Anonymous wrote:Maiden China

-1

Read the label. I have purchased food at TJMaxx and I have been happy the few times I've done it. One was crystallized ginger before Penzey's came to town to make my Christmas cookies. They were great.

Even at WF I always look for the expiration date AND where it's made. Common sense, people.

I've bought sprinkles, hard candies or fruit candies. I think I bought some snow cone syrups once too. I have an admittedly irrational fear that the chocolates will exhibit that "blooming" white powder that is harmless, but indicates settling of ingredients due to sitting and is unattractive. That said, my MIL loves Godiva chocolates and money is tight this year, so I may get her some if I see them for her stocking.
I'd buy coffee syrups if I drank them, and pastas or dry ingredients, but I am squeamish about sauces and things.

Have never, ever had a problem wit anything purchased at these stores. They buy current product from cancelled orders and such

I bought some Jelly Belly jelly beans one time and they were fine. Anything else I overlook.

Sprinkles all the time. They have a great selection.

I buy honey, coffee, and some spices from Home Goods on occasion. Never had an issue. However, I generally wouldn't considered purchasing the prepared foods like candy, chocolates, cookies, pretzels, etc.

Love those stores, but wouldn't buy food products there.

Anonymous wrote:Maiden China

+1
Before I even clicked into the thread this is exactly what I was going to say. I feel like if any food product would make one drop dead from chemical poisoning, it would be the food at these stores. Ick.

Probably where all the recalled dog jerky treats are going to end up as well...

Anonymous wrote:I see some unique things on the shelves of these discount retailers, but am always hesitant to buy them. It's one thing to buy last season's sweaters and shoes, but how fresh is the food? Is the pasta stale? Olive oil still fresh tasting? Is it any different than somewhat shelf stable things at the grocery store?

I definitely wouldn't buy olive oil there. (Most grocery store olive oils aren't that great anyway in terms of quality.)

Candy would probably be okay, but I would definitely read labels, especially if they are unfamiliar brands.

I just always think it is old...I'm a real bargain shopper and yet don't buy the food there.

I've always thought this, but I caved and bought turkey brine at TJs- good until 2014.

So we'll see.

Maiden China

I bought some high-end pasta at one of them, forget which, I was on the road visiting family, and it was fab!

I see some unique things on the shelves of these discount retailers, but am always hesitant to buy them. It's one thing to buy last season's sweaters and shoes, but how fresh is the food? Is the pasta stale? Olive oil still fresh tasting? Is it any different than somewhat shelf stable things at the grocery store?