FAQs
Product Related
How do you decide what products to carry?
Although it is not possible for us to carry every product, we make every effort to carry those products that are most in demand. Over time shoppers' needs change and new products are constantly introduced to meet those needs. Products that don't sell well may be discontinued so we have the space to add new products. It is a constant juggling act. We rely on market research; information provided by our suppliers, and of course, customer feedback. We regularly review our assortment and compare that with customer requests.
Why do products get moved around?
From time to time, we do make changes in our stores to accommodate new products and dedicate more room to growing categories of products. Some of the changes also are in response to requests or suggestions that we have received from customers or our consumer advisory boards. These types of changes often cause a domino affect resulting in many items being relocated.
Whenever we make changes, we will post signs letting customers know the new location for the product. We also update the overhead directories and paper directories, which are available at the customer service desk.
How can I suggest a product I would like for you to offer?
Product suggestion forms are available in our stores or you can send us a request online by using our online comment card. Please provide specific information about the size and variety you are requesting. All forms and emails are sent to our buyers who review them along with other market information to determine what products to carry to meet the needs of our diverse customers. However, because of the number of requests we receive, we regret that we cannot respond personally to each request. Be assured that your request will get to the person who buys the type of product you are requesting.
Can I special order a product that you do not carry?
For most products, we do not provide a service where we can special order products that we do not carry. However, the stores can order some specialty items such as natural/organic and gourmet specialty products as well as some health and beauty care products. Please check with your local store. Many products can be ordered online directly from the manufacturer or other services that specialize in online ordering.
How do I find out if a particular store carries a product?
For product availability at a particular store, it is best to call the store directly and speak to the department manager.
Why do products get discontinued?
Consumer preferences change over time and generally, products that do not sell well are discontinued to make room for new products coming out on the market that customers are asking for. And sometimes, manufacturers discontinue items.
Do you offer rain checks if you are out of a sale item?
We always make every effort to be in stock when we have products on sale. For those times, when we do run out of a product, we will gladly issue a rain check at the Customer Service Desk.
Do you mail products outside of your market area?
We are not set up as a mail order company and cannot mail products outside of our market area.
Are Giant brand products the same quality as name brand?
Giant brands deliver all the quality of national brands but at a price that lowers your food bill. Our commitment starts in developing products the way you want them including extensive quality checks all the way from production to our store shelves. Our quality is guaranteed or your money back!
See our brands
What do I do if I buy an unsatisfactory product?
We stand behind all of the products we sell. Simply return the product to the store and we will gladly refund your purchase price or replace the product.
Can I order groceries online for delivery?
Giant offers online ordering and delivery to many of our locations through Peapod.com. Click here for more information or call Peapod at 1 800 5 PEAPOD.
Does Giant provide help and/or information for student research products?
We wish there was time to help every student who seeks information from us for their school project, but unfortunately, that is not possible. We receive many requests for information from teachers and students and often the information requested is proprietary. We suggest that students contact trade associations or manufacturers directly.
Food Related
Does Giant offer Natural and Organic Products?
With so many consumers interested in the benefits of natural and organic foods, we felt it was time to make them more easily accessible to everyone. So we introduced Nature's Promise™, our line of natural and organic foods including meat items and deli items, priced less than other brands. We also offer organic produce and a wide variety of name brand natural and organic products in our stores.
Does Giant offer Gluten Free Products and can I get a list of them?
Yes, we do. Most gluten free products can be found in the Natural/Organic section in our stores. For a list of Giant brand products that have been checked for presence of gluten, click here.
Why do you call it Chilean Atlantic Salmon, when Chile is located on the Pacific Ocean?
Atlantic salmon is a particular species of salmon. There is a difference in taste and texture between the Atlantic species and Pacific species of salmon. As responsible retailers, we must identify the species as well as the place of origin for our customers (i.e., Norwegian Atlantic, Canadian Atlantic). We agree that nomenclature would have been much simpler if the Chileans had decided to raise Coho, Sockeye or some other Pacific salmon. But, the term "Chilean Atlantic" is widely used and most accurately describes the product.
What are processed sea scallops?
Processed sea scallops are injected with a solution of water and sodium tripolyphosphate. This keeps the scallops plumper and reduces drip loss. It also makes scallops more affordable. Dry or unprocessed scallops cost considerably more.
Food Safety and Storage Related
The "glowing" effect is most likely caused by bioluminescent marine bacteria. Fish and shellfish sometimes demonstrate this phenomenon because the bioluminescent marine bacteria are part of their natural body micro flora. When they are present in sufficient numbers, a glow can be emitted from the seafood. The luminescent compound luciferase is not toxic and presents no danger to people. Preparation and cooking of the fish or shellfish does not necessarily eliminate the bioluminescent factor so it is not unreasonable to observe this phenomenon in ready-to-eat seafood products.
What is the shiny, glass-like substance sometimes seen in canned tuna fish?
Struvites in canned tuna are often mistaken as glass. Struvite is a phenomenon that occurs during the processing of the fish. It is made up of natural mineral components that precipitate out of the fish during the canning process. This is not a harmful situation since the struvite, if swallowed, would dissolve in the stomach. Manufacturers work hard to prevent the formation of struvite.
Nematodes are parasitic round worms common in coldwater, oily fish such as cod. Nematodes are a natural phenomenon and are not harmful as long as the fish is cooked properly. However, freezing a fish for 24 to 72 hours at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit or cooking it to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least ten minutes will kill any living worms.
What are pantry pests and how do they get into products?
Given the right conditions such as warm humid weather and prolonged storage of a product, these pests can develop in food processing plants, warehouses, stores and homes. It is often difficult to determine how or when products became infested. These organisms are not harmful, but can destroy grains, cereals, nuts and dried fruit given the opportunity. To prevent pantry pests, keep your pantry shelves clean, inspect all food packages for damage, and sterilize doubtful products with 140-degree heat for 30 minutes in the oven or for three to four days in a home freezer at 0 degrees. You also can transfer foods to sealed containers.
Is meat left on the counter overnight still safe to eat?
Obey the 2-hour rule. Don't leave perishable foods out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. Keep hot foods hot (140 degrees or above) and cold foods cold (40 degrees or below).
Can I refreeze meat if I decided not to cook it?
Yes. If the meat has been thawed in the refrigerator and is still good quality (color, odor), then it is safe to refreeze.
Raw eggs can be kept about 4-5 weeks past the date on the carton. Hard-cooked eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week. Neither raw nor cooked eggs should be out of refrigeration for more than two hours.
How long should you keep product when the power goes out?
Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned, but how do you save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer times? Being prepared can help. By planning ahead, you can save your perishables.
How long are canned goods safe on my shelf?
The canning process sterilizes the food, so if the seal is unbroken the product remains sterile. Cans stored in a cool dry place will stay safe indefinitely. For best quality, however, use high acid foods such as tomatoes, sauerkraut or fruits within two years of purchase. For low acid foods such as meats, tuna fish and most vegetables use within five years of purchase.
Look for rust, corrosion, severe dents on a seam, or swelling. Be sure the cans are not stored in a garage or somewhere that they might have frozen or gotten over 140 degrees F. If any of these problems occur dispose of the product.