I think it’s mostly the thought of eating something that is ‘out-of-date’ that bothers most people. In reality these dates don’t mean much. The USDA required canned food manufacturers to put expiration dates on products in 1995. Studies prior to 1995 showed that properly canned food may last for decades. Simply put, if a can don’t loose its seal, not leaking or swelled, it’s not bad. For example, the military wanted to know if it needed to dispose of the hugh storage of ‘C’ rations. Their study showed no need to dispose of billions of dollars in canned rations! Myself and many other soldiers, in the 60′s and 70′s ate rations dated in the 40′s! Now my comment about the quality of these foods; I gained weight on these military rations so I guess the quality wasn’t all that bad after 30 years!

The dates now on cans or boxes are required by the USDA. It really worked well for the manufacturers because that caused people to start literally throwing away perfectly good food and they are in business of processing consumable food. Since it was a requirement and they had to have a sell by date. They simply pulled about 2 years out of the air as the date they would use and they also make it clear that these dates are not ‘safety dates’ but mostly pertain to quality, These dates were not based on any research. There are no standard for this and except for infant formula and some baby foods, product dating is not generally required by Federal regulations.

The finds vary, and I’ve learned to stock up when there is an excellent price. It’s one of the best places to buy coffee (if you aren’t picky on brand) and creamer.

Like Karawynn, I had never been inside an outlet-type grocery store. Now I feel like I have, and I’m intrigued. Will it be my primary shopping place? Probably not — but I’ve learned intriguing detailed information that has definitely opened up a new possibility for me.

Well done Karawynn!

Every time we go, we find extremely good deals. After a while, you figure out what types of food taste good and go specifically for them. For our other shopping, we coupon-clip and go to warehouses. It works well.

#20 Esther – Winco is the best! Great for bulk foods. They have a huge number of items in the store in both regular and warehouse sizes. They take coupons and they are employee owned. They pay very competitive wages. Hint: Green price tags indicate temporary price reductions. I generally avoid their Health & Beauty Aids section: better prices/deals available elsewhere, including GO. Cleanliness of stores varies, early in the day is best, just like most places.

#26 The Tim – Amen, brother! Always check the expiration dates at GO.

#29 KSR – Lighten up already! If, for example, you can’t tell what kind of area you’re in by observing the visual clues around you, I fear for your safety.

Karawynn – Plan a trip to include a long stop at Winco, it’s worth the drive. Bring your coupons, your price book, your pantry list and a large ice chest. You will want to stock up. See my notes to Esther – you won’t be disappointed! Very nice post, by the way.

Regional Note: I kept finding amazing deals & better prices at the Berkeley, CA store on Fourth Street. I asked and was told that the buying offices are there, so lots of items are there and nowhere else. Check your region to see if there are local buying offices and shop that store if feasible for even more bargains.

Wine Note: I once found a wonderful red that blew the cork out of Two-Buck Chuck. Of course it was gone when I went back for more. I called every GO that was reasonably accessible to me, a friend or family member. I finally found six cases of it in a store near my sister’s house – they had forgotten to put it out! I bought two cases at $3.00 a bottle. Delicious!

This article however, especially since it’s by a prospected staff writer, promted me to say something.

I really liked the article! Altough a little detailed for my taste, it get’s the point across real well. Living in Europe I have no opportunity to visit an outlet grocery store but we have things that are similar to the concept and I’ve been buying there for some months now. Even their generic items are often wonderful quality and for a fraction of the price of the brandname items at a ‘regular’ grocery store.

Sure, I’ve bought some misfits. But you live and learn and in the meantime we’ve shaved about 30% off our grocery budget!

Thanks for the great post.

Kevin: I did one superfast web search and found ‘ATZ Salvage & Variety’ in Atlanta. There may be others — try the Google search suggestions at the bottom of the post.

Darwin, AJP: I live in far north Seattle, too far to trek to MacPherson’s regularly. I envy your proximity!

It’s nice to hear stories from both the Grocery Outlet old-timers and the folks who, like me, have been skeptical but might give it a try. Thanks everyone!

Good luck to all!!!
Dave
LifeExcursion

Not only is Grocery Outlet is here in California
…see
http://www.groceryoutlets.com
… but also many 99c Stores sell food, cheaper sometimes than FoodMaxx…

http://www.99only.com
http://www.foodmaxx.com

We have a grocery store near our house that is super shabby, but offers deals on bulk foods, and near or out of date pantry items.

It’s definitely hit or miss. I’ve gotten pantry items from Trader Joe’s, organic crackers and the like, for $1 or less.

The best part though is that we can walk to it. And in the same shopping center we have an Indian market, an Asian market and a Middle Eastern market AND Goodwill! It’s a veritable paradise for frugalites and foodies alike.

Make sure to ask neighbors and friends, and keep searching if nothing comes up in a google search. Our market doesn’t come up under grocery outlet, or similar searches.

Great article, Karawynn!

Zengirl

I agree with a previous commenter who said this blog could use more estrogen. The comment section could do with a lot less snobbery.

Thank you, Karawynn, for sharing your experience with Grocery Outlet. We have one not too far from us, and I’ve always wondered what kind of place it is. In fact, this is the second time in recent days I’ve read good things about Grocery Outlet. I’ll make a point to stop in and see what it’s like.

Does anyone know of outlets in the Atlanta area? And if so, what do you think of them???

Thanks!

Their canned fruits and vegetables were generally the
lowest around.

To RB@ Rich, Grocery Outlet is HQ in California; lots
of stores there. They started in the Bay Area right
after WWII and I believe today they are completely
debt free.

By all means SHOP THEM!