Scan the grocery aisles at the 99¢ store and what do you expect to see? A sea of Spam, perhaps? That’s what I thought, too. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a neatly organized fresh produce section, dried herbs galore, rows and rows of canned and packaged goods, a well-stocked refrigerator case and—are you ready?—organics and name brands. Fancy that! Here, then, is a sample of nine food finds from 99¢ Only Stores. (I shopped at the one at 2224 El Camino Ave.) As you’ll see, I also conducted a price comparison at a local mainstream market. I’m not naming the market because I wouldn’t want it to feel singled out or picked on. But its prices are comparable to most stores in the region, so this should give you a sense of what you might pay if you shopped at a “regular” store.
Item: Romaine lettuce in a bag (10 oz.) 99¢ Only: Dole brand 99¢ Other store: Fresh Express brand $2.99 Savings: $2 Comment: The rule “bagged lettuce costs more” flies out the window at the 99¢ store.
Item: Balsamic vinegar (8.5-oz. bottle) 99¢ Only: Gabriela brand 99¢ Other store: Star brand $3.99 Savings: $3 Comment: Great savings, and Gabriela is apparently no slouch: Its vinegars are produced in the Rioja region of Spain, known for its fine wines.
Item: Russet potatoes (5-lb. bag) 99¢ Only: 99¢ Other store: $2.99 Savings: $2 Comment: The ultimate comfort food at an even more comforting price.
Item: Taco shells (box of 12) 99¢ Only: Old El Paso brand 99¢ Other store: Mission brand $2.29 Savings: $1.30 Comment: You’ll want to check expiration dates, of course—but other than that, no problema.
Item: Fuji apples (1.5-lb. bag) 99¢ Only: 99¢ Other store: About $2.50 ($1.69/lb.) Savings: $1.51 Comment: OK, I didn’t do a taste-test. But they were all Washington apples, and they all looked good and crisp.
Item: Organic green tea 99¢ Only: Dragon Fountain brand (24 bags) 99¢ Other store: Bigelow brand (20 bags) $3.69 Savings: $2.70 Comment: More tea for less money? I’m there.
Item: Chili powder (2.4-oz. jar) 99¢ Only: Santa Paula brand 99¢ Other store: Spice Islands brand $4.79 Savings: $3.80 Comment: All herbs and spices—not just chili powder—are 99¢ here. Why go anywhere else?
Item: Organic cherry tomatoes (1 pint) 99¢ Only: Del Cabo brand 99¢ Other store: Del Cabo brand $2.99 Savings: $2 Comment: It’s the same dang basket of tomatoes I’ve been buying at higher-priced stores for years. Think of the savings I’ve missed!
Item: Key limes (2 lb. bag) 99¢ Only: 99¢ Other store: $2.98 Savings: $1.99 Comment: Adorably petite, perfect for a pie—and just as fresh-looking at the 99¢ store.
Total Savings: $20.30 Other things I found for just 99¢: a quart of organic rice milk, a four-pack of Dannon la Crème Vanilla yogurt, Langers juices (a favorite at our house), a bag of fresh baby spinach and a box of Armour Turkey Sausage Links. But I’m spoiling your fun: Go take your own tour of this penny pincher’s palace! (For a list of store locations, visit 99only.com.) * Prices were checked in August 2009.
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