Ideal Supermarket Departments

What makes an ideal supermarket bakery?

Just because it looks fresh doesn't mean it is! Check out the in-store bakery and talk to the department manager. Are they baking from scratch? Do you see bakery ovens? Will they accept special orders on breads and cakes? Do they offer lower-fat or lower-sugar baked goods? Are they baking all day or just overnight? One of the best buys -- both for cost and nutrition -- are baked-from-scratch supermarket breads. Often, you can find unusual tasty whole-grain breads for just about the same price as prepackaged breads on the shelf.

What makes an ideal supermarket deli?

Supermarket delis are fabulous places -- sometimes. If all you see is cole slaw, sliced cheese, bologna and ham, it might be time to find a new store to shop. The deli is the fastest-growing section of the supermarket, offering take-out foods, exotic meats and cheeses, healthy salads and, most important, free samples. That's right; ask for a taste of these new products first. Deli ain't what it used to be, and that's great news for working singles and couples. They've got prepared foods in exact portions that all you have to do is heat up. You can save a fortune by not eating out. Many supermarkets have hired restaurant chefs to both develop the recipes and prepare the foods in-store or at a central kitchen. Most delis will also cater parties or dinners that go well beyond the traditional deli platter.

What makes an ideal supermarket floral department?

More flowers are now sold in supermarkets than through flower stores -- and for a lot less money. Usually the flowers are fresher, and you can save almost 30 percent. Most supermarkets assemble bouquets that are pre-wrapped. But don't be shy, ask them to put together the assortment that you want. You can also order flowers for any event -- even weddings -- and when you compare the cost you'll wonder why it took you so long to switch to buying flowers from your supermarket!

What makes an ideal supermarket seafood department?

Seafood has quickly become one of the staples of our diets. Unfortunately most Americans still eat few varieties -- and, sadly, our supermarket usually reflects that lack of adventure. Ask the seafood department manager to introduce you to new varieties of fish. Yes, there is more to seafood than flounder, trout, salmon, shrimp and lobster. One of the best buys, if you like flounder or sole, is tilapia. Try it; you'll like it!

Ask for recipes and cooking suggestions. Seafood is one of the most critical food-safety areas in the supermarket. Make sure the seafood department is clean and the fish are refrigerated or on ice. Make sure that the different species are separated and that cooked seafood is separate from fresh.

What makes an ideal supermarket meat counter?

The meat manager is usually the highest-paid store employee, and for good reason. It's the meat department that typically decides the success or failure of a store. Choose a store whose meat manager doesn't hide behind a one-way mirror. He or she should be available to answer your questions. Meat [beef, pork, chicken, turkey] usually takes up a significant portion of our grocery bills -- and nutritional profile -- so choose wisely.

Find out what cuts of meats are the healthiest for the way you cook. Are they any varieties you can switch to? How about ground turkey for a change [you'll save about 30 percent on the cost]? Never, unless you have a use for them, buy beef on the bone. Boneless beef will cost you a bit more at retail, but the yield is far greater, and by the time you get done trimming it yourself, you can wind up spending about 25 percent more than the boneless.

If you don't see the size or cut you want, ask for it! The meat manager will cut the exact portion you need. A good suggestion is to call first, even the day before, to order. Keep in mind that each meat department in a supermarket is USDA-inspected and has very strict guidelines for cleanliness and cutting. For example, if they are cutting pork and you want steak, they have to shut down the equipment, wrap the pork and sterilize the machinery and cutting area, before cutting the steak you want. That could take an hour or more! So be fair. They will be happy to help customize what you want -- but give them notice.

What makes an ideal supermarket video department?

Video rentals are big business, and supermarkets offer us a great convenience. Make sure that they offer you the right retail price and movies you want. Often they have a much smaller selection than a video store, but many offer free rentals on food-related subjects. Supermarkets typically offer great prices on movies to buy -- often at $9.99 to $14.99. Some food companies partner with first-run movies and put together promotions available only at supermarkets for foodstuffs, movie posters and paraphernalia, as well as the video itself.