12 Things You Should Never Buy at Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet takes advantage of deals from companies for surplus grocery items or changes in packaging to make groceries more affordable.

The retailer buys items at a deep discount and then passes those savings on to you, which can help you save money on groceries and stick to your budget.

But not every deal can be good, so check out some of these items you should never buy when you're at a Grocery Outlet.

One of the first items you should cross off your list at Grocery Outlet is most produce.

There may be a reason the retailer is getting produce at a discount, so check any fruits and vegetables to see if there are issues with rotting food or items that are about to go bad.

You may be better off sticking with a local supermarket that might be more expensive but won't be as likely to get you sick.

Another perishable item that could be skip-worthy at Grocery Outlet is bread.

Some breads may have preservatives for a longer shelf life, but you should still check bread or buns for mold or other signs that they're no longer fresh.

Vitamins can be a good way to supplement your nutrition, but you may want to research the vitamins you spot on the shelves for Grocery Outlet.

Vitamins don't have regulations the way medication does, and some vitamin retailers may not be as honest as others regarding what's in their products.

Meats, including the kind you add to your sandwiches, may not be the best option when shopping at a store like Grocery Outlet.

Check expiration dates to make sure you're buying as close to fresh as possible, and give the packaging a good look as well, just in case.

You may get lucky and find your favorite cereal or snacks on the shelves of Grocery Outlet, but it might not be there every time.

Grocery Outlet's opportunistic purchasing model means it's buying whatever it can based on overruns or surpluses.

That could mean that what you were excited to see available a month ago may not be on the shelf on your next trip.

Dairy products have expiration dates that are usually much sooner than more non-perishable items.

Keep a close eye on things like milk, cheese, and other options in the dairy section, and only buy items you know you'll be able to finish quickly.

Spices have an expiration date, so don't assume their age doesn't matter because they're shelf-stable items.

Spices can lose their flavor over time so you could waste money on spices that aren't very spicy because they were brought as overstock to sell in Grocery Outlet.

Pasta can be a great staple in your pantry for an easy meal, but you may want to compare the price at Grocery Outlet and your local grocery stores.

You may be surprised to find pasta priced like other stores, and additional discounts, coupons or sales could push it lower compared to Grocery Outlet.

You may be tempted to pick up single-serve bags of chips or crackers from Grocery Outlet to stash in your desk drawer for a quick snack in the middle of a long day.

But compare the prices for those items at Grocery Outlet to the cost of your office vending machine. The prices may be similar, and your vending machine could have a better selection.

You may be surprised to find out that some foods can still be consumed past their expiration dates, and you don't have to stick with them as firm dates.

But that doesn't mean you'll want to eat something past its date. Expired food may have issues with taste or texture.

There's also still a possibility that it could be unsafe to eat, so make sure you inspect it for freshness issues or signs of rot.

Check the cereal aisle with some reservations before grabbing a box from Grocery Outlet.

Many cereals you might find at Grocery Outlet are packed with sugar and marketed to kids.

Instead, try finding healthier options at your local gorcery store that may cost a little more but can also be more filling.

One of the things you may see right as you're checking out is candy in the checkout lane.

You may have a hankering for a candy bar or a sugary treat, but you also may be giving into a product that's there to tempt money out of your wallet instead of saving you money shopping.

While Grocery Outlet offers savings, remember it's not a one-stop shop for the cheapest groceries.

Be a savvy shopper: compare prices, embrace variety, and prioritize flexibility to maximize your savings adventure at Grocery Outlet.

And don’t forget to check your wallet for the best cash back credit cards, which can help you save more wherever you shop.