When I first began eating organic foods, I thought I had to shop only at the dedicated local Health food stores, or my local Whole Foods. While great deals can be found at those types of stores, surprisingly, many organic food products can be found at discount stores like Big Lots!
Here are 5 ways I’ve learned to save on organic food at Big Lots:
1. Browse slowly. A week ago, I went to Big Lots and found quite a few organic products. I went back a few days ago and I had a little more time to browse the aisles. By looking carefully at each shelf, I was able to find so many more organic deals! The shelves at Big Lots aren’t the most organized. I found 2 jars of Muir Glen organic salsa, hidden behind some mustard (maybe someone was hiding it to come back and purchase later? Sorry…). There are also organic brands that I’ve never heard of there, so if you are looking quickly, you may not see them hidden in with the conventional products. I don’t usually buy canned food, so I just glanced at that section. I’m glad I did a double take, as I found Aunt Penny’s (a brand I’ve never heard of) organic canned beans mixed in with conventional canned foods, for a decent price.
2. Stock up. Organic food products you find today at Big Lots, may likely be gone next week. Big Lots doesn’t carry a huge stock of each product, so once it’s gone it may not be back. If you like the product and it has a long enough expiration date, stock up on it while you can. I found some gluten-free noodles a few months ago and only bought 2 boxes. They had a lot in stock so I figured it would be there next time. A month later, I came back to get more and they were totally out.
3. Sign up for rewards. Sign up Big Lot’s FREE reward program, Buzz Club in store. Several times a year, they issue a 20% off your entire purchase (including grocery!) coupon exclusive on certain days for reward members. They also send out random coupons. I recently received a $5 off any $20 purchase coupon. I used it on the purchase in the above picture, and was able to get everything for just $20 after the coupon!
4. Check expiration dates. When my son was eating baby food, Big Lots was the place to get the cheapest prices on organic baby food. I got jars for $.20 each. One time when I went to stock up, I noticed the price tag was covering the expiration date on all of the jars. I peeled one off and noticed it had expired a week prior. Of all foods I didn’t want to buy expired, it was baby food! I told the cashier and she said she’d let the manager know. A week later, I returned and they still had the same expired baby food jars out for sale. Always check the expiration date before buying any food at Big Lots. If it is nearing the expiration date or expired (and your okay with that), ask for a clearance discount on the product.
5. Shop the clearance rack. I recently discovered the clearance rack at Big Lots. It’s located on an end cap in the grocery section and many of the clearance items happen to be natural and organic products. I got a 3-pack of Soy Dream beverages for just $.50 with an expiration date a week out. Thankfully, I have a husband that is all about saving money so he’s willing to eat anything within any period of time, so these deals work great for our household! Some of the products in the clearance aisle were well past expiration, so be sure to check your dates.
Bonus Tip: Big Lots does not accept manufacturer coupons, however, you can use certain cash back apps on your purchase including Checkout 51 and Snap by Groupon. For example, I bought the Imagine soup in the picture above for $2, submitted my receipt to Checkout 51 and received $1 cash back on my purchase! So, be sure to always check the current app offers when you’re at Big Lots.
Following these tips, i was able to get the following for just $20!
2 Nature’s Path organic granola bars, 5 ct.
Aunt Penny’s canned organic pinto beans
Aunt Penny’s canned organic black beans
Back to Nature organic granola
2 Muir Glen organic salsa
Imagine soup
Soy Dream beverage, 3 ct
Beanito’s bean chips
Back to Nature gluten-free crackers
Chiquita banana chips
Truly pineapple chips
Kashi Go Lean Crunch, 2 box pack
I probably would have paid $45 for all of these products at a regular grocery store, so I ended up saving 56%! Not bad for not clipping any coupons! What tips do you have for saving on organic food at Big Lots?
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Great tips! I am a little jealous of the Muir Glen finds. I have never thought to look behind items. So smart.
I went to Big Lots this weekend as well, and I found:
–6 flavors of Touch Organics tea bags for $1.80 each
–Physician’s Formula Organic Wear bronzers for $4.50 each
–Honest Splash strawberry lemonade (6-packs) for $2 each
–2 flavors of Honest Tea (half gallons) for $1.50 each
–Nutro Ultra dog food (4.5-lb bags) for $5 each (THESE ARE $16.99 at Petco!!!)
[Advice to other readers: Check the dog food aisle. There were actually several brands of natural dog foods, but I didn’t recognize all of them.]
–Simple Green All-Purpose cleaner for $1.50 a bottle (With a coupon, you would pay less at another store, but this is a good price if you don’t get these coupons.)
–White Coffee organic K-cups (10-pack) for $5.80 (decent price for organic)
Hope that someone else can find these, too!
Awesome finds Melissa, thanks for sharing! I never thought to check out the makeup aisle! I’ll have to keep an eye out for the Organic Wear line.