When the going at the supermarket gets tough, the tough get going – to other places.
While supermarkets have lost market share in categories like meat and refrigerated seafood since 2019, club stores and mass merchants like “dollar stores” have gained. But there’s another angle that grocery shoppers are starting to plow for fresher items at better prices: ethnic markets.
Yes – consumers are finding that Hispanic supermercados, Indian supermarkets, and Asian grocers can beat the Krogers, the Publix, and the Aldis in ways those chains can’t compete.
Where ethnic grocers better their chain rivals
By and large, ethnic groups lean into grocery items that are filling, usable in a number of ways, and cost-friendly. At the top of their advantages, they have fresh produce, meats, and staples like rice and flour – which aren’t a U.S.-based essential – and lots of fruits and veggies.
“Meat at a Hispanic market is going to be better quality and at a much better price,” Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com, told ConsumerAffairs.
“Many Asian markets have a large variety of noodles and rice for a fraction of the cost.” And if you're a Mexican food lover, many supermercados have little restaurants and tortilla factories inside those stores.
Then, there’s – as Shweta Garg at the food blog Masala and Chai explains – more relevant produce, herbs, readymade items (i.e. dosa batter), canned goods, pantry items (lentils), and frozen items (frozen parathas, mango ice cream) at affordable prices.
“So if I'm looking for fresh curry leaves, I can grab a packet for 99 cents at the Indian grocer. If I do a quick search for curry leaves in my area -- the Financial District of NYC --, I only see options for dried curry leaves for $6 and even $11.”
Another positive is the quality. Often, ethnic stores focus on freshness and prioritize sourcing higher quality ingredients directly from local communities or specific regions. For example, Latin-centric grocers can outdo all their American competitors any day of the week when it comes to avocados and other fresh vegetables.
Savings and health benefits are a major plus
Because ethnic grocers tend to have lower overhead costs and operate on smaller margins, they can give the big brother chains a fit. Add to that the cost savings that come from buying fresh ingredients in bulk. Yes, buying a 10-pound bag of rice at an Indian grocery store is likely to beat any price point that Costco comes up with.
For those who shop at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s and think they’re getting all the vitamins and mineral richness that’s known to man, they’ve got another thing coming.
In ethnic stores, fresh, seasonal produce is often prioritized, as it is generally healthier and packed with more nutrients than produce flown in from afar. That means ingredients high in antioxidants, packed with healthy fats, and unique spices – all potential health benefits. Exploring these ingredients can add diversity to your diet and potentially improve your overall health.
Sweets and snacks
American food producers may have the corner on Oreos and potato chips, but if you venture out to an ethnic grocer, your taste buds may find the nirvana they’ve been looking for.
The cultural significance of sugar in Indian cuisine and the popularity of traditional sweets in that country is hard to beat and the food producers there probably put more emphasis on that category than we do in the U.S.
Korean sweets have a serious following in the U.S. If you know anyone in Maryland, ask them about the string of Korean bakeries along Route 40 in Ellicott City, Maryland, that showcase the popularity of Korean baked goods, with items like red bean rolls, cream rolls, “twisted pies,” and honey cheese mochi pancakes being favorites among locals.
In general, ethnic grocery stores are rewarding places to shop. You can discover new flavors, find authentic ingredients, save money, support local businesses, and learn about different cultures. Think beyond your local supermarket next time you're looking for groceries and explore the rich world of ethnic markets.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-01-30 12:10:33
