Food Items - Other

Mastering “Other” Food Items: A UK Shopper’s Guide to Smart Buys and Best Stores

Why “other” food items deserve a spot on your shopping list

Have you ever stood in the supermarket aisle wondering where the sauces, condiments, pickles, and specialty pantry bits live? That loose, eclectic category is often called “other” food items, and it’s where small things make a big difference to flavor and convenience. These products aren’t always the headline deals, but they’re the secret weapons in quick weekday dinners, last-minute entertaining, and clever lunchbox upgrades. Treat this shelf like a spice cabinet for your routine — a little goes a long way, and a well-stocked “other” section can turn a dull meal into something memorable.

What counts as “other” food items?

“Other” covers a broad array: sauces and marinades, pickles and preserves, specialty cooking ingredients, ready-made sauces, condiments, drinking mixes, nibble-size snacks, and sometimes pantry extras like yeast or gelatin. Think of it as the seasoning drawer of your grocery list: not quite fresh produce and not quite staple dry goods, but the finishing touches that lift a dish from plain to polished.

Why they matter more than you think

These items punch above their weight. A jar of good chutney can transform cheese and crackers; a nifty marinade reduces cooking time and elevates protein; a quality stock cube can be the backbone of countless soups. Plus, buying a few smart “other” items can save time and reduce food waste — prepared sauces and condiments mean fewer failed experiments in the kitchen and more consistent results for busy lives.

Top UK stores to find great “other” food items

If you’re shopping across the UK, you’ve got a landscape of options — each retailer brings a unique strength. From budget-friendly basics to premium, artisanal finds, here’s where to look and what to expect so you can shop with confidence and a little swagger.

Tesco — variety and value in one trolley

Tesco blends wide choice with steady pricing. You’ll find both big-brand and Tesco-brand sauces, cooking pastes, and preserved goods across larger stores and online. Clubcard deals often pop up in the “other” aisles, making it a smart stop for consistent value. If you want reliable basics and good own-brand alternatives, Tesco is a dependable go-to.

Sainsbury’s — quality-focused with niche finds

Sainsbury’s tends to lean toward slightly higher quality own-brand goods and a curated selection of niche products. It’s a great place to hunt for mid-range sauces and artisanal condiments that feel special without costing a fortune. Look for Taste the Difference ranges if you want something that reads like a luxury buy but won’t break your budget.

Asda — low-price champions and big packs

Asda is where you go to stretch the weekly shop. Bulk sizes, multipack deals, and low-cost essentials make it ideal for stocking cupboards with pantry extras. If you’re feeding a larger household or like to buy in bulk — say, multipacks of sauces or big jars of pickles — Asda often delivers the best per-unit price.

Morrisons — fresh approach to the pantry

Morrisons pairs supermarket convenience with solid own-brand items and seasonal specialist ranges. Their “other” section frequently includes British-sourced preserves, ethically labeled condiments, and simple, honest ingredients that fit day-to-day cooking. Morrisons is a useful balance between value and provenance.

Lidl and Aldi — surprise gems for budget gourmet finds

Don’t underestimate the discounters. Lidl and Aldi frequently rotate in premium-ish finds at bargain prices — think limited-time imported sauces, specialty preserves, and small-batch condiments. These can feel like treasure when you stumble on them, and they’re perfect for experimenting without spending much. If you like surprises and bargains, check these aisles regularly.

Waitrose — premium, artisanal, and ethical choices

Waitrose is the place for splurges and specialty items. Expect high-end condiments, small-batch preserves, and ethically sourced ingredients. If you want a jar that looks as good on a gift table as it tastes on your toast, this is where to look. The higher price point often reflects provenance and careful sourcing, so it’s great for special occasions.

Ocado — online-only convenience for specialist ranges

Ocado is strong on variety and hard-to-find items because it aggregates many brands in one online catalogue. If you’re hunting for international sauces, niche dietary options, or premium pantry goods, Ocado saves you time and offers filters to refine your search. It’s especially handy when your local store doesn’t stock that one jar you need for a recipe.

Marks & Spencer Food and Co-op — local flair and quality treats

Marks & Spencer Food is perfect for stylish, ready-to-eat items and classy condiments, while Co-op often focuses on local sourcing and ethical credentials. Both are good for small indulgences, specialty jars, and the kinds of items you buy to make a simple meal feel deliberate and cared for.

How to compare prices smartly across stores

Price comparison is an art and a habit. Rather than eyeballing price per jar, convert to unit price — ounce or pound per ounce — and factor in how often you’ll use the item. Comparison sites and apps can help, and many stores now show unit pricing online. If you buy a larger jar but only use small amounts, multiply the per-use cost against longevity in your cupboard to see the true value.

