Reading Time: 12 minutes 17 Things You Can Get for Free at Grocery Stores
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We’ve all felt the pinch of rising grocery prices lately, right? It seems like every trip to the store costs more than the last. As someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to save time and money, I’ve found some great tricks to make grocery shopping easier on both your wallet and your schedule.
Did you know that many grocery stores offer a variety of free items and services? That’s right, free! These aren’t just little samples or the odd coupon, we’re talking about services and items that can really make a difference in your shopping experience.
I’ve put together a list of 17 items and services you can get for free at various grocery stores, along with some personal experiences and tips so you can make the most out of these offerings.
What’s your favorite grocery store freebie? Have you discovered any others that I didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments!
Also if you like freebies, be sure to see the end of this article. We included some easy freebies to get!
Table of Contents
Free Samples: Taste Before You Buy
Who doesn’t love free samples? They’re a fantastic way to try new products without committing to a full-size purchase. Costco is famous for its sample stations, but many other stores offer them too.
At my local deli counter, I often get to taste-test Boar’s Head meats and cheeses before buying. It’s perfect for when I’m not sure if I’ll like a new flavor or want to make sure the quality is up to par.
These samples can range small bites to mini meals, depending on the store and the day. Don’t be shy about asking for samples at the deli or bakery, most stores are happy to let you try before you buy!
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Treats for Kids: Making Shopping Fun for Little Ones
Got kids in tow? Here’s a tip that’ll make your shopping trips smoother. Many stores, like Trader Joe’s, hand out free lollipops and coloring sheets to children. This small gesture can turn a potentially stressful errand into a fun outing for the whole family.
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My own kids absolutely love our Trader Joe’s trips, we go 2 or 3 times a week, and they always look forward to their free sucker and coloring sheet.
It’s amazing how such a simple freebie can transform grocery shopping into an eagerly anticipated activity for the little ones.
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Boxes for Days: Organize Your Life
Need some extra storage solutions at home? Look no further than your local grocery store. Many places, especially Aldi and Costco, give away sturdy boxes for free.
These boxes are perfect for organizing your stuff at home, packing items for a move, or even starting a DIY project. Plus, using these boxes is a great way to reduce waste reusing packaging that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin.
Next time you’re shopping, ask if they have any spare boxes – you might be surprised at how useful this simple freebie can be.
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Plastic Bags: Multi-Purpose Helpers
While we’re all trying to use fewer plastic bags these days, the ones you do get can be surprisingly useful around the house. Many stores still offer these for free, and they’re great for more than just carrying groceries.
Try using them to line small trash cans, pack lunches, or store wet clothes after a trip to the pool. It’s a simple way to get extra value out of something you might otherwise throw away.
Just remember to recycle or reuse them responsibly when you’re done!
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Paper Bags: Perfect For Recycling
Speaking of bags, have you noticed how tough those paper bags are at some stores, like Trader Joe’s? These aren’t just for carrying groceries, they can have a whole second life at home.
I’ve started using mine as mini recycling bins. They’re sturdy enough to hold cans and bottles without tearing, and when they’re full, I just take the whole bag to the recycling center.
It’s an easy way to keep your recycling organized and make your paper bags work double duty.
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Recipes and Cooking Tips: Culinary Inspiration
Feeling stuck in a dinner rut? Many grocery stores have your back with free recipe cards and cooking tips. Places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s often have these available near product displays or at the checkout.
These recipe cards can be a great source of inspiration for trying new dishes or learning how to use ingredients you’re not familiar with. It’s like having a free cookbook at your fingertips every time you shop.
Keep an eye out for seasonal recipes too, they’re a great way to make the most of fresh, in-season produce.
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Gift Wrapping: Holiday Helper
When the holiday season rolls around, some grocery stores offer a perk that can save you time and stress: free gift wrapping. This service is especially handy if you’re picking up last-minute gifts or if you’re just not confident in your wrapping skills.
It’s not available everywhere, but it’s worth asking about, especially at higher-end grocery stores. Having your gifts professionally wrapped for free can add a special touch to your presents without any extra cost or effort on your part.
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Knife Sharpening: Slice Through Your Prep Time
Here’s a freebie that can really up your cooking game: free knife sharpening. Some grocery stores offer this service at their meat or deli counter.
Sharp knives not only make cooking easier and faster, but they’re also safer to use than dull ones. This service can save you the cost of buying a knife sharpener or paying a professional.
Just bring in your dull knives and let the experts work their magic. It’s a simple way to maintain your kitchen tools and make your meal prep more efficient.
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Meat Preparation: Your Personal Butcher
Did you know the butcher at your grocery store can do more than just weigh your meat? At stores like Whole Foods, Mariano’s, and Publix, they offer free custom meat preparation. This means they can cut, trim, or even season your meat exactly how you want it.
