Dollar Store vs. Grocery Store TUNA HELPER.

[MamaLaura]

I'm copying this directly from Marni's blog (http://marnisorganizedmess.blogspot.com/2009/02/dollar-store-vs-grocery-store-tuna.html) (with her permission). I thought it was really interesting!


We all know I am pretty easily entertained right?

Well, I found another interesting thing to sit and ponder the other day.

Here's what happened:

I was standing around grocery shopping in the pantry when I couldn't figure out what I wanted to eat for the life of me.

I noticed that our two boxes of Tuna Helper were slightly different, which I thought was weird, so I decided to investigate....

See, after we went through two boxes pretty quick, I had to make sure to restock it. It's one of those things I like to keep on stock, just in case or spur of the moment or easy to add to and entertain. But we really don't eat it all too much. So...

I saw it on sale for $2.50 at Safeway and thought it was a good deal. Apparently I was told that is not in fact, a good deal.

At which point, I later noticed one at the dollar store, for well, you get it, a dollar right?

I'd like to introduce you to the difference in dollar store quality food, which I rarely very, okay, like never actually buy.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhbgm-UFI/AAAAAAAADTA/JJ2fmYd0rWo/s400/IMG_2615.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhbgm-UFI/AAAAAAAADTA/JJ2fmYd0rWo/s1600-h/IMG_2615.JPG)

Notice that the box on the right has peas added to the photo? Same photo, just peas in the picture. Interesting huh? That was what actually caught my eye to begin with.

If you look closer, the box on the right is also 1.45 ounces heavier, supposedly.

Forgive me for this one, I have no idea what is up with blogger rotating my photos for me lately, but I am too lazy to get it another shot, so just crick your neck to the right, wouldja?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhbCE230I/AAAAAAAADS4/uEXl9bzLP0o/s400/IMG_2617.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhbCE230I/AAAAAAAADS4/uEXl9bzLP0o/s1600-h/IMG_2617.JPG)

Yes, that's right, the dollar store Tuna Helper actually EXPIRED like the day before I bought it. Kind of gross huh?

Safeway's is good til October...

Here was the really fun part. I mean, I just couldn't help but pick up the phone and call my mom to share all the interesting differences. Pathetic, I know.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhawhLr3I/AAAAAAAADSw/S7w4E0sRn_g/s400/IMG_2618.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hMqXrRB3x-c/SYuhawhLr3I/AAAAAAAADSw/S7w4E0sRn_g/s1600-h/IMG_2618.JPG)

Safeway is in fact, still on the left, Dollar Store's on the right.

Notice these differences if you must:

Safeway's serving size 8 grams less.
Dollar store's has 30 calories more.
Dollar store has more fat, more saturated fat, and some Trans Fat. Eww.
Dollar store has slightly higher sodium.
Though Dollar store's Potassium seems to be slightly higher.
Dollar store has more carbohydrates.
Safeway has one less gram of Protein.
Dollar store lacks 2% of the Iron as Safeway's, as well as 5% less in Thiamin and Niacin.Lastly, but not least, and not fully pictured, the ingredients differ from fresh (SW) to dry (DS) and wheat pasta to white.

All in favor of the Safeway option, say aye?

[erin anne]

Very interesting! thing that make you go hmmmmm, maybe its the peas making all the difference?

[CrystalD]

This is very interesting!!! I always wondered about the food at the dollar store vs. a regular grocery store.

[surmick]

I know that some of the products are things that were to be sold in other countries and just never made it there for whatever reason. Maybe this is one of those cases? The smaller serving would explain a lot of the nutrient differences.

[tggrr2]

Interesting thanks so much for sharing.

[becky]

that is definitely one of those things that make you go hum

[mommykcrp]

Along those same lines I have noticed that occasionally the same thing goes for products bought at Costco Vs, say, Target. DH says I am imagining things and who knows, I may very well be but the 2 times I have purchased mens Gillette disposable razors in the jumbo Costco pack I have had trouble with them massively irritating my legs. I am talking a brand new razor on the first swipe. These are supposedly the same razors that I purchase in an 8 (?) pack from Target but I never have a problem with those.

Odd huh? :headscratch