17 Surprising Freebies You Can Grab at Grocery Stores

Everyone has felt the pinch of rising grocery prices lately. It seems like every trip to the store costs more than the last. There are some great tricks to make grocery shopping easier on both the wallet and the schedule.

Many grocery stores offer a variety of free items and services. These aren’t just little samples or the odd coupon; they are services and items that can really make a difference in the shopping experience.

There is a list of 17 items and services that can be gotten for free at various grocery stores, along with some tips to 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! 

Plastic Bags

People are trying to use fewer plastic bags these days, but the ones they get can be very useful at home. Many stores still give these away for free, and they’re good for more than just carrying groceries.

They can be used to line small trash cans, pack lunches, or store wet clothes after a trip to the pool. This is a simple way to get extra use out of something that might otherwise be thrown away.

Just remember to recycle or reuse them responsibly when they’re no longer needed!

Paper Bags

Talking about bags, some paper ones at stores like Trader Joe’s are surprisingly strong. They’re not just for groceries, they can be useful at home too.

For example, they make great recycling bins. These bags are sturdy enough to hold bottles and cans without ripping. Once filled, you can take the entire bag to the recycling center.

This is a simple way to keep recycling tidy while giving paper bags another purpose.

Recipes and Cooking Tips

Feeling stuck with dinner ideas? Many supermarkets offer free recipe cards and cooking advice. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s often place them near displays or at checkout counters.

These cards are a handy way to get ideas for new meals or learn how to use unfamiliar ingredients. It’s almost like having a free cookbook available every time you shop.

Look out for recipes that feature seasonal produce, they’re a great way to enjoy fresh, in-season ingredients.

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Free Samples

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!

Treats for Kids

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. 

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.

Boxes for Days

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.

Fish Cleaning and Preparation

Like the meat counter, the fish department offers some great free services. Many grocery stores with fresh fish counters will clean and prepare seafood purchases at no extra cost. 

This includes scaling, gutting, and filleting fish. It saves a lot of time and ensures the seafood is ready to cook when you get home. 

Next time you buy fish, ask the fishmonger if they can prepare it for you. You might be surprised at how much easier it makes dinner prep.

Wine Chilling

Here’s a cool perk for wine lovers: some grocery stores now offer quick wine chilling services. This is great if someone is hosting a last-minute get-together or forgot to chill the wine before a party.

These quick chillers can get a 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 needed.

Just ask at the wine section if they offer this service; it’s becoming more common in higher-end grocery stores.

Flower Arranging

If a grocery store has a floral department, it might offer a nice free service: flower arranging. Many stores will arrange chosen flowers into a beautiful bouquet at no extra cost.

This is great when picking up flowers for a special occasion or as a gift. Favorite flowers can be chosen, and a store florist will create a professional-looking arrangement. It’s like having a personal florist without extra expense.

Gift Wrapping

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

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.

Meat Preparation

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.

Health Screenings

Some grocery stores care about more than just your pantry; they also want to help with your health. Stores like Price Chopper offer free blood pressure screenings, and H-E-B provides both blood pressure and glucose screenings.

These quick health checks are a convenient way to keep an eye on wellbeing between doctor visits. It’s an unexpected but valuable service that shows how grocery stores are doing more than just selling food.

Grocery Delivery

With the rise of online shopping, many grocery stores now offer delivery services, sometimes even for free. This can be a big time-saver, especially if someone has a busy schedule or finds it hard to get to the store.

Check with 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. This service can make life easier and save time and gas money.

Bag of Ice

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.

Wi-Fi

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.

Magazines and Store Flyers

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.

Making the Most of Your Grocery Trips

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