Lately, I’ve developed a keen interest in ethnic stores. Unlike supermarkets, which tend to inflate prices significantly on essential items like rice, beans, and spices – particularly those that cater to healthier, basic diets, ethnic stores offer a refreshing alternative. Supermarkets often capitalize on the fact that these wholesome foods aren’t in high demand among their typical shoppers, allowing them to raise the prices with the understanding that they won’t move as quickly – much like how convenience stores tend to overprice everyday items such as bread and milk.

Interestingly, Walmart has emerged as a surprising contender, boasting a more extensive selection and more affordable prices on many nutritious staples like dried beans, rice, and specific spices compared to the majority of supermarkets. Moreover, Walmart consistently stocks Greek yogurt, whereas local supermarkets often struggle to keep this section adequately supplied. An amusing anecdote: it seems Hannaford, for instance, barely manages to keep one container of plain Greek yogurt hidden away, only to have it vanish by nine o’clock every morning.

For those seeking even more diverse options, India Market comes to the forefront. Here, you can find ghee, a healthier dairy fat option for cooking and spreading, boasting a nutty flavor. Additionally, they offer kefir, a nutrient-rich fermented dairy product packed with protein and probiotics. Kefir is often regarded as an even more wholesome alternative to Greek yogurt, further enhancing the appeal of these ethnic stores.