Hi Ho Hi Ho to the Grocery Store We Go...

Grocery shopping... a dreaded chore.

Back in the U. S of A. the weekly grocery shopping was something I did not necessarily enjoy. But it needed to be done so it was. Grocery shopping here in Israel is a whole new ball game folks! A whole new ball game. 

First, you need to know where they are. Luckily for us, our relocation agent Narda took us to not one but two groceries the day after our arrival. She took us to Tiv-Taam and the grocery store at the "BIG" shopping area which weeks later I found is called Shufersal.

Tiv Tam at night

Second, just like in Ireland and probably most of Europe, you must have a deposit, 5NIS (New Israeli Sheckel)in this case, to get a cart out of the cue. You will then get the deposit back if you return the cart. It's a brilliant concept for the stores. Also negates the problem of people leaving carts all over the parking lot which is already a precious commodity. I'd like to see this implemented in the U.S. On the down side and unlike Ireland or the U.S., there are no other trolley bays for return except the same trolley bay you took the cart from which is all-the-way to the front of the store. Not very convenient. It also becomes a hassle when you don't have the coin. But I got a tip, an American quarter works as well. So I keep one in my wallet. I will always have it because there's no other use for it.

Want to bypass the system? You can purchase a keychain that mimics the shape of the coin, best part you can take it out without having to return the cart so you can leave your cart in the parking lot. But you do not want to be THAT person. Well maybe only if you parked very far.

Wait a minute. There's a business opportunity here. I should try to get U.S. grocery stores have this system and then make money selling these keychains. Because you know they will sell like pancakes (ESL, Jason said it's "hotcakes"). Better get a patent on it first. Kaching!

insert coin here

Third, you need to know Hebrew. Crap. I'm screwed. Just kidding. Of course knowing how to read and understand Hebrew will help a TON and you'll be able to take advantage of online grocery shopping with home delivery! But my many years of grocery shopping has helped me work my way through the aisles. (I would like to thank my ever so hungry friends and families. I wouldn't have this MUCH experience with out you.) It also helps that more and more products have English labels. I've also been lucky to know What's Up who sponsored a grocery store tour at STOP.

Lastly, you need practice. You just have to go and immerse yourself in it. Take your time, get to know your grocery store. Go aisle by aisle, product by product. Check out other grocery stores because store A might have something store B does not. And  sometimes the store might not have what you need or are out of that item that's normally there. So it's best to know other options.

There are so many things to show and tell from the grocery stores. One post is just not enough... more posts on food buying later.

cleaning supplies at the grocery store under Swift Gym

This is the name of the grocery under Swift Gym...

Hebrew Doritos.. the sign means 4 for 10NIS.. and NOT 10 for 4...

Grocery store in the mall in Netanya close to Hwy 2.

Ramy Levy also referred to as the grocery store close to Payless

dried herbs and spices, you don't see this in Target or Albertson's 

Purchase items that can be made into several meals, like a whole roasted chicken, or bag of sweet potatoes, and shop the periphery of the grocery store, avoiding the middle aisles full of processed and higher-priced foods. - Cat Cora