There’s a certain thrill to wandering aimlessly through the aisles.
The hues, the mystery, the scavenger-hunt-like excitement.
Some of the best finds sit quietly on the shelves, away from the usual shopping routes. That’s where an affordable selection of specialty and organic groceries often hides.
Yet many shoppers don’t think to hunt for food bargains where they buy clothing and home goods.
Have you ever given it a try?
What Types of Food Can You Discover at T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods?
T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods host the largest culinary troves, offering items such as orange hatch vodka jamalade, tamarind chutney and white truffle oil.
Rummage through the eclectic mix and you could come across Himalayan sea salt, an array of spices, coconut oil, protein powders, pasta, coffee, and a broad variety of chips, teas and imported sweets.
Both T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods stocked everything needed for a gourmet Italian meal for under $10. I’m talking upscale choices like cavatappi spirals, four-color pennoni and imported tomato sauce.
There’s also an unexpected selection of organic, gluten-free, kosher and keto products — the type you might normally order online or pay a premium for at specialty stores. No need for that anymore.
Top Food Bargains at Discount Retailers
Plowing through the jumble with a mission in mind can have you crowned a “Maxxinista Foodie” before long.
I ventured into the Maxx wonderland and walked out with dozens of bargains and an even longer roster of recipes and gift-basket ideas.
Here are some standout deals I found:
- Black capelin caviar, 3.5 ounces for $4.99
- Himalayan pink sea salt, 56 ounces for $5.99
- Starbucks Caramel K-Cups, 10 count for $4
- Kahlua coffee, 12 ounces for $5.99
- Gluten-free bites, 4 ounces for $3.79
- White truffle oil, 8.5 ounces for $5.99
- Ginger beer, 25.4 ounces for $4.79
- Organic spirulina powder, 4 ounces for $7.99
- Basil and garlic fusion cooking oil, 12.7 fluid ounces for $2.99
And HomeGoods had many keto coffee essentials:
- Ketogenic instant coffee, 7.9 ounces for $9.99
- Ketogenic creamer, 8.5 ounces for $9.99
- Keto creamer with MCT oil, 6 ounces for $5.99
- MCT oil, 16 fluid ounces for $12.99
The Top 10 Oddball Foods I Spotted at Discount Stores
While these discount shops aren’t your one-stop supermarket, they do hide specialty treasures.
See something you’re curious about?
It might not be on the shelf when you return, and that’s part of T.J. Maxx’s tactic. They rely on your FOMO — the fear of missing out — hoping you’ll grab a quirky product because it might not appear again.
And don’t expect to find most of these online; they’re primarily in-store discoveries — and priced that way.
Below are the most surprising finds I came across at T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods:
- 100% bee pollen, 4.4 ounces for $5.99
- Sunflower and avocado oil, 16.9 fluid ounces for $3.99
- Bacon aioli, 9 ounces for $3.99
- Wasabi aioli, 9 ounces for $3.99
- Orange hatch vodka jamalade, 8 ounces for $2.99
- Clover honey spoons, 6 spoons for $3.99
- Tamarind chutney, 8 ounces for $3.99
- Beet juice, 1 liter for $2
- Fig jam made in Portugal, 17.6 ounces for $4.99
- Juicy mango fruit pulp vinegar, 8.5 ounces for $4.99
Although you won’t fill a full grocery list, these stores are perfect for stocking up for a gathering, indulging in an unusual treat or finding a steep markdown on coveted specialty items.
Availability and pricing will differ by store, but the thrill of the hunt remains the same.
So what are you waiting for? The hidden corners are calling you to explore.
Alexandra Reed is a staff writer at Savinly. She recommends trying the pickled Brussels sprouts if that’s your thing.
