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I was up at my grandparents’ house this week and spotted this fun coffee can in the garage:
Remember when generic, store-brand products looked like this? It’s almost as if stores wanted to make their house brands look as bland as possible! Private label has certainly come a long way over the past few decades. So how old is this can, and which store is it from? Click to find out.
This generic coffee is a Jewel product from 1977!
I'm Jill Cataldo, founder of Super-Couponing® workshops and author of the nationally-syndicated newspaper column and video series "Super-Couponing Tips" enjoyed by over 20 million people each week.
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hammar says
Ah, I remember those well, as I was married in 1978. I agree, very unappealing!
I knew right away it was Jewel. :-)
ereml27 says
I remember that our Jewel had all their generics on the wall as you entered the store. Even funnier was that there was generic beer! My dad bought some. There were no pull tabs – you had to use a can opener to punch those triangle holes in them.
stringofpearls says
What a coincidence! My brother and I were talking about the long-forgotten “White Aisle” at Jewel just yesterday! I can’t believe you still have that! Ha ha! :D
hwendt12 says
The fact that it had a BARCODE on it! We were no-where-near having scanners back then, so I am impressed that Jewel was that advanced, even with their generics!
onajenatalie says
I believe Jewel was the first grocery store to even sell generic products, so they really were cutting edge!
soapboxtray says
You are right, private labels have come a long way. They wanted them to look as cheap as possible because you are saving money if you look like you are saving money :-) now they want to packaging to look just as good as national brands because if it looks as good it will taste as good :-) so funny. Mariano’s has taste tests occasionally. Also have sales periodically where you get a Roundy brand free if you buy whatever national brand.
I was pretty young but I remember this. It now reminds me of the Dharma initiative packaging from Lost.