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  • From: "Tradingpost" <tradingpost@lobo.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Livingontheland] 11 Dirty Little Secrets Your Grocery Store Is Hiding
  • Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:34:16 -0600


11 Dirty Little Secrets Your Grocery Store Is Hiding
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/141971/11_dirty_little_secrets_your_grocery_store_is_hiding?page=entire
By Tina McCarthy, EcoSalon. Posted August 17, 2009.

How can you beat them at their own game? Here's what you need to know.

True or false? Your local grocer employs a scheming team of experts who work
behind the scenes to orchestrate every little detail in a devious effort to
squeeze every cent they can out of you.

It’s true. Even your favorite organic food stores are guilty of this. So, how
can you beat them at their own game? Here’s what you need to know:
Baked Goods – Not So Fresh

baked-goods

Although there are exceptions, most of what you find in the bakery sections
at grocery stores was frozen when it arrived. Sure, the scene they set up can
be quite convincing: employees in white chef hats working behind the counter
with flour-coated hands. But, if you think you’re getting freshly baked
goods, chances are you’re mistaken.
Manipulative Placement

aisle

The most expensive items and those that aren’t general diet staples are
typically placed at eye level because they’re easier for you to reach. Before
you insist that such an obvious ploy is an insult to your intelligence, it’s
actually proven to be a pretty effective method.
Manipulative Placement, Jr.

kids-aisle

This last tactic applies to children, as well. Foods that are marketed
towards younger age groups are usually found on lower shelves, where kids can
easily reach out and grab them.

Impulse Buys

food-grocery-cart

An average of 60- 70% of purchases aren’t on a shopper’s original list, which
are what the marketing department refers to as “impulse buys”. Staple items
commonly line the perimeters of stores, guiding consumers through aisle upon
aisle of goods they don’t need. That includes those displays set up
strategically at the ends of aisles. There’s a good reason why manufacturers
pay top dollar for this placement.
Clever Packaging

chips-bag

Instead of raising prices, many manufacturers reduce the weight of items but
don’t change the packaging. In fact, the only difference you’ll notice is
stamped in small print at the bottom.
Old Produce

banana

Frozen fruits and vegetables usually contain more vitamins than what you find
in the fresh produce section. Why? Flash-freezing preserves the nutrients
they contain as well. Plus, they’re not as expensive. If you do buy produce,
get it at farmers’ markets or high-volume grocery stores where there is rapid
turnover of products. Smaller grocers that are less trafficked often have
older produce, meat and dairy.
More Bulk = Less Cash

bulk-food

Remember when buying in bulk was a great way to save money? The sun has set
on those good old days. In many cases, economy-size products actually cost
more per unit. So, carry a calculator and do the math yourself. Your grocer
isn’t the only one trying to dupe you. Manufacturers of the items you
purchase have their hand in these decisions as well.
Food Safety

salad-bar

Food shopping can really work up an appetite, so, when you stroll by the
salad bar, you may be tempted to indulge. If your stomach starts growling,
keep in mind that these foods are kept out in the open at unsafe
temperatures. And, that glass deli case doesn’t provide much more protection,
so curb your cravings for pre-made tuna and tapioca pudding. Anybody want
some salmonella or E. coli on the side? I didn’t think so.
Cheap Fillers

frozen-food-aisle

Sugar is added to a lot of products as filler simply because it’s cheap. If
you think scanning the ingredients to see where it ranks is an accurate
system, guess again. To trick consumers, the manufacturers use different
types (sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup) to disguise this fact.
So, even if the combination makes up a primary ingredient, they get bumped
down on the list separately as a result.
The Fine Print

bread

There are other ways manufacturers mislead consumers, and grocery stores are
all too happy to let you be fooled. For example, if you’re looking for a
product made with whole wheat, read the labels very carefully. The only
guarantee is if it says “100% whole wheat”. If this phrase is preceded by
the word “contains”, put it down and move on.
Store Brands

peppermint-extract

Are you wary of the quality of store brands? Don’t be. Many of the more
expensive versions of these items are made by the same companies. All you’re
paying for is the label.







  • [Livingontheland] 11 Dirty Little Secrets Your Grocery Store Is Hiding, Tradingpost, 08/26/2009

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