Looking for ways to save on groceries? Check out these creative places to shop for groceries you might not have thought of!
I recently asked my Instagram followers and Facebook followers for their best suggestions for places to buy groceries on the cheap that aren't grocery stores… and you guys came up with so many great ideas!
25 Outside-The-Box Places to Buy Grocery for Less
It may not pay to make separate trips to all these different places, but if you are near these stores or shopping at one of these stores, here are a few ideas of what to look for…
1. Restaurant
Be sure to check out their prices on food and paper products.
2. Gas station
A few people say they sometimes get good deals on milk and butter.
One person said they get all their milk, eggs, onions, and bananas at Kwik Trip (and use their rewards card to get 10% off the lowest prices!). Hey!
3. Dollar General Market
Apparently some students found half price meat at Dollar General Markets!
It's also a great place to buy smaller portion sizes if you're a family of one or two. You pay less for less food and nothing is wasted.
4. Fields
Check to see if they sell “seconds” or damaged/bad fruit for less. Even if they don't, it's usually much less expensive to buy large quantities directly from the orchard than at the grocery store.
5. Dollar tree
They often have great deals on spices, snacks, lemon juice, and paper products.
6. International Grocery Stores and Farmers Markets
Don't overlook international markets and food stalls! Here's a great way to get groceries for less:
- International farmers markets are a great place to buy flour to make your own gluten-free flour mixes.
- Mexican vanilla tends to have a lower price in the Mexican meat market.
- International Grocery Stores often have lower prices on meat, produce, and spices.
- The international restaurant has canned vegetables, beans, and spices that are cheaper than what you'll find at a regular canned food store.
7. Amazon Resale (formerly Amazon Warehouse)
Amazon Resale sells used, returned, open-box items and is known for good deals on snacks. Click here for more information.
8. Home Goods, TJMaxx, Marshall's, and Ross
These stores have the most well-marked groceries, from the stuff that fills the regular stores!
You can find great prices on olive oil, avocado oil, mustards, spices, coffee, chocolate, jellies and jams, fruit juices, teas, snacks, cookies, healthy foods, international foods, and much more!
9. Discount Food Stores
Discount grocery and grocery stores are the best place to find great prices on groceries! These stores sell convenience foods nearby and bulk/returned items. And many fans said you can get good prices on meat and frozen meals, too.
I personally have visited and LOVE the Christian County Freight & Grocery Store in Missouri! And there are tons of different local stores like these in different states/areas. Just Google it to see if there is one near you.
There are even a few chains of these types of stores, such as Ocean State Job Lot, Grocery Outlet, and Bargain Hunt.
And if you don't have one near you, you can check out Martie — an online discount grocery store that offers great deals on natural, organic, and gluten-free products!
10. The Big Bunch
Big Lots is a great store for snacks, cereals, soups, k-cups, and spices at low prices. You can also find great deals on gluten-free and clean label products.
And if you shop there for 20% off, you'll get an even better deal!
11. Farm Supply Store
Don't forget about your local farm store, if you have one near you. One fan said: “We buy a 50kg bag of rolled oats. Food grade and cheap.”
12. CVS
They often have great deals on grains when they are on sale.
13. Local bakeries
One reader pointed out that a local bakery that supplies grocery stores also sells day-old bread in their storefront at discounted prices (and it's still amazingly delicious!).
14. Food Stores
Some of these stores allow the public to shop there without paying a membership fee.
15. Misfits Market
Misfits Market is a great way to produce – broken or badly shaped, but lively and cheap!
16. Azure Standard
Many fans have mentioned that Azure Standard is a great online store for bulk purchases at low prices.
17. Amish and Mennonite markets
If you have one around, it can be a great source of savings on produce, cheese, milk, bread, baked goods, and spices! You can also get good prices on meat, if yours has a deli counter.
18. Home University
One fan said his local university sells their livestock program once or twice a week.
19. Menards
Yes, they sell groceries at great prices and home improvement items. And they often have 11% off and great coupons!
20. Local Meat Shops
Many people complained about buying meat from local shops. It's tender, inexpensive, and tastes better than store-bought meat.
21. Bass Pro Shop
They have great spices, canned jams and jellies, and all kinds of country biscuit mixes.
22. Roadside stands
You can find cheap products at roadside stalls!
23. Kohl
One student said she uses her Kohl's Cash to buy treats for her kids, so she doesn't have to pay out of pocket. What a great idea!
24. Ollie
They often have great deals on cleaning products, toothpaste, and dish soap. You can also find cereal, granola bars, candies, and spices much cheaper than grocery store prices.
25. Farm and Home Stores
You might find some unexpected good deals at your neighbors' farms or houses – like inexpensive eggs from backyard chickens!
Have you bought any of these places before? What other ideas can you add? on this list?
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