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Extra-Virgin Italian Olive Oil

The Best Selection of Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Choose among the finest. FREE SAMPLE !!

Balsamic Vinegar from Modena

Buy from the source Authentic Aged Traditional  Balsamic Vinegar from Italy

Imported Italian Olives

Sicily, Apulia, Lazio, Liguria, and More...The Best Selection of Succulent Italian Olives Oil

Infused Extra-Virgin Olive Oils

Spice up your dishes with Infused Flavored Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oils. ALL NATURAL!

I remember when a widely advertised antibacterial liquid soap was introduced to the market. The content was 16 oz, the bottle was clear, and you could actually see that the bottle was full of soap. A few months later, the bottle became opaque so that you couldn’t see the level of soap inside. When I checked the label, the bottle now contained 14 oz of soap, but the price was unchanged. And what about a famous brand of napkins. They had originally a soft clear envelope and the quantity was 50 per unit. Now they are in a rigid box and they are 40 per unit, but the price is still same.

It is important to check the prices per unit. Most stores have the prices for the item and the prices per unit (dollars per pound, ounce, piece, etc.) posted on the shelf. Always check the unit price. It will often surprise you. For example, the larger package is not always cheaper than the smaller one. And there could be a considerable difference between very similar products.

Also check expiration dates on perishable food and choose the products with the longest expiration date. These will be fresher items that will last longer. Pay attention to marketing strategies. The items on the middle shelves and those close to the cashiers when you wait in line are often impulse items with higher prices. Instead, check island displays where you can sometimes find discontinued items for a bargain price.

Learn how to read labels. Check the content, quality, additives in each product. For example, it is better to buy orange juice made from fresh oranges than juice made from concentrate. Beware of products that list too many chemicals and “natural” flavoring on the label. And beware of packages labeled as lean, fat free, low-carb, etc. It doesn’t mean that they are healthy or low in calories.

When you are in front of the cashier, look at the scanner. If you see any irregularity, report it. After you pay, check the receipt. You can get reimbursed if you have been overcharged.

Anna Maria Volpi - © Anna Maria Volpi

Sometimes the quality of store brands is inferior, but if there is a considerable difference in price, it may be worth it to try them. Avoid buying by impulse.

Stick to your list unless you spot a real deal.  Remember that supermarket advertising and labels are specifically designed to lure you into buying things.

Try to spot eventual downsizing when it occurs. Sometimes the amount of product in the package is reduced by the manufacturer.