Don't Buy These Things At The Grocery Store

As big box stores like Target and Walmart have expanded to include groceries, so have more traditional grocery store chains begun to offer more than foodstuffs for your pantry. But as tempting as it might be to turn your trip to the supermarket into a one-stop shopping trip, there are some things you might be better off buying elsewhere.

The folks at Wise Bread put together a list of Things You Shouldn’t Buy at Grocery Stores for U.S. News & World Report. Here are some highlights:

Cosmetics and skin care items. Just because there’s an entire aisle of makeup, lotions and whatnot at your local supermarket doesn’t mean you’re getting the best price or that the selection is any good. Wise Bread says you’re likely to get a better deal at a chain drugstore or a big box store (at which you may already be doing your grocery shopping, so… then, carry on, we guess).

Party supplies. Need balloons and paper plates and all that other festive stuff you’re just going to throw away afterward? Head to the dollar store instead of the small party supply section of your grocery store.

Kitchen appliances. Yes, you can buy a toaster or a blender at the supermarket. But it’s rarely a quality product and you’re likely to pay way too much for the convenience of throwing it in with your groceries. Instead, look online where the selection is significantly better and the prices are reasonable.

Hardware. This could almost be lumped in with the previous entry, but if you’re buying light bulbs and extension cords at the same store you buy your lettuce and milk, you’re probably paying too much for an inferior product. Head across the parking lot to the hardware store or buy online.

Name-brand spices.Just because a spice has a nice label or a recognizable brand name doesn’t mean it’s any better or fresher than the stuff in the no-name plastic bag that costs significantly less.

See the whole list at USnews.com

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