Rich or poor, everyone loves a good deal whether it’s at Jacks, the Dollar Tree, or the 99 Cent Only stores. But before you mindlessly throw items into your cart because it’s cheap, think about what you are buying. And just because it’s a brand name doesn’t mean it’s free from defects.
Facts to Know When Buying Brand Name Products at Discount Stores
- Many of the branded products supplied at the 99 Cent stores are usually new products that have failed to sell at regular markets. Thus, you may see food items that are close to its expiration date including discontinued seasonal snacks. To shop wisely make sure to check dates, and do not buy these items in bulk if you are not going to consume them quickly.
- Sometimes brand name products are sold at prices equal to or higher than those sold in regular stores, especially if the discount stores are selling single items from a box of snacks that would cost cheaper as a unit. The “99 Cent” store name psychologically makes people think they are getting everything at bargain price.
Facts to Know When Buying Cheap Generic Brands
- Gray Market Goods
Watch out for gray market goods, which are foreign products that have not been monitored by U.S. government agencies. Doug Arbesfeld, spokesman of the Food and Drug Administration suggests in “Discount Shoppers Beware” that shoppers should buy products that have been approved specifically for U.S. markets. He also recommends that if you see a product that does not have any English on it, don't buy it.
These foreign items are considered “gray market” goods because the sale of those products is not technically illegal; but shoppers should be wary of risks and not buy them at all. Ingredients and methods of production may be questionable and harmful.
- Hydrogenated Oil
It is becoming widely known that trans fat is deadly, which is why California and many other states have declared in 2008 that they are banning it in restaurants. It is not only rife in fried foods but also in other processed foods including coffee creamers, imitation cheese, cookies, chips, crackers, candy, you name it. And because it is a very inexpensive ingredient, cheap products can be made in mass amounts and make its way into every food aisle.
The danger in hydrogenated oil lies in its process, as explained well by NaturalNews.com’s “Why Hydrogenated Oils Should Be Avoided at All Costs.” Naturally healthy palm, soybean, corn, and coconut oil is turned into poison after it is heated in high temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000 degrees under several atmospheres of pressure. After, usually a metal catalyst such as nickel, platinum or even aluminum is injected into the oil for several hours, making the oil semi-solid or solid.
The new product now contains molecules closer to cellulose or plastic than to oil and your body doesn’t recognize it. Just as the oil is now thicker and dense, your blood becomes thicker when you ingest it, making your heart work harder to pump blood. This leads to high blood pressure and heart problems in the long run.
Imitation Food
Beware of the word “imitation,” which is a frequent word used in many 99 cent products. Take for example imitation cheese. It does not melt and has low protein content. They are made mostly with starch and partially hydrogenated soybean oil along with other artificial flavors, stripping you of nutrients found in natural cheese. A widely distributed imitation cheese brand is the Whitehall Specialties Cheese Co. Be sure to look at the ingredients when you purchase any food items.
Hydrogenated oil is by no means only found in discount stores. It is just more prevalent at these stores, which gives the shopper fewer healthy options to choose from. Bottom line: Avoid going to discount stores for food even during an economic recession. The money you save is very little compared to potential doctor bills.
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