Do you shop in the world foods aisle?

MSE_Laura_F

MSE's just updated its blog:

Find HIDDEN supermarket discounts in the ‘world foods’ section – up to 74% off herbs, spices, tinned goods & more

Do you shop in the world foods aisle? What are your staples?

Skintoap

Rice, lentils, spices and beans are always cheaper there. 

dealyboy

Yes ... thanks Laura.

I am pleased that these aisles or sections are becoming more common and as you point out compared to the established brand names like Schwartz* huge savings can be made especially on spices where one can pick up a 400g bag for about £2 and 1kg for £4, around ten times the quantity for the price. (Note: for herbs I go to my trusted? Amazon).

The only trouble is it lasts me longer than the BBE date, I can't cook fast enough!

* I once researched Schwartz products out of interest as to how they could get away with it. I was surprised to learn that the feedback from customers was high praise for quality, I was also impressed by the information that Schwartz provide on their preparation methods.

Staples: paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, crushed coriander seeds, ground turmeric, ground ginger, curry powder (various) ... just checked my cupboard.

MSE_Laura_F

Thanks both.
I always pick up Maggi liquid seasoning from the world foods aisle (I don't often see it available elsewhere and it makes pretty much any savoury food extra tasty).

sarah1972

I buy a lot of herbs and spices and a lot from the world food isles. I vac pac the bags and decant into smaller spice jars. 

I store the vac pac bags away from sunlight and never had a problem, after all they are BB and not use by. 

Torry_Quine

Coconut milk is much cheaper in the world food aisle

Mnoee

I mostly shop online, which means it's difficult to tell which 'aisle' things like spices, noodles or rice are in, as I tend to just search for what I need. I guess that's a bonus to online shopping, it's much easier to compare prices. 

I'm always up for some Polish biscuits/snacks though - Jutrzenka Jezyki Classic Biscuits are my favourite, they remind me of Lion bars. I also go mad for both baklava and halva which are probably in the 'world food' section the rare times they're available. None of these are exactly healthy or money saving, but definitely worth a go if you're looking for a treat. 

Rosa_Damascena

Mnoee said:

I mostly shop online, which means it's difficult to tell which 'aisle' things like spices, noodles or rice are in, as I tend to just search for what I need. I guess that's a bonus to online shopping, it's much easier to compare prices. 

I'm always up for some Polish biscuits/snacks though - Jutrzenka Jezyki Classic Biscuits are my favourite, they remind me of Lion bars. I also go mad for both baklava and halva which are probably in the 'world food' section the rare times they're available. None of these are exactly healthy or money saving, but definitely worth a go if you're looking for a treat. 

I'm lucky to find any decent Bombay Mix in my nearest World Food Aisle (Asda).

EasyToAssemble01

Skintoap said:

Rice, lentils, spices and beans are always cheaper there. 

I've found this isn't always the case. Often, the supermarket's own lentils, beans etc are cheaper. But, occasionally, there are cheaper world food products.

EasyToAssemble01

Torry_Quine said:

Coconut milk is much cheaper in the world food aisle

The important thing about coconut milk is to check the ingredients list on the can, for the percentage of actual coconut used. Often, it can be as low as 50ish%, with the rest being preservatives etc. Aldi's is the best I've found for coconut-to-price ratio (it's about 80ish % coconut used).

jon81uk

The MSE article states they are comparing own brand against the world foods aisle but that isn't the case.

For the kidney beans the article shows 65p for KTC beans from the world food aisle and 85p for Napolina. But there is Asda own kidney beans for 65p as well. Therefore no saving in the world foods section.

Although the small jars of own brand spices do work out more per gram than the big bags, I only get through one jar each year so its not really an issue, I'd rather have a small amount fresh each year than a large bag every five years taking up space.