First, I would like to clear up some confusion about this supermarket. If you read the history behind this chain, it was originally opened on Long Island by a Hispanic family who wanted to offer a variety of Hispanic foods along with more common American items. Compare Foods largely caters to a Spanish speaking population and many of their employees are *bilingual.* I had a wonderful cultural experience shopping here. I was exposed to fruits, spices and pastries I had never seen before. However, if you are used to the traditional American market and feel uncomfortable being surrounded by people and/or languages that are outside American tradition, you will likely not enjoy your shopping experience.
I bought some fresh seafood, tons of amazing fruit and glanced at the breads and bakery section (the calories tend to stick to me even if I don't eat them). There was literally a wall of spices and dried fruits that spanned the length of a full aisle. It was cool to look at so many things I'd never seen before. Prices were no cheaper nor more expensive than what I experience in a local Harris Teeter.
Free food tastings could be found in the frozen food and bakery section!