The term ‘deli’ is an abbreviation of the word delicatessen, meaning ‘fine foods’ or delicacies. Though they may not all sell delicacies, many supermarkets and grocery stores do have a dedicated deli counter where you can find all manner of ready-to-eat, chilled food items. They are much like a mini-market within the main store where their purpose is to provide the customer with the ‘personal’ touch traditionally received in a specialist shop such as a butchers or bakery.


How you are served

The deli counter is often situated towards the back of the supermarket, alongside which there may be a fish or meat counter and possibly an in-store bakery. At some deli counters you are required to take a numbered ticket whereby you wait for your number to be called in order to be served. While waiting your turn, you can browse the selection of foods through clear glass.

What they sell

The type of food served at a deli counter can vary widely from store to store. However, food you're most likely to find on offer will include ready-to-eat cold cuts such as smoked ham, bologna, salami and pastrami. Many will include a good selection of cheeses from around the world. Also popular are Mediterranean dips like hummus, and the Greek dips taramasalata and tzatziki. You'll also often find prepared salads made up from potato, pasta or rice. Often included are nibbles for Italian antipasti like green and black olives while some will sell more expensive items like caviar.

Sampling and tasting

The deli counter is a great place to ‘try before you buy’. Some counter staff are happy to offer you a sample or taster of something you'd like to try. The benefits of doing this serve both the customer and the grocery store. As well as offering you the chance of sampling foods without having to spend money on buying the full sized ready packaged product, it can also introduce you to a range of foods you may not normally be tempted to buy. This is also good for the supermarket as if you do like something, then you are likely to purchase the larger, ready packed version from the main supermarket shelves.

Purchasing and paying

When you buy your food from the deli counter you get to choose the exact quantities you need so it's a fantastic means of reducing waste. For instance, if you normally purchase pre-packed cheese but find you can't manage to finish it by the use by date, it may end up in the trash. One thing to note when buying from the deli counter is most items do have a short shelf life so often have to be eaten within one to three days.

Once you’ve picked out your items, the server packs, weighs and prices them up. You then pop them into your shopping trolley or basket and pay at the checkout along with the rest of your shopping.

Not every grocery store or supermarket will have a deli counter but if you can find one, it's certainly worth paying a visit, particularly if you're looking for last minute ideas for a party. And in these tough economic times, shopping at the deli counter is a great way of saving on waste as you only pay for the amount you need. You get to choose from a wide variety of fresh and exciting foods and shop in a way which is cost effective for you.

So if you've never shopped at the deli counter in a grocery store, why not give it a try? You may be in for a tasty surprise.