View Full Version : Good trail food resource: Big Lots
Midway Sam
08-25-2009, 14:11
I don't know how "regional" Big Lots (http://www.biglots.com) is but I have determined that you could pretty much buy 90% of your food for a thru hike at Big Lots. Being a clearance outlet the offerings are sporadic, but I often peruse the aisles on my lunch break, probably 2 or 3 times a month.
Today's spoils:
2oz mini-bags of Bear Naked Banana Nut Granola (http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Naked-Natural-Banana-Granola/dp/B00189XWC0/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1251219368&sr=1-19): $.80 at Big Lots
* Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis (2-Pack) (http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crocker-Warm-Delight-Minis/dp/B0010VMEFM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1251219653&sr=8-2): $1.50 at Big Lots
PowerBar Electrolytes 8 stick multi-pack (http://www.amazon.com/PowerBar-Electrolytes-Sport-Drink-Stick/dp/B0016BZQ10): $1.50 at Big Lots
There was also foil packs of Valley Fresh White Chicken (http://valleyfresh.com/Products/Default.aspx), and various brands of foil pack tuna. I also saw lots of Knorr Sides (http://www.letsmakeknorr.com/Products/) style pasta and rice offerings and lots of various cereal bars and energy bars.
* As an aside, the Betty Crocker Warm Delights work really well in Sarbar's Fauxbaker (http://www.trailcooking.com/thefauxbaker). I made a Fauxbaker this week and the first thing I tried was a Warm Delight. I mixed it exactly as described in the instructions and even "baked" it in the bowl it comes in. The bowl didn't melt and the dessert was perfect!
just be careful of the expiration dates on food items from there. I have seen some be out of date for 6 months.
I have found some good buys at Big Lots as well over the years. I do check the dates carefully (as well as at Grocery Outlet) so I don't get any "surprises" at home ;-)
BL's often has NIDO as well!
LaurieAnn
08-27-2009, 15:10
Just a tip with things like Nido that are nearing their expiry - tossing the can in the freezer can extend the shelf life a bit.
Midway Sam
08-27-2009, 15:24
I have found some good buys at Big Lots as well over the years. I do check the dates carefully (as well as at Grocery Outlet) so I don't get any "surprises" at home ;-)
BL's often has NIDO as well!
Never seen Nido there but will keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for the heads up.
Yep, 90% of what is in my food bag most trips is from Big Lots. The rest from Aldi's or home cooked & dried.
If resupplying, I look for a "Dollar Store" (Family Dollar, Dollar General, Deals, etc.) Resupplied 100% for 5 days at the one in Damascus last year.
maxpatch67
08-27-2009, 17:39
Big lots IS the best place for shopping for trail food. Been there many times for my hikes. You can get big buckets of beef jerky for just a few bucks.
Never seen Nido there but will keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for the heads up.
Yep! It is often well hidden....but when I spy it I am happy :D
Tuckahoe64
08-27-2009, 19:48
Maybe I am a grocery store snob, but I just cannot bring myself to even go near a Big Lots. I think that the stores are nasty and dirty, as are the products on the shelves.
Midway Sam
08-27-2009, 20:08
Maybe I am a grocery store snob, but I just cannot bring myself to even go near a Big Lots. I think that the stores are nasty and dirty, as are the products on the shelves.
There is one in my area like that but 3 others that are as clean and modern as the Kroger store next door. They have a REAL problem with corporate consistency.
JoshStover
08-27-2009, 21:04
Maybe I am a grocery store snob, but I just cannot bring myself to even go near a Big Lots. I think that the stores are nasty and dirty, as are the products on the shelves.
They Big Lots by my home is really clean. The store was remodelled pretty recently so that is probably why. I have never had a problem with the food being expired either but my store might get "fresher" stock than some of the others. I would say atleast 90% of my trail food(other than what I dehydrate) comes from either Big Lots or Aldi...
turtle fast
08-27-2009, 21:14
Big Lots are ok, but they do have some old stuff that you have to look out for.... On the AT we mostly were able to resupply at Dollar Generals which were plentiful and cheap. Damascus, Bland, Hot Springs, Front Royal
Skidsteer
08-27-2009, 22:07
I love Big Lots.
Wasa crackers for $1.80!
Maybe I am a grocery store snob, but I just cannot bring myself to even go near a Big Lots. I think that the stores are nasty and dirty, as are the products on the shelves.
but we're all hikers - and aren't we ALL nasty and dirty and HUNGRY on the trail???
sometimes, i like to play "white trash" just for fun.....I swear - it's only for entertainment. hahaha
But yes, I do like the biglots - although I am careful with trailmix/nuts - rancid nuts = bad day.
I have no idea what this NIDO stuff we're speaking of is...I know nutella and marshmellow fluff and I've seen that PB and grape jelly combo, but I've never heard of NIDO.
Snowleopard
08-27-2009, 22:27
Around here there is also the similar Ocean State Job Lots http://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/locate/default.aspx
Of course, the all time favorite is no more, alas -- Spags near Worcester, MA.
shelterbuilder
08-27-2009, 22:36
Yep, 90% of what is in my food bag most trips is from Big Lots. The rest from Aldi's or home cooked & dried.
If resupplying, I look for a "Dollar Store" (Family Dollar, Dollar General, Deals, etc.) Resupplied 100% for 5 days at the one in Damascus last year.
My grandson loves to go into the Dollar Stores (he's not quite 3), and lately I've been noticing LOTS of pack food here. I guess that I should take him for a short hike to say "thanks"!
And another recommendation: aldi.
http://www.aldi.us/us/html/service/store_locator_ENU_HTML.htm
lots of different trail mixes, nuts, lipton-like pastas, granola, dry milk, and fruit for 1/2 the price at the regular grocery store.
the catch: bring your own bags, a quarter to borrow a shopping cart (get your quarter back when you return), and they only accept cash or debit. but SO worth it in savings.
Midway Sam
08-27-2009, 22:43
but we're all hikers - and aren't we ALL nasty and dirty and HUNGRY on the trail???
sometimes, i like to play "white trash" just for fun.....I swear - it's only for entertainment. hahaha
But yes, I do like the biglots - although I am careful with trailmix/nuts - rancid nuts = bad day.
I have no idea what this NIDO stuff we're speaking of is...I know nutella and marshmellow fluff and I've seen that PB and grape jelly combo, but I've never heard of NIDO.
Nido is powdered whole milk sold by Nestle. It is usually found in the hispanic food section of chain grocery stores. Much better than the American non-fat or low fat powdered milk.
mister krabs
08-28-2009, 09:37
Around here there is also the similar Ocean State Job Lots http://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/locate/default.aspx
Of course, the all time favorite is no more, alas -- Spags near Worcester, MA.
OOOOhhh, Ocean State is my favorite, though I've only been a couple times while visiting the NE. It's way better than biglots.
Midway Sam
08-28-2009, 09:47
We have a new Adli here (well, maybe a year old) that I've never been to. Any "gems" to look for?
silversleep
08-28-2009, 10:00
smak, it just occurred to me BIGLOTS is almost BIGOTS while reading your words "white trash" lol
Tennessee Viking
08-28-2009, 10:00
In Cary NC, there is another closest store. I found name brand Crocs for $10.
Never thought about Biglots, lol, funny, because my hiking partners' wife works at one! Cha-ching, maybe we can get a discount, lol.
chefjason
08-28-2009, 11:07
Never thought about Biglots, lol, funny, because my hiking partners' wife works at one! Cha-ching, maybe we can get a discount, lol.
Wouldn't a discount at BL just equal free?!
I love gourmet and organic foods - I don't though like paying top dollar for anything I buy! Hence places like Big Lots, Grocery Outlet and Trader Joe's are heaven for penny pinchers. At all I find top end items. Out here in the West G. Outlet carries the stuff that didn't sell well or the manufacturer is changing packaging, etc. They get club packaging as well, stuff that didn't move at Costco. Heck, I even see items from Target.
As long as you know the brands and you know what retail is, yes, you can save a lot of money - and eat well. So don't be a "store snob" cause the food is the same!
Surplusman
09-26-2009, 05:50
Love that Ocean State Job Lot! We have one here in Westfield and one down the road a few miles in Southwick. Seems to be a better selection in Southwick, but I rarely go down there. I do a lot of my shopping at OSJL, but do read the expiration dates on things. A lot cheaper than the two rip-off grocery stores in town, especially "Big Lie." There is a Price-Rite grocery store near the Westfield OSJL. Generally good stuff and cheap, but you have to be careful....some of it isn't so cheap.
atraildreamer
09-26-2009, 13:50
Love that Ocean State Job Lot! We have one here in Westfield and one down the road a few miles in Southwick. Seems to be a better selection in Southwick, but I rarely go down there. I do a lot of my shopping at OSJL, but do read the expiration dates on things. A lot cheaper than the two rip-off grocery stores in town, especially "Big Lie." There is a Price-Rite grocery store near the Westfield OSJL. Generally good stuff and cheap, but you have to be careful....some of it isn't so cheap.
My finances don't allow me to be a buying elitist. :p
My top of month buying spree stops:
1: Dollar Tree,
2: Walmart...for what I can't find at Dollar Tree,
3: Pricerite...for groceries,
4: Aldi's...also for groceries,
5: Ocean State Job Lot...great selection of stuff there. Everything from food to hardware. They also carry a lot of camping related stuff. I got a small backpacik tent, several sleeping bags, hiking socks and hiking poles there. I know that some of the stuff is not of the best quality, or lowest weight, but it ok for shorter local hikes. :D
6: Assorted flea markets and yard sales.
datadog314
10-05-2009, 16:47
We have a store called Dollar Tree here in Rhode Island.......I'm hoping it's a national chain store and that there's some near the trail. Excellent deals on trail foods.
I'm leaving on a four day shake down in a few hours and am supplied with aout $20.00 worth of food..............my food bag is busting at the seams too.
atraildreamer
10-05-2009, 19:59
We have a store called Dollar Tree here in Rhode Island.......I'm hoping it's a national chain store and that there's some near the trail. Excellent deals on trail foods.
http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/locate_store.cmd
Maybe I am a grocery store snob, but I just cannot bring myself to even go near a Big Lots. I think that the stores are nasty and dirty, as are the products on the shelves.
In the Cincinnati area there were dozens of Big Lots. "Mine" is neat / clean, A larger one (Next closest to me) was larger, cleaner etc, Corporate B/L closed it. The Nastiest one IN THE AREA (within about 50 miles or so) is still open. Go figure.
So I understand if you live near one like the "Colerain Ave Big Lots" I wouldn't shop there either. :rolleyes: Oh yea, I don't!! :p
Chaplain
10-14-2009, 21:06
In Amarillo the Big Lots often sells Cliff Bars at very low prices. Its great. I usually stock up.
:)big lots rocks,a great place for bargin trail foods:cool:neo