of retail legend. Here are six…
A fake coupon can be more than just a waste of your time; it can be a gateway to a larger scam. Criminals will create and distribute fraudulent coupons to steal your personal information or to sell you a counterfeit product. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) warns that knowingly using a counterfeit coupon is a…
With the rise of digital coupons and store apps, paper coupons seem to be disappearing. However, many companies, retailers, and organizations still send valuable coupons by mail if you know where to look. If you prefer clipping coupons the old-fashioned way, you’re in luck! Here are some of the best ways to receive coupons directly…