11 Supermarket Items You Should Leave at the Store

We all know that grocery stores line their shelves with temptations. Whether it’s temptation because the price seems right or because it’s deemed “healthier,” or whatever the reason is, it’s packed with temptation. From cleverly running marketing campaigns for convenience food items or organic produce that you think is healthier but actually carries a heavier hit on the wallet, it’s easy to get lost in trying to understand what you should and shouldn’t buy at the supermarket. 

Lucky for you, that’s exactly what we’re sharing today. Below you’ll find 11 items you should skip buying at the supermarket, helping your save money and make better choices. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Packages that Appear Damaged or Open

Even if the packages are discounted while still damaged or open, you should avoid buying them anyway. The goal of saving money is great, but the risks could outweigh the benefits in this case. With the package being opened or damaged, the food could be exposed to airborne contaminants and raise concerns surrounding food safety. 

If you find a grocery item that is discounted but you’re unsure if you should purchase it, here are a few tips to remember:

• Compare the appearance of the product with a similar product.
• Examine the entire food label.
• Notice if the outer seal or wrapper is missing.
• If you can’t tell if it’s been counterfeited, then don’t buy it.

2. Pesto

It might seem convenient to buy pesto at the store, but it’s another thing you should skip. Pesto often sits out on the shelves for quite a while, which results in a loss of flavor and brightness. It is also likely packed with preservatives, so it can last longer. Pesto is simple to make at home with just a handful of ingredients, and it’s guaranteed to taste better. 

All you need to make a classic pesto is fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

3. Off-Colour  Meat

Whatever you do, don’t purchase off-coloured meat at the supermarket. The colour can indicate that the meat is past its prime and starting to spoil. It can also indicate a decline in quality. Always check the meat for smell and appearance to determine if it’s fresh or not.

4. Magazines

When you’re standing in line to pay at the supermarket, you might find yourself tempted to grab a magazine but resist the urge. Supermarket magazine selections aren’t always current, so you might accidentally purchase an older issue without noticing. They also often increase in price, making it cheaper to either subscribe to the magazine directly or purchase it at a newsstand or drugstore.

5. Batteries

Commonly, batteries sold at supermarkets face a large markup in price, making them an item you should just skip out on purchasing. Opt to buy them online or in bulk to get the best bang for your buck.

6. Pre-Cut Produce

It may seem more convenient to purchase pre-cut produce at the supermarket, but avoid it at all costs. First, it’s typically more expensive than regular produce, but it also loses flavor and longevity faster. Once the produce is cut up, it’s exposed to oxygen, light, and heat, which speeds up spoilage. It’s also at a higher risk of contamination and expires much quicker. 

Purchase your favorite produce and chop it up yourself. It will last longer and taste better.

7. Greeting Cards

Though you might find a greeting card that says everything you want to say at the supermarket, you still should skip buying it from there and opt for a card shop or online retailer instead. Supermarkets are notorious for marking up the cost of the cards and typically only carry seasonal cards rather than a large selection for all scenarios of card giving.

8. Prescription Medication

Grabbing your prescription medication while you get your food shopping may seem convenient, but stop and think before you do. Ordering your prescriptions from a supermarket will likely result in having less time to consult with the pharmacist because of the smaller staff and the drive to keep the line moving. It’s also a very open environment, which makes it less confidential. Supermarket pharmacies typically carry a lot of the most popular medications and none of the others, which can make it frustrating if you run out and have to wait for the pharmacy to restock. 

9. Pre-Packaged Deli Meat

Pre-packaged deli meat is another supermarket item you should skip. This type of deli meat is packed with additives and preservatives to help make it last longer. However, this means that for many packages, people don’t actually know when they were originally packaged. Pre-packaged deli meat also has a very high sodium level and less flavor than fresh deli meat.

Instead, cook meat at home yourself and use it in place of deli meat, or purchase it from the deli counter, where you can ask questions about freshness and flavor.

10. Organic Produce

Buying organic produce can really make your wallet take a hit, and sometimes it’s just not worth the cost. Stores carry a very limited selection of organic produce, and the price is typically significantly higher than regular produce. Organic produce isn’t even necessarily made without pesticides and can still contain the yucky stuff we try to avoid. 

11. Pet Food

If you want to take the best care possible of your furry friend, then skip buying pet food at the supermarket and instead opt to buy it at a pet store. Supermarket pet food is typically of lower quality. While the ingredients might sound similar to those in premium pet food, the way the food is prepared and its freshness level are entirely different. Though grabbing your pet food at the supermarket is convenient and often cheaper than the alternative, it’s not necessarily better or even as good as buying premium pet food from a pet store.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to make healthy choices, save money, or just become more aware, the above 11 supermarket items should be skipped every time. From packages that appear damaged to easy-to-make pesto to off-colour meat, magazines, batteries, and anything that says organic, these items are better off purchased elsewhere for quality and flavor. So the next time you find yourself wandering the aisles of the supermarket, resist the temptation to add these items to your cart!