Why Are People Going Crazy Over WinCo Foods?
Updated: Dec. 26, 2021With super low costs and a seamless shopping experience, people are going wild for this growing grocery chain. Here are six reasons to love it.
What started as a small shop in Boise, Idaho, has now become WinCo, a no-frills grocery chain that’s sweeping the nation—starting in the West—with its ultra low prices. By cutting costs, not corners, the humble stores have set themselves up to compete with the biggest names in the game without sacrificing down-home customer service. But how, exactly, do they pull it off?
They Keep Things Simple
An astounding variety of groceries can be nice, but if you’re merely looking to pick up some basics for a holiday feast, it can be a pain to sift through dozens of brands of stuffing. WinCo makes things easy by offering just a choice or two of basic ingredients, so you can quickly grab what you need and hit the checkout line.
They’re All About Bulk
From apples and granola to flour and nuts, WinCo offers more than 800 items by the pound. That means no extra charges for pricey packaging, and you can buy exactly the amount you need.
They Get Food Straight from the Source
Instead of going through middleman distributors, WinCo buys much of its food directly from manufacturers and farmers. Having one less step in the stocking process lets WinCo pass savings on to the customers.
They Cut Down on Frills
Sure, WinCo’s stores aren’t merchandised to perfection with ornate decorations and eye candy. But when it comes to savings, simplicity is everything; a straightforward setup requires less money on their end, which helps keep prices low and budget-friendly. Customers will notice a difference at the checkout line, too. There are no baggers, so shoppers should channel their inner Tetris skills to bag groceries themselves.
They Slice Their Fees
WinCo stores also cut down on expenses by accepting only cash and debit cards at the register. Not processing credit transactions is yet another way the stores avoid unnecessary fees that would otherwise be passed down to the customer.
They Treat Their Employees Well
Unlike some other big-box retailers, the employee-owned WinCo hooks its workers up with a nice benefits package. From executives to cashiers, employees are provided with health insurance and pensions. For the customer, that means the people working in the stores are happy to be there and willing to lend a helping hand. (Are you annoying them anyway? Find out here.)
Next time you’re stocking up the pantry, find out if WinCo is in your area, and consider making a run there for a quick and easy shopping experience that won’t bust your wallet.
Deli-Style Potato Salad
I was inspired by my grandmother to cook, and loved going to her house for Sunday dinner. She passed her cooking skills down, and today my mom and I still make this potato salad. —Sally L. Miner, El Mirage, Arizona
Pennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Layered Picnic Loaves
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Twice-Baked Red Potatoes
Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland
Salami & Provolone Pasta Salad
Everyone needs a perfect pasta salad that’s easy to make, especially on busy nights when your family wants a dish that’s fast, light and cool. This is just the thing. —Jill Donley, Warsaw, Indiana
Creamy Egg Salad
I love the versatility of this creamy egg salad. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Colorful Quinoa Salad
My youngest daughter recently learned she has to avoid gluten, dairy and eggs, which gave me a new challenge in the kitchen. I put this quinoa salad together as a side we could all share. We love it for leftovers, too. —Catherine Turnbull, Burlington, Ontario
Chicken Salad Croissants
This tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona
Sweet Macaroni Salad
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes
On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Terrific Turkey Meat Loaf
You'll love this moist, tender entree. Not only is it loaded with flavor, but it's low in carbohydrates and saturated fat. —Wanda Bannister, New Bern, North Carolina
Spicy Crab Salad
My creamy crab salad gets a boost of heat from Sriracha and a tangy touch from lime. It’s ready fast, leaving me more time with guests. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Curried Egg Salad
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
Sesame Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I wanted to build a better pork sandwich, and this Asian-style filling was a huge hit with my husband and coworkers. Bring on the wasabi mayo. —Jennifer Berry, Lexington, Ohio
Cobb Salad Sub
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Cucumber Chicken Croissants
When my friends and I were new moms, we started organizing lunchtime play groups for our kids. Here's one of the recipes I made for them. It's their hands-down favorite. —Shannon Brown, Omaha, Nebraska
Balsamic Three-Bean Salad
Here's my little girl's favorite salad. She devours it just about as fast as I can make it. I suggest preparing it ahead of time so the flavors can get to know each other. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Summer Sub Sandwich
Being originally from the Northeast, we love submarine sandwiches. So I came up with this hearty ham-and-cheese combination that's good either hot or cold. —Jennifer Beck, Concord, Ohio
Warm Green Bean & Potato Salad
The combination of green beans and red potatoes, sometimes known as green beans Pierre, is one of my go-to side dishes. It's terrific with chicken.— Preci D'Silva, Dubai