Need your chicken breasts butterflied? No problem. Want your steak cut to a specific thickness? They’ve got you covered.
Some butchers will even marinate your meat for you. This service can save you time in the kitchen and help you prepare meals exactly the way you like them.
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Fish Cleaning and Preparation: Ocean-Fresh Made Easy
Similar to the meat counter, the fish department offers some great free services. Many grocery stores with fresh fish counters will clean and prepare your seafood purchase at no extra cost.
This includes scaling, gutting, and filleting fish. It’s a huge time-saver and ensures your seafood is ready to cook when you get home.
Next time you’re buying fish, ask the fishmonger if they can prepare it for you. You might be surprised at how much easier it makes your dinner prep.
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Wine Chilling: Party-Ready in Minutes
Here’s a cool perk for wine lovers: some grocery stores now offer rapid wine chilling services. This is perfect if you’re hosting a last-minute get-together or forgot to chill your wine before a party.
These rapid chillers can get your bottle of white or rosé to the perfect temperature in about 10 minutes. It’s a free service that can really save the day when you’re in a pinch.
Just ask at the wine section if they offer this service, it’s becoming more common in higher end grocery stores.
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Flower Arranging: Blooming Beautiful
If your grocery store has a floral department, you might be missing out on a lovely free service: flower arranging. Many stores will arrange your chosen flowers into a beautiful bouquet at no extra cost.
This is great if you’re picking up flowers for a special occasion or as a gift. You can select your favorite blooms, and a store florist will create a professional-looking arrangement. It’s like having a personal florist without the extra expense.
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Bag of Ice: Keep Your Cool
On hot days or during long shopping trips, some stores offer free ice to keep your cold items chilled. This is especially useful if you’re buying frozen foods or dairy products that might melt on the way home.
Not all stores advertise this service, so it’s worth asking if you’re concerned about keeping your groceries cold. It’s a simple perk that can help maintain the quality of your food and give you peace of mind during summer shopping trips.
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Wi-Fi: Stay Connected While You Shop
Many large grocery chains now offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. This can be incredibly handy for looking up recipes, checking your digital shopping list, or comparing prices online. Stores like Walmart and Kroger often provide this service.
Having access to free Wi-Fi can help you make more informed shopping decisions and even find digital coupons while you’re in the store. It’s a small perk that can make your shopping trip more efficient and potentially save you money.
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Magazines and Store Flyers: Savings at Your Fingertips
Don’t overlook those free magazines and store flyers near the entrance or checkout. These publications often contain valuable coupons, information about upcoming sales, and even recipes.
Taking a few minutes to flip through these can help you plan your next shopping trip and find extra savings. Some stores even have their own free magazines with seasonal meal ideas and product highlights. It’s like getting a free mini-cookbook with every visit.
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Health Screenings: Wellness While You Shop
Some grocery stores care about more than just your pantry, they want to help with your health too. Stores like Price Chopper offer free blood pressure screenings, while H-E-B provides both blood pressure and glucose screenings.
These quick health checks can be a convenient way to keep an eye on your wellbeing between doctor visits. It’s an unexpected but valuable service that shows how grocery stores are expanding beyond just selling food.
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Grocery Delivery: Shopping Made Easy
With the rise of online shopping, many grocery stores now offer delivery services, sometimes even for free. This can be a huge time-saver, especially if you have a busy schedule or find it difficult to get to the store.
Check with your local grocers to see what delivery options they offer. Some may provide free delivery over a certain purchase amount or as part of a loyalty program. It’s a service that can make your life easier and save you time and gas money.
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A List of Freebies
I found quite a few freebies to share with you, if getting free stuff is your thing.
Free Samples, Free Stuff & Freebies
Free Birthday Stuff
Free Stickers
Free Samples by Mail
6 Free 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
Free Sample of Linhart NYC Toothpaste
Free Firecracker Farm Hot Salt Sample
Free Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Free Sample of Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats
Coupons
Subway BOGO – Free Footlong
P&G Coupons
Free Lindt EXCELLENCE Chocolate Bar
Free Pork Big Deal for Teachers at Sonny’s BBQ
Free Air Wick Plug in Scented Oil Advanced Gadget
Free $15 Chang Ca$h at P.F. Chang’s
Note if you click on any of those links we may get a few pennies.
Making the Most of Your Grocery Trips
Well, there you have it, 17 freebies you can snag at many grocery stores! These perks might seem small, but they can make your shopping trips more enjoyable and save you time and money.
Next time you’re out grabbing groceries, keep your eyes peeled for these hidden gems. You might be surprised at how much extra value you can squeeze out of your regular shopping trips.
Remember, not every store offers all these freebies, so don’t be afraid to ask what perks are available. A simple question could lead to some unexpected benefits. And who knows? You might discover even more freebies that didn’t make it onto this list.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.