Introduction
Big Lots is a well-known discount retail chain that offers a wide variety of products, from furniture and home decor to clothing and toys. Shoppers are often drawn to Big Lots because of its incredibly affordable prices. If you’re planning a shopping trip to Big Lots, you might wonder, “Does Big Lots have food?” The answer is yes, Big Lots does sell food, but it’s not quite a one-stop grocery shopping experience. Big Lots specializes in discounted and closeout items, their food selection tends to focus on non-perishable goods.
This article dives deep into the world of food at Big Lots, exploring exactly what types of food you can find, what’s missing from their offerings, and whether it’s a smart choice to include Big Lots in your grocery shopping strategy. We’ll also offer some essential tips to ensure you get the most value from your purchases.
What Kind of Food Does Big Lots Sell?
While Big Lots isn’t a traditional grocery store, it does offer a surprisingly diverse selection of food items. The availability of specific items can vary by location and season, but you can generally find several categories of food products on their shelves.
Canned Goods
One of the most consistent food offerings at Big Lots is canned goods. You can find a selection of canned vegetables like corn, green beans, and peas. Canned fruits like peaches, pears, and pineapple are often available, as are canned soups, broths, and chili. You’ll likely find a mix of familiar name brands and lesser-known or generic options in the canned goods aisle. Keep an eye out for bulk discounts on canned items, as this can be a great way to stock your pantry at a low price.
Snack Foods
Snack foods are another staple in the Big Lots food section. You can typically find a variety of chips, crackers, cookies, pretzels, and other crunchy treats. Brands may change from week to week, but you can usually find deals on larger bags of chips or multipacks of crackers. Big Lots can be a great place to snag snacks for school lunches, road trips, or simply to keep on hand for a quick bite. Don’t forget to check for seasonal snack items around holidays, as Big Lots often carries themed snacks at discounted prices.
Beverages
Thirsty? Big Lots usually has a selection of beverages to choose from. Expect to see sodas, juices, bottled water, and energy drinks. Again, the brands and specific flavors available will vary, but you can often find discounted cases of your favorite drinks. Sometimes, Big Lots will offer closeout deals on beverages that are nearing their “best by” date, so keep an eye out for those extra savings opportunities.
Candy & Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth, Big Lots won’t disappoint. You’ll find a variety of chocolate bars, hard candies, gummies, and other sweet treats. Big Lots is also a popular destination for seasonal candy, especially around holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. You can often find large bags of candy at discounted prices, making it a budget-friendly option for filling trick-or-treat bags or holiday stockings.
Condiments & Spices
Big Lots can be a surprisingly good place to stock up on condiments and spices. You can typically find ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, and other common condiments. They also often carry a selection of spices, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and more. Keep in mind that the selection of spices may be limited, but you can often find essential spices at significantly lower prices than at traditional grocery stores.
Baking Supplies
If you enjoy baking, you might find some useful items in the Big Lots food section. Cake mixes, frosting, sprinkles, and baking chips are often available. Keep an eye out for discounted baking mixes or seasonal baking items, like pumpkin spice mix in the fall or peppermint bark mix during the holidays. Big Lots can be a great place to stock up on baking essentials without breaking the bank.
International Foods
Depending on the location, you may find international food items at Big Lots. This could include sauces, spices, noodles, or snacks from different countries. The selection is usually limited, but you might discover some interesting and unique flavors to add to your culinary repertoire.
What Big Lots Doesn’t Sell (Important Exclusions)
While Big Lots does offer a variety of food items, it’s important to be aware of what you *won’t* find in their stores. These omissions are crucial to remember when planning your shopping trip.
Fresh Produce
Perhaps the biggest limitation of the Big Lots food selection is the absence of fresh produce. You won’t find any fresh fruits or vegetables at Big Lots. If you’re looking for apples, bananas, lettuce, or tomatoes, you’ll need to visit a traditional grocery store.
Meat & Seafood
Big Lots does not have a meat or seafood department. You won’t find any fresh, frozen, or processed meat or seafood products at Big Lots. So, if you’re planning a meal that includes chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp, you’ll need to shop elsewhere for those ingredients.
Dairy Products
Generally, Big Lots does not sell dairy products. You won’t find milk, cheese, yogurt, or other common dairy items on their shelves. However, some locations might occasionally carry shelf-stable milk alternatives, but this is not a consistent offering.
Frozen Foods (Usually)
While some Big Lots locations might have a small freezer section, it’s not a standard feature of every store. Even if a store does have freezers, the selection of frozen foods is usually very limited. You might find a few frozen snacks or appetizers, but don’t expect a wide variety of frozen meals or ingredients.
Why Buy Food at Big Lots?
Given the limitations of its food selection, you might wonder why anyone would choose to buy food at Big Lots. Here are a few compelling reasons:
Discounted Prices
The primary reason to buy food at Big Lots is the potential for significant savings. Big Lots sources its inventory from a variety of sources, including overstock, closeouts, and discontinued items. This allows them to offer products at prices that are often much lower than those at traditional grocery stores. You might find your favorite snacks or pantry staples at a fraction of the cost.
Opportunity for Unique Finds
Because Big Lots carries closeout and discontinued items, you might stumble upon some unique or hard-to-find food products. You might discover a discontinued flavor of your favorite snack or a specialty food item that you can’t find anywhere else. Shopping at Big Lots can be a fun way to try new things and discover hidden culinary gems.
Convenient for Pantry Stocking
Big Lots is a great place to stock up on non-perishable pantry staples. If you need to replenish your supply of canned goods, snacks, condiments, or baking supplies, Big Lots can be a convenient and affordable option. It’s especially useful for stocking up on items you use frequently, such as canned tomatoes for pasta sauce or chips for movie nights.
Things to Consider When Buying Food at Big Lots
Before you start loading up your shopping cart with food at Big Lots, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Check Expiration Dates
This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice when buying food at Big Lots. Because they often sell closeout items, it’s essential to check the “best by” or expiration dates on all food products. Make sure the dates are far enough in the future that you’ll be able to use the food before it expires. Avoid buying items that are nearing their expiration dates unless you plan to use them immediately.
Packaging Condition
Always inspect the packaging of food items before you buy them. Look for signs of damage, such as dents, tears, or leaks. Damaged packaging can compromise the quality and safety of the food inside. Avoid buying items with damaged packaging.
Availability Varies
The inventory at Big Lots changes frequently and varies by location. What’s available at one store might not be available at another, and the selection can change from week to week. Don’t count on finding a specific item every time you visit Big Lots. It’s best to go with an open mind and be prepared to try new things.
Compare Prices
While Big Lots often offers discounted prices, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other stores before you buy. Sometimes, other retailers might have sales or promotions that make their prices comparable to or even lower than Big Lots’ prices. Take a quick look online or at other stores to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Conclusion
So, does Big Lots have food? Yes, Big Lots does offer a selection of food items, primarily focused on non-perishable goods like canned goods, snacks, beverages, candy, condiments, and baking supplies. While you won’t find fresh produce, meat, seafood, or dairy products at Big Lots, it can be a great place to stock up on pantry staples and discover unique food finds at discounted prices.
Remember to check expiration dates, inspect packaging, and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. With a little planning and careful shopping, you can make Big Lots a valuable part of your grocery shopping strategy. Be sure to check your local Big Lots store to see what food items are currently available and take advantage of the savings opportunities they offer! Happy shopping!
