A friend recently took me to Swanson’s. I can’t find it listed in any phone directory or search engine. It may not even have a name. Even the address is in doubt. Is it 5 [space] 25 Gulfport Blvd. or 5 [missing number] 25 Gulfport Blvd.? Regardless, all you do is drive west on 22nd Ave. South until it becomes Gulfport Blvd., then starting looking on the north side of the street for the sign on the store that proclaims their motto: “Where Dents Make Cents.”
If you’re into thrifting for clothes, the next step is thrifting for food. I’ve heard of folks who, for philosophical reasons—not out of dire necessity—dumpster dive. That’s a little beyond me…yet. But, I’m glad my friend turned me on to this scratch-n-dent food place.
One needs to be choosy in a place like this, of course. But, their selection of unusual oils and vinegars were the mother lode for me. Mac nut oil was selling for a third of its usual retail price. Sure, it was a little past its “sell by” date, but then so am I.
Perhaps because they were never able to sell, most of the items at Swanson’s are atypical fare. I’m going back soon to stock up on dried mangos dusted with fiery hot ground red pepper. Do you think there’ll be any left?!
The real gold mine, though, are the chocolates. Bargain prices, and styles I’ve never seen in any store. One Nestlé’s item in particular has caught my fancy: dark chocolate with little flecks of pure cacao.
With food prices rising, you can bet I’ll be back to Swanson’s.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Lynn // Oct 10, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Ah, yes, Swanson’s. I am a Gulfport resident, and tried this store for the first time a couple of days ago. I would suggest checking “best by” dates first on any product you buy. I didn’t, and I regret it. I ended up with cheese (rice cheese, vegan) that was 7 months past it’s date, crackers and chips that were 6 months past, and tasted like wallpaper, stale and ready for the garbage dump, essentially inedible. I bought other cookies and cereals that were woefully old and essentially garbage. Usually I am a careful shopper, but I got so caught up in the prices and cheap organic products that I forgot to check dates. Much of it is not even donation material. Honest. I don’t know if it is a chain or not, but don’t waste your time. I find better quality, great prices and American (small companies) products at Save-a-Lot, and most of it will beat Walmart’s prices, where I also have to shop due to budget restraints. I’m glad our visitor here found Swanson’s enjoyable, and hope she got better products than I did.
2 hkj // Oct 11, 2008 at 5:15 am
Hi, Lynn
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I agree completely. You have to be careful and watch the buy before dates. What I’ve limited myself to there, and had the best luck with, have been chocolates, vinegars, and oils–things that keep well. I avoided the more perishable things. I also suggest looking for water damage on labels–one thing I missed when buying some bottled water there. Thanks again for stopping by.
Hilton
3 mary // Oct 11, 2008 at 6:10 am
I found Swanson’s during a recent trip to another Gulfport business. I’d known their location years ago on 9 th street north in St. Pete. I purchased many canned items and several frozen meat products , all “in date” and all at GREATLY reduced prices. I spent approximately $34.00 and am certain that I saved at least another $10.00. I did see some past date items, but I don’t purchase them, since there’s so much of other things to select. I am used to “thrift shopping” and would also recommend Someone Cares of Tampa Bay at 2140 Range Rd in Clearwater, Fl. 727-536-2273 They too, are open T-Sat 9-6 and have similar selections except that they do NOT have any refridgerated items.
4 hkj // Oct 11, 2008 at 6:16 am
Thanks for the tip on “Care of Tampa Bay,” Mary. I didn’t know about it. I’ll check it out next time I’m up that way. You’re correct, thrift buying takes precautions, but it can be done effective if one is selective.
Thanks for your comment, Mary.
5 hkj // Oct 11, 2008 at 6:23 am
Another thought along these lines: I often shop in Asian grocery stores because I enjoy cooking different style Asian cuisines and Asian groceries are usually the only place I can find the proper ingredients. However, there’s an added benefit: often items are much cheaper. Of course, because of different problems in the supply chain on some items, I’m selective (I don’t buy powdered milk there, for instance). But, if you’re going to buy sesame oil, buy it at an Asian grocery–you’ll get better quality for less.
6 hkj // Oct 11, 2008 at 7:41 am
Mary said I could add this which she’d mentioned to me in a direct email:
“Additionally, those offices provide other resources for people’s needs, SOME of which is TOTALLY FREE. [this ALSO includes free food, where there is a need] So it’s an excellent contact for people , some of which
are in very desperate need. I pass the information along daily, because it might NOT be the person I’m speaking with that needs something, but chances are we ALL know someone who DOES !”
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