Use comparison tools and local flyers

Online comparison sites let you filter by product type, brand, and price. Local flyers and loyalty apps often carry short-term deals not shown elsewhere, so it pays to glance at those before you click “add to cart.” And remember: deals on own-brand items may offer better quality-per-pound than luxury brands when used frequently.

Watch for multipack math

Multipacks can be tempting, but do the math. If a three-pack costs less per unit but you only use one every month, will it still be fresh before you finish? Calculate cost per use and shelf-life. It’s sometimes smarter to buy single jars at slight premium than to waste a cheaper multi-pack.

When online shopping beats in-store for “other” items

Online shopping gives you filters, reviews, and a full inventory, so it’s ideal for hunting specific items or comparing niche brands. If you’re trying a new cuisine or need a specialty sauce, online retailers often carry the broader selection your local supermarket might not. Plus, the ability to sort by unit price or see bundle deals makes comparison easier and faster.

Delivery saves time but read product descriptions

When buying online, check sizes and storage advice. A jar listed as 12 oz is different than a 10 oz jar even if the photo looks similar. Look for cooking suggestions or allergy information in the product description so you’re not surprised when the jar arrives.

When in-store shopping gives you an edge

There’s something satisfying about holding a jar and judging the label yourself. In-store shopping lets you inspect expiry dates, look for special offers on end-of-aisle displays, and discover limited edition items that haven’t landed online. You can test textures, scan barcodes with price-checkers, and snag last-minute promotions that don’t always make it to the web.

Try before you commit

If you’re experimenting with a new flavor profile, buying a small in-store jar can save money and disappointment. Taste and smell matter for condiments and preserves — what looks good on a label might not suit your palate. Sampling in-store keeps your pantry lean and your taste buds happy.

Storage, shelf life, and reducing waste

Smart storage keeps these items useful for longer. Store unopened jars in a cool, dry place away from sunlight; once opened, many sauces and preserves last for weeks in the fridge. Label jars with the date opened if you’re not sure when you’ll use them. For long-term storage, freezing certain sauces in measured portions can stretch a jar into multiple uses and reduce the temptation to toss half-finished goods.

Measure portions before freezing

Use ice cube trays or small containers to freeze portions of sauces and stocks. When defrosted, a single cube can be just the kick your dish needs — and you avoid wasting the rest. This is a great tactic for home chefs who like variety but don’t cook large batches every week.

Allergens, dietary labels, and choosing healthier options

Pay attention to allergen labeling and ingredients lists. Many “other” items contain gluten, soy, dairy, or nuts. If you’re cooking for dietary needs, look for dedicated labels like gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar. Stores such as Ocado and Waitrose often offer broader ranges of labeled products, but mainstream supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s also carry clear allergen information on own-brand lines.

Low-sugar and low-salt swaps

If you’re cutting back on sugar or salt, search for reduced-sugar preserves and low-sodium sauces. These swaps maintain flavor while helping you manage intake. Often the texture and taste remain satisfying, especially when you pair them with fresh ingredients that balance intensity.

Meal planning around “other” items

Use these pantry extras to streamline meal planning. A single jar of versatile sauce can become three different dinners: use half as a pasta sauce, a quarter as a marinade, and the rest as a dipping sauce. Building meals around a core condiment or preserve makes shopping lists shorter and cooking more creative. Think of them as culinary multipliers — one small jar becomes many meals when combined with staples like rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.

Turn staples into weeknight heroes

Keep a shortlist of three or four go-to “other” products that you can pair with proteins or vegetables you buy weekly. A good curry paste, a robust tomato sauce, and a quality mustard can rotate through your menu and keep dinners interesting without requiring hours of prep.

Sustainable choices and ethical shopping

If sustainability matters to you, look for clear labeling on packaging: reusable glass jars, recyclable containers, and ethically sourced ingredients. Some stores prioritize local sourcing and fair trade, so choosing those lines supports smaller producers and reduces carbon miles. Smaller shops and certain supermarket ranges highlight provenance and artisan producers — great if you want to align taste with values.

Support local producers where possible

Local preserves and small-batch sauces often come in attractive packaging and tell a story about who made them. These buys might cost a bit more per jar, but they support local jobs and usually have a smaller environmental footprint than mass-produced items shipped long distances.

By now you’ve got a toolkit: know which stores fit your goals, how to compare unit prices, when to shop online, and how to turn “other” food items into meal multipliers. These small jars and packets can be some of the most satisfying and economical parts of a well-run kitchen — once you know where to look and how to think about their value.

Next time you wheeze past that shelf, slow down. Treat “other” food items as opportunities rather than clutter. With a handful of smart choices, you’ll get more flavor, less waste, and a shopping list that works harder for you.

Happy shopping — and happier eating.