Anonymous wrote:Never! I was told years ago not to get food at 'non-food' places! But I saw some caramels at TJM that looked darn good, but I resisted!

Who told you?

Nope. I'm not buying food from a discount clothing chain. No telling where this food came from or how long it's been there. And I generally will eat anything-even stuff past it's expiration date as long as it passes the smell test.

Never! I was told years ago not to get food at 'non-food' places! But I saw some caramels at TJM that looked darn good, but I resisted!

For myself to eat? No. What food could they possibly sell that is worth eating? If I wanted pretty or unique pasta shapes, I would go to the Italian Store in Arlington. If I wanted honey, I’d go to a farmers market or a cheese shop. If I wanted tea, I’d go to Teaism. If it’s not worth a special trip, I’m sure Whole Foods has something “good enough”.

I think the food items at those stores are probably just there for people making gift baskets - more for looks than taste.

I've never actually checked expiration dates, but I've always wondered if the food and candy stuff was over stock or rejected items from other stores. Haven't ever bought it for this reason, but I guess it's not likely the case.

I don't buy food there. I feel like it has been sitting there for years.

Anonymous wrote:My MIL does and uses them as stocking stuffers. I generally ditch them.

Why? I've received a few as gifts and they seemed perfectly fine to me.

Yes, I buy lots of the candies, especially for Christmas, Valentine's, Easter, etc. It's all been great. They often have very good maple syrup at much better prices. And we've gotten some of the fancier pastas. Most of it will have some best buy date to check. I don't think I've ever walked out of there without a food item.

They aren't manufacturer rejects lol. That doesnt even sound safe to sell.

I've bought some random things there, like pasta sauce, capers, hot sauce, chocolates. All tasted great.

Yes, they’ve always been good. I mostly buy things like chips and candy.

I buy non perishable stuff there. The Ghirardelli chocolates (individually wrapped) are cheaper there and taste the same to me.

Yes.
Bags if chocolate covered graham crackers
Min packs of dark chocolate covered almonds

My MIL does and uses them as stocking stuffers. I generally ditch them.

My friends do this. They live for the TJ Maxx snacks and foods.

No thanks but I don’t like those stores they make my brain confused. I feel stressed when shopping there.

I was thinking of buying manuka honey and they had some great, fancy teas and pasta. Just wondering how HOmegoods can sell them so cheap. I thought I saw a post on this once but couldn't find it.