Shop Grocery Outlet Like a Pro

I love a deal. My wallet is full of loyalty cards and thrift stores are always my first stop when I need something “new.” So it might not come as a surprise that I love Grocery Outlet.

From surprising flavors of cereal and candy to premium bottles of olive oil and wine to the best deals on Band-Aids in town, I always walk away with my bags filled with treasures and my wallet happy. Considering how everyday costs are continuing to climb, Grocery Outlet is not only enjoyable, it’s practical.

Here are my top bargain shopping tips to help you shop Grocery Outlet like a pro.

Make Grocery Outlet your first stop

Is Grocery Outlet always my only stop when shopping? No. But is it my first? You bet. Since the inventory changes frequently, you never know what bargains you’ll find but it’s always worth looking. If staples like laundry soap, shampoo, cotton balls and crackers are on your list, hit Grocery Outlet first. These are always in stock and you will likely find some great deals.

You can also find items on your back-to-school shopping list! From notebooks to markers to colored pencils, you might be surprised at what you’ll find. 

This one-stop-wonder-store offers more than classroom supplies. On my most recent trip, I saw some great lunch boxes with multiple compartments and cute bento boxes. And if your kids are like mine, they seem to be in constant need of socks. I found a huge bin of a few different styles, enough for a back-to-school refresh for sure. I also grabbed my kids a pair of new soft slippers, perfect for making the cold fall mornings a little comfier. 

Grocery Outlet will help you stock up on lunch or after-school snacks. You’ll find tons of options for chips, crackers, and a truly impressive supply of seaweed (one of my son’s favorites).

Say goodbye to brand loyalty and hello to adventure

When you walk into Grocery Outlet, you must let your brand loyalties go. I understand the desire for a specific brand for some items (any brand other than Tillamook cheese is dead to my son), but looking for specific brands will lead to frustration at Grocery Outlet.

If you absolutely must have a specific brand, are you open to a slightly different version? Maybe a new scent of your favorite body wash or laundry detergent? Individual packs of your kid’s favorite cereal rather than a box? You get it.

Buy all your toiletries at Grocery Outlet. Forever.

This is one of my top tips. You will be amazed at the selection of soaps, shampoos, lotions, first-aid supplies, dental care and sunscreen. Everything is a great deal and if you only go to Grocery Outlet for these items, you won’t be sorry.

Get ready to try some new things

My favorite thing about shopping at Grocery Outlet is also what I love about thrift stores — you never know what you’ll find. My mom is a seasoned Grocery Outlet shopper, and her favorite thing to look for is fancy bottles of olive oil. From coconut to canola, she said it’s the only place she buys oil since she can always find great deals.

Since prices are low, it’s a great place to experiment with some new flavors or items. Odd flavors of candy, chips and cereal are plentiful. While they might not always be the healthiest options, an Easter treat-inspired breakfast cereal might be just the thing to breathe a little life into a morning when getting ready for school is a struggle.

But if organic is your thing, fear not! Grocery Outlet has an impressive amount of natural and organic products, which they label as NOSH (which stands for natural, organic, specialty, healthy). Products range from canned goods to dried fruit and snack items.

It’s no secret that the beer and wine section of Grocery Outlet is expansive and excellent. Have I bought things that were undrinkable? Sure have. But, I’ve also discovered delicious bottles of wine and my favorite nonalcoholic beer is almost always in stock.

Look no further for unique and fun gifts

When I need to find a small gift or items to fill the Christmas stocking for my kids and nieces, Grocery Outlet is my first stop. I find plenty of treats and also odd little items like a pen with a fidget spinner on top (which may or may not be currently sitting on my desk). On my most recent trip, I saw a blanket with the Chutes and Ladders game printed on it, complete with giant game pieces. A blanket that’s also a game, I love it!

There is an impressive selection of gigantic water bottles that hold up to 17 cups of water and carafes that hold an entire bottle of wine. You will also find seasonal toys and decorations, including small inflatable pools and floats in the summer, Halloween decorations in the fall, and a large selection of garden decorations and accessories.

There’s an app for that

Download the Grocery Outlet app to see deals at your local market and get digital offers and coupons (I have one right now that will save me $5 on my next purchase of $25 or more). If you scan the QR code or enter your phone number at checkout, you will be entered in a daily drawing where one lucky shopper will “win what they saved” while shopping.

Embrace the adventure, save some money and have fun shopping at the best bargain market in town, Grocery Outlet.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2024 and was updated by the author on Aug. 18, 2025, with new finds and deals.