18 Grocery Store Freebies You Never See Anymore
These once-common grocery store perks have quietly disappeared over the years.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Grocery stores used to be full of little perks that made shopping feel like a treat. Today, most of those small extras are long gone, phased out in the name of efficiency or cost-cutting. Here’s a trip down the aisles of memory lane with 18 freebies that made grocery runs way more fun.
1. Free Cookies for Kids
Lisa Fotios on Wikimedia Commons
Grocery stores used to hand out a small cookie to kids at the bakery counter, no questions asked. It kept them happy during long shopping trips and made the store feel a little more magical. Now, most bakery counters have signs, not treats.
2. Coffee Stations by the Entrance
Kgbo on Wikimedia Commons
That free cup of coffee was the unofficial welcome gift at many grocery stores. Shoppers would sip while strolling the aisles, and maybe even spend a little more because of it. Now, you are more likely to see a Starbucks than a drip machine.
3. Cheese Samples on Toothpicks
Silar on Wikimedia Commons
Tiny cubes of cheddar or Gouda on toothpicks were a weekend staple near the deli. It was a fun (and free) way to try something new without commitment. Today, liability and budget cuts have turned sampling into a rare sight.
4. Free Balloons for Kids
istolethetv on Wikimedia Commons
Some stores offered helium balloons with their logo on them, typically located at the customer service desk. The kids got excited, and the parents had a more peaceful shopping trip. Most stores ditched them due to costs and environmental concerns.
5. Recipe Cards Near the Produce
RDNE Stock project on Wikimedia Commons
Stores often placed recipe cards by seasonal fruits and veggies to inspire dinner ideas. You could grab one and pick up all the ingredients in the same spot. Now, stores rely on apps or QR codes instead of good old cardstock.
6. Store-Branded Magnets or Notepads
Fructibus on Wikimedia Commons
Cashiers would sometimes toss in a branded notepad or magnet with your receipt. They were useful and gave the store a spot on your fridge. These days, paper coupons are rare, let alone fun swag.
7. Coupons in the Weekly Mailer
ProjectManhattan on Wikimedia Commons
That weekly flyer used to come packed with actual cut-out coupons. It was a treasure hunt for savings. Now, you are expected to download the app and “clip” them digitally.
8. Holiday Goodie Bags
Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Some stores gave out little treat bags around Halloween, Easter, or Christmas. It was often just a few candies, a pencil, and a sticker, but kids loved it. Now, you are lucky if the store even decorates.
9. Free Cake Samples in the Bakery
GUIATAIEMP 126 on Wikimedia Commons
You could often snag a bite-sized piece of whatever the bakery was promoting at the time. Wedding cake samples on weekends? Yes, please. Today, most bakeries are behind glass and feel more hands-off.
10. Bulk Bin Samples
Siobhan Leachman on Pexels
A scoop of trail mix or dried mango from the bulk bins used to be offered just for curiosity’s sake. It let you test before committing to a whole bag. Health codes and food safety rules have slowly phased that out.
11. Sample Saturdays
Missvain on Wikimedia Commons
The entire store would come alive with little sample stations during weekend hours. You could practically make a lunch out of it. Now, it is usually just one lonely stand — if that.
12. Free Grocery Bags with Store Logo
John J. Kelly III on Wikimedia Commons
Reusable bags with the store’s name were handed out during sales or anniversaries. They were great for hauling groceries and acted as walking advertisements. Now, even paper bags cost extra in many places.
13. Free Floral Stems on Mother’s Day
Forest and Kim Starr on Wikimedia Commons
Many floral departments handed out single roses or carnations to moms. It was a small gesture that meant a lot. Now, it is more common to see a display of bouquets at full price.
14. Printed Store Maps at the Entrance
Irdiism on Wikimedia Commons
Back when stores felt like mazes, some offered paper maps to help you find what you needed. It saved time and made you feel prepared. Now, most stores expect you to wander or ask for help.
15. Free Birthday Treats for Loyalty Members
Shawn Rossi on Wikimedia Commons
Some loyalty programs included a birthday surprise like a cupcake or pint of ice cream. It felt personal and appreciated. Now, you might just get an email.
16. Free Pet Treats at Checkout
Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
If you had your dog along, some cashiers would sneak them a biscuit during checkout. It was a small thing that made the store feel welcoming. Most registers are now all business.
17. Free Health Screenings in the Pharmacy
Article 25 Flickr on Wikimedia Commons
Pharmacies sometimes offered blood pressure checks or wellness screenings during special events. It made shopping feel productive and thoughtful. Those days are mostly gone unless tied to a larger paid service.
18. Plastic Toy Machines with Tokens
Jackson Jost jacksonjost on Wikimedia Commons
Some stores gave out tokens that kids could use at a toy vending machine near the exit. It was a small thrill for good behavior. Most of those machines have vanished or are cash-only relics now